The Accidental Wife (Emily and Julian)

88

"I I would like to know what kind of books you read," Silas says as he takes a seat on the white couch. It still feels surreal that this place is actually mine. It's not. because I'm in shock that I now own an apartment- Mum basically made me the owner of a company when I was five years old. The thing is, I have always been attached to my parents and siblings, so leaving them. A living on my own even though we live in, the same city is slightly startling. "Would you like to drink something first?" I ask him. "I actually plan on making some mac and cheese. Do you want to eat with me?" While Mum is an amazing cook, I'm not as good as her. However, I can make a few good dishes. I don't feel like cooking something fancy today, so I'm opting for boxed mac and cheese. "I'm sorry I can't. I have somewhere to be in an hour," he replies apologetically. Why do I feel disappointed? Why have I been enjoying his company lately? I'm trying to detect when our relationship has started to evolve like that, but I can't really determine a specific point in time. "But if you want, I can bring us something to eat on my way back and we can have dinner together. Does seven sound good?" "Sounds like a plan," I say with a ***id wide smile on my face.

tell me about these books." He gets up from his place and makes his way to my white bookcase. He reaches for one of the books and turns it around to read the synopsis. I don't like people touching my books, but he is handling them with care, so maybe he can be an exception. "Hockey romance? I feel offended. Why isn't there any football romance?"

"It is actually a very popular genre," I tell him. "But I thought you wanted to know more about dark romance." Do I tell them that football romance is my favorite type of sports romance? No, he doesn't need to know that.

"I'm very interested in all types of romance." He flashes me a bright smile. "But, okay. Tell me about dark romance!

"Okay, so basically the MMC can be a-" Silas stops me before I get to continue talking and asks, "What does MMC mean?"

"Oh, sorry. I forgot you're not a bookworm. MMC means male main

175

character. Anyway, in dark romance, the MMC can be a mafia both, a gang. leader, a psychopath, or even a serial killer," I start by explaining the basics. His lips part as he hears me out.

"And a lot of people like these novels?" he asks, and I nod. "Is it your favorite?" He seems to be pretty interested in my books.

"I prefer contemporary romance," I answer his questions.

"Tell me more." He takes a seat on the couch again, giving 1 attention.

his full

"What we, readers, like the most about these novels is that the MMC is always more than ready to set the world on fire for his girl," I walk him through the

genre.

"Since when do girls like villains? I thought heroes were more popular," he says as he rests his elbow on the armrest of the couch and places his hand in his hair. I don't understand how someone can look this good with the least amount of effort. "Oh Silas, this ship has sailed a long time ago." I laugh, taking a seat on the light pink loveseat.

"So should I turn into a villain to get the girl I like?" he wonders, and I frown.

"There's a girl that you like?" I can't help but ask.

"I'm speaking hypothetically." I don't know why his answer puts my heart at ease. "But don't mafia men and gang leaders seem to be tough and hard?"

"Here's the thing. They are bad for the world, but good for their girls. That's what makes them attractive. Like the MMC could kill ten men but get back home before nine because he promised his girl a date." "I'm really invested in this." He chuckles.

"I don't mean to kick you out or anything. I'm more than happy to talk about books, but don't you have somewhere to be, Silas?" I don't want him to go, but I also don't want him to be late.

He looks at his phone and curses. "I should go," he says as he stands up. "But

BG

you will answer all of my questions over dinner, deal?"

"Deal." I smile at him.

12

12

I stay on the loveseat for a while and reach for one of the new books I have bought. Like a typical reader, I have a long TBR list, yet I end up picking my next read from my newest collection. Part of me is glad that I didn't buy any football romanc would have been embarrassed if Silas had spotted them. ecause I know I

!

!

I still cannot believe that we're neighbors, but weirdly, I'm not annoyed. There are only two floors between us and the distance now is shorter than ever, but I don't know why I have a good feeling about this.

I laugh at my ridiculousness, because it seems like the romantic novels I always read have messed up with my head. What could possibly be good about Silas living in the same building as I am? Perhaps he may consider this at better opportunity to prank me. I close the book after reading the first chapter and reach for my phone. I have to tell Kendall about the latest news. "Guess who I found earlier in my apartment building?" I say the moment she picks up.

"Who?"

"Silas

Cromwell." Her gasp is so loud that it makes me laugh. "He lives here, Kenny. Can you believe that?"

"Out of all the buildings in your area and he ends up in the same building as you?" she exclaims. "Something is fishy about that."

A crease forms between my eyebrows when she says that. "What do you mean?"

"This is all based on the theory you refuse to believe, so I'm not going to say anything, Kendall replies, and I roll my eyes, already knowing where this is going.

"He doesn't like me, Kendall," I insist.All text © NôvelD(r)a'ma.Org.

"Yet, he kisses you," she brings up the kiss.

"It was the heat of the moment!" If that kiss wasn't posted all over social

I wouldn't have told her about it, because I'm well aware of the way she thinks.

media, I woul

"No, it wasn't. Silas likes you so much, but he doesn't know how to tell you."

"I beg to differ," I mumble. How does she strongly believe in this? I have known Silas for five years. If he really liked me, he would have said anything. "Anyway, what makes you think that this isn't a coincidence?" "Maybe he learned that you were moving to that building, so he decided to move as well to be closer to you." What in the name of rom-com is this? My best friend has officially lost her mind.

"I'm the one who reads lots of romantic novels, not you! I should be the one who believes in this, not you!" I laugh as I get up from my place and make my way to the kitchen.

"Maybe because you read too much you now beli

believe that great gestures only happen in books, not real life." I can see her shrugging as she says this. "Anyway, I want you to keep me updated." "About what?" I ask as I open the fridge to get the cheddar cheese and turkey out to make myself a sandwich. Since I'm going to have pizza with Silas for dinner, I'm not going to eat mac and cheese for lunch. "Anything about you and Silas, Rosie!" As if there's anything about me and Silas.

"Sure," I humor her and hang up after telling her 'bye'.

I can simply call my mum and ask her if she has told Naomi about where I now live, but I don't want to do that. I don't want to have a straightforward answer from her. If I find out that she has told Naomi and Naomi has told Silas, then I will find myself entertaining Kendall's idea and this is the last thing I want to do. I don't want to get any s**id ideas in my head. Not now at least. I want to focus on my studies and be the best fashion designer. After finishing my sandwich, I make my way to my bedroom and throw my body on the bed, deciding to sleep for a little bit until six thirty since Silas is

Tue, Sep

going to be here by seven.

ÖKS.74%0

But when I wake up and the clock ticks seven, I fail to hear any knocks on my door. I wait until seven thirty, then decide to call him, but I find his phone turned off. I wait until eight, yet he is nowhere to be found. I come to the conclusion that he won't make an appearance and w Caesar salad. pup a quick dish of

I don't know why I'm so disappointed like that. It's not like he stood me up on a date.

At exactly nine-thirty, my doorbell rings and I know who is behind the door. Truth is, I don't want to talk to him, but the well-behaved girl in me cannot keep him standing, so I get up and open the door for him.