"Nope. You are not. "I look down at my fingers, feeling nervous about what might have come out of this situation, for I never wanted to spoil it. "Please, have a seat...I made us some breakfast."

It must be a miracle that he complied without any further complaints from his smart mouth. He grabbed a fork and scooped some of the egg from the bowl before putting it inside his mouth. "Hmmm...I must say that I kinda miss all these." He smiled at me, and I had to stop myself from giggling like a teenager.

He is turning me into a Jell-O. He's messing up with my control system, and I have to hold tight to the edge of the table, averting my eyes from him. Goodness, I must accept the fact that he would be the death of me.

I sigh, grabbing my own fork to have a taste of my work. I must say that I did great, and to add to that, I didn't realize I was feeling very hungry, considering that I hadn't had dinner last night. Snatching some of the toast, I pulled the cup to my right and sniffed the coffee. I placed it on my lips and gulped, not realizing that it was the most insane thing for me to do so.

I coughed several times, startled to hear laughter coming from the man I called my husband. He looks at me again before another string of laughter bubbles itself out of his chest - Smooth and deep chuckles vibrating from his lungs. "You probably haven't eaten in the last two decades you've lived- ha-ha-ha!" With that, he slaps the top of the table as fat tears flow down his cheek.

I'm quite annoyed that he's back to his usual teasing self, but I must say that I'm quite amused at how he reacted. I thought I was going to hear those snappy remarks on which he'll call me a tosser or a nutter. But I guess the playful Gabe is still on the roll.

Grabbing my other toast, I nibbled at it, not caring about the numbing feeling inside my mouth. I shouldn't have sipped all that coffee like it was some freaking fruit shake. I wasn't thinking at all. I guess this man who was laughing at me was the reason behind my unattentive behavior. I am floating with happiness when he's near me.

The birds twittered from the window, and I looked at them, a smile gracing my lips. It was such a beautiful morning, a cloudless sky with a slight breeze filtering in the kitchen, the morning sun reflected by the open patio just outside, giving me a magnificent view of the forest. I am glad that Gabriel has chosen this location for a house; the lake nearby and the forest just behind it assure us of a peaceful abode that is free of any pollution coming from the city.

I watch as Gabriel sips his coffee, his eyes trained on me, making me blush. I turn my gaze back to my plate and bite my lip. I guess I'd have to prepare breakfast often, so he'll stay during the mornings. But the very reason why he was still here made me quite curious.

"Gabe?"

I almost slap myself right there, and then when his head turns unto me. His laughter was gone as his face contorted in a slight frown, "Hmm?"

I am almost afraid to continue, but my instincts told me that I have to face this head-on, one way or another. "Gabe, why are you still here? Aren't you going to work?"

That came out pretty good, right? Or not. Based on the frown on his face, my answer should be the latter, but I'll wait for his reply before judging him. "Why? Should I take my leave now?"

"No," I shake my head at him and look down at the half-eaten toast on my plate. "Of course not!" I sigh. "I'm quite curious about the main reason why you are still here." I wrung my fingers together and said, "Are you going to stay for the day?" I bowed my head after saying that, finding the toast a little bit interesting as I tried to avoid his gaze, tracing it with my pointer finger. I am afraid to make eye contact with him because I am dying of embarrassment right now.

It took a couple of minutes before I heard the foot of the chair scrape the floor as he stood. I thought that he'd leave right without any further explanation, but what he did next almost gave me a heart attack. He leaned down at me and smiled, "I would like to make it up to you if you allow me. I would like to share the best of me with you while we have this year left of our marriage."

My heartbeat picks up. He is going to open the conversation that we hadn't finished last night. I am doomed. I know his tactics; this is probably one of his schemes to make me believe in something so precious such as this. I straightened up my seat and braced myself to stand when he held me down, "Elle, I know it's wrong for me to speak about our divorce right after our anniversary celebration like I can't wait to get rid of you. It kept me awake last night thinking of what I did. It's very unlikely for me to act this way, affectionate and asking for apologies but believe me, I do feel guilty for what I did. I must have hurt you." He sighs, wrapping his arms around me. "That is why I came up with this decision that I am going to spend the whole day with you. I want to make it up to you by sacrificing twenty-four hours away from my pile of work in exchange for a chance."

He leans closer and kisses me, pecking my lips afterward as he speaks, "I would like to see how we're going to continue and if it will even be worth it to give this a shot. I don't want to end all this without taking any risk." He leaned down once again and kissed me, making me taste the eggs tinged with coffee and him in my mouth.

I am surprised when he pulls me up on the chair and carries me to the counter. He's kissing me with so much passion that I have to keep hold of his hair for me to stay conscious and awake. The emotions bursting forth from my chest felt like it is suffocating me; I am gasping for breath.

This must be a dream! A very hell-bent dream that I'm enjoying right now, though I am not sure that I am creative enough to dream about something as fascinating as this.

The kiss was heavenly and romantic, but humans need air. I have to curse both of us because we're not supernatural.

