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I'm exhausted. I can only nod.
I feel him leave my side and hear the water turn on in the bathroom. Once it’s filled, he scoops me up into his arms and carries me to the massive white tub, where he sets me down gently in warm, bubbly water.
Climbing in behind me, I settle against him as he massages my shoulders and washes the remnants of our lovemaking away. He's gentle, and I lean my head back to kiss him, feeling nothing but glad that I agreed to this marriage contract.
15
CEDRICK
As the sun starts to peek through the curtains, casting a warm glow into the bedroom, Ellie stirs in her sleep. Her soft lips part slightly, her breathing growing deeper and more rhythmic as she dives back into a blissful slumber.
I can't help but watch her for a moment, captivated by how peaceful she looks. The soft rise and fall of her chest beneath the thin sheet is hypnotizing.
Her bare skin glistens with a thin sheen of sweat from the warmth of the night. It reminds me of how incredible she tasted last night. I let out a satisfied sigh and shake my head, taking one last look before I head to the kitchen to start breakfast.
The smell of bacon frying fills the room as I crack open the window to let in some fresh air. It's an idyllic morning that makes me feel even more grateful for this newfound happiness in my life.
In no time, I have eggs frying on the stove, toast popping up in the toaster, and fresh fruit squeezing away in the blender. And all while trying not to think about how much I want Ellie to wake up.
Carefully arranging the food and coffee on the tray, I carry it out to the balcony. When I open the door, I’m surprised to see that Ellie is already sitting outside. Her legs are curled up on the chair.
"Hey, sleepyhead."
She greets me with a playful smile as I set down the tray before her. "Hey, you. Thank you for making breakfast.”
I watch as she reaches for the fork, her fingers brushing against mine briefly before picking it up.
She takes a sip of her coffee between bites of her food, letting out a contented sigh as she savors its warmth.
"Mmm, this is just what I needed," she murmurs between chews. "I can't believe you made all this for me."
I smile. "Some was for me, too. You looked so peaceful, I didn’t want to wake you.”
Ellie looks down, and her shy smile is adorable. "Sorry. I must have been more tired than I thought."
“Hmm. Wonder why?” I take a bite of eggs, and Ellie smiles at me across the small table. It brightens everything.
She looks at me shyly from under long lashes. It makes me want nothing more than to kiss her. But our wedding night was one thing. Now it’s back to our normal lives, and that means a marriage that’s part of a contract, not a real relationship.
At times, it feels like one. It’s like walking a tightrope to navigate it.
As we finish our breakfast, we head back inside to clean up. She washes the dishes, and I dry.
“There’s this trick my mom taught me for doing dishes,” she says.
“I could use some helpful hints. I’m not very used to doing things like this.” I lift up my plate. “What is it?”
Without warning, she sprays me with the nozzle, and she shrieks with laughter.
“Oh, my God, I can’t believe I fell for that.”
We’re both laughing.
“Where do you keep the towels? I should clean that up.”
“I’ll show you, come on. I’m going to change my clothes, anyway. They got wet somehow.”
“Oops.”