The magical moment ended with a peck on my lips; Gabriel gave me another kiss on the forehead before he lowered me down on the counter, "That's one hell of a kiss I haven't had for a while..." He blurted, a slight blush coloring his cheek.

I guess I have to say the same...and I'm hoping for more.

S A F I E

CHAPTER 6

ELLE

*Flashback *

"Gabriel," I whispered, a bit nervous about what his reaction might be. He opened his eyes and I can't help but smile as he wrinkles his nose, scratching his head. He blinks his eyes up at me, a question apparent on them.

"Happy birthday." I smiled and push the birthday cake in front of him.

"Elle-" his eyebrows scrunched up as his eyes searched my face. "Why are you--?"

"I want to surprise you. You are my husband and I am ought to care for you. I want to make you happy. Rise from your bed and have a bite of this, I promise you won't regret it." I push a spoon on his hand and gave him a sheepish smile. He sat there, frozen on top of the bed, a spoon on his hand. I am almost tempted to take a picture of him for he looks a lot like a model but halted as I see his brows slowly meeting in the middle and he glared down at the cake, saying. "Is this the scene where the wife finally decided to kill her husband?"

His words made me smile and say a little 'no' because inside, I am burning so bright of irritation for this man. I mean, can't he just say ‘thank you’ to me? He's pushing my patience and making me wish that I did put some poison on the cake. I should try and do that next time.

I am so distracted with my own thoughts that I am surprised to hear him moan, "God. I haven't tasted a chocolate cake this good in my entire life" His eyes captured mine before he pulled me in and stuff some cake on my mouth, catching me off guard. The sweet malty taste made my tastebuds explode and I have little to no control of the moan I let out.

"Now we die together," Gabriel smiled at me with his teeth covered with the triple chocolate cake I baked. He looks so adorable and young, I wish he is always as playful as this. Bowing my head, I enjoyed the taste of chocolate inside my mouth, watching Gabriel as he finishes the whole cake, his cheeks tinted with the chocolate ganache.

Oh well, Mr West, you might not mean it but I am dying to make you love me back.

*flashback ends*

I am dazed as the memory faded in the back of my head. Staring at his glorious face, I snap myself back to the present and to the book I am reading. We sat by the parlour, him staring out to the forest while I am sat by the window, staring aimlessly at the pages laid on my lap. The morning sun is now high up in the sky, announcing mid-afternoon; the breeze has ceased, replaced by the ever prickly warm haze. I huff, shifting my feet so that I am leaning by the window pane.

"Elle, what would you like to do for the rest of the day rather than spending it with your book?" I stared at him for a while as he leaned across the open doors, his head tilted to the view of the forest, as though he isn't really talking to me. I raised an eyebrow at him and he turns, making me flustered once again "What? I thought you wanted to spend a day with me? I am giving you the chance." The smile that he gave me tug at my heartstrings that I almost choke on my next words.

Glancing down at the book on my lap, I said in a shaky voice, "How does the beach sound for you?"

"The beach?" He turned his full attention at me, his eyebrows raised. He moves closer to the window where I am sitting at, his stance inquisitive as he crosses his arms over his chest, flexing those biceps that made me want to drool. I cleared my throat and held his gaze instead, avoiding the temptation, bracing myself for the question that will surely come out of his smart mouth. "Why would you like to go to the beach?"

"For the same reason as other people have! It's in the middle of the summer now and I haven't even heard the crash of water on the shore. I want to bury myself in the sand, bathe in the sun and smell the humid air...I want to--"

"Okay. Okay." He rolled his eyes and snorted, " You sound like a dying patient." He struts out of the door, leaving me speechless. I am tempted to throw the book at him but I wouldn't. This book is too precious for me; I wouldn't ruin it for a man such as him, he's not worth my first edition book. I should've snatched a pillow from the sofa.

Standing up from the window, I headed up the stairs and to my bedroom. I entered the closet, rummaging for something I can wear for the beach. I pulled a sundress and a piece of swimsuit, and marched inside the en-suite bathroom, removing my clothes. I am halfway through pulling the dress down on my chest area when Gabriel entered the bathroom. He stands there, like a deer caught in headlights, drowning in his own drool.

"Like what you see?" I am surprised when the words escaped my mouth. I barely had the time to cover my face in embarrassment when I heard his chuckle, giving me the sudden urge to hurl my slippers at his head as I hear his remark.

"Pssh, you barely had a C, love, which is why I am not that impress. 2You have the body of a teenage girl, so skinny!" He laughs again, strutting out of the bathroom and locking the door behind him.

That git! He doesn't know what he's talking about because he isn't a woman. Puffing my chest, I am surprised when I heard his voice from the other side of the room, "Hey, what's taking you so long? Have you been already swimming in the toilet?!"

"Git!" I hissed, pushing open the door and ending up face to face with the devil himself. "All that is coming out of your mouth is crap, Gabriel! If I could only--"

I momentarily stopped my blubber as I watch him change into a pair of board shorts. "Like what you see?" He quoted back to me and I can't help but blush at that as I tried to go back inside the bathroom "Love, you already see all of this and yet you still act so shy." His gaze was so intense that I was caught in a trance.

My mind flashes back to his strong torso and his biceps as he grabs me, pulling me closer. I can almost feel his hands brushing the sides of my face, sliding down so that they settle on the nape of my neck. Still, his hands slide further down until he is holding my breast. His whispers tickle my ears as I succumb to the feeling of haven he has provided while I writhe in his arms, a prey to his love.

It was all too much and his intense gaze at me is making my breath hitch. I felt my cheeks growing hotter by the second. I cleared my throat, "Nope. You are wrong. I can't see clearly in the dark. Plus, there's nothing wrong with what I'm doing. I am your wife." I stated as a matter of fact. The blush is still adorning my cheeks and spreading to my neck, making me scratch my ear and hold his amused gaze.

"Everything is right with what you are doing, love." He pulled my hand and I cannot help but smirk at him.

Chapter 7

ONE DAY. It's only for today and I can't believe he has given me a day to spend with him.

"Now, are you happy?" His face was almost funny but the seriousness in his voice made me stop.

We just arrived at the beach. I take the basket and followed Gabriel as he strode off - such weird sight that is expected from the couple like us, a billion worth couple strutting in plain sight, hoping not to be recognized. I know that there is a lot of risk because of what I had suggested but this is the only place I want to visit now. I wore my glasses and look around the vicinity, expecting the paparazzi tailing us from behind the stalls, ruining Gabriel's mood. I look up to see him still frowning down in the sand, "Gabe, what's wrong?"

He sighs, scratching his forehead, "Nothing."

"Tell me, Gabriel." I urge for him but he just looks down at me. He sighs. I lay the baskets and blankets down on the sand and hear him, mutter, “Later."

"Fine." I stuck my tongue out and walked faster than him, leaving him with all the baskets and blanket. "Elle, help me with this!" His words were drowned as I rush unto the waves and shrieked.

God, I never felt this happy before ever since I have married the devil.

Looking back at the shore, I spotted him, frowning at me. He has already spread the blanket under him and is now eating a sandwich, "Gabe, swim with me!" He shakes his head making his sunglasses fall from his head and to the bridge of his nose, looking ridiculously hot. The sight of him reminds me of those French guys I have come to be acquainted with over the years I have spent in Paris - his curly brown hair and sharp jaw is definitely a kill. He waved his hand as he holds the sandwich, sticking his tongue out.

"Don't be such a party pooper, Gabriel!"

I got out of the water and headed for the shore trying to pull him up from his seat but it was no use; he was far stronger and heavier than me. "Gabe, please?" I pulled his shirt and mocked a cry but he only frowned at me and resumes his date with the sandwich. I gritted my .teeth, annoyed that he is being a bum. "Alright, then. If this is your idea of spending the 24 hours you sacrifice for me - letting me enjoy myself while you stay here, dating with a sandwich, and not even bothering to enjoy the beach with me - fine! I hope you are happy." I turn around and scowled at the crowd who was watching us deliberately, not even pretending that they are not aware.

I headed back to the sea, feeling down because of what I said to Gabriel. I know it is wrong for me to be that bossy but I am only stating my feelings. It is unfair because he has promised to spend a day with me, to make it up to me. I am about to dip my toes in the water when someone rushes over and pushed me.

"Oomph!" I gurgled, my throat constricting as I unexpectedly swallowed the seawater. With my burning eyes, I struggled to free myself but it felt like someone is holding me down. I was about to scream for Gabriel to help me when I am pulled out of the water and heard the devil himself, laughing at me.

"What's funny?" I look around, trying to spot him as I blink my eyes, trying to get rid of the water. I crane my neck and bump my head with someone, "Ouch!" I push my damp hair away from my face and impatiently wipe the water off my eyes, seeing him there, his eyebrows furrowed as he massages the side of his head. "Gabriel? I thought you don't want to--"

"I was kidding back there when I told you that I am not interested in playing here in the water. I wouldn't miss a chance like this," He adjusted his shades and look at me, "Though your face looks funny once you realized that you are almost dying." His laugh sounds so irritating to me that I can't help but divert my gaze, my nose flaring as I let him finish his sentence, "So you are the one who pushed me? God, Gabriel! I almost drown." I shake my head at him and tucked a stray hair on my ear, a question at the tip of my tongue. "You thought it was funny to see me panicking and trying to call you for help?"

Gabriel stopped laughing and turned his attention at me, his face turning serious, "Elle that's --"

"No. I thought I was dying back there," I bit my lip, finally losing it. How can he joke about that? It's not cool at all. "And you just did it all for fun? What a sick idea you have for joking." My eyes burned of the emotions I am feeling. I bit back a sob, as I push the glasses up my nose and planned to march back to the shore, not wanting the curious attention I am getting from the crowd. I better escape from here while the paparazzi haven't figured out we are here. I breathe out, hugging myself tight. I can feel him drawing near and in an instant, his arms were around me, making me feel much horrible than before. "Gabriel," I remove his hands and frown at him, "Gabriel, let me take a break for a while. " I pushed him off me and walk back to the shore.

•

It was almost midday when I decided to leave the shade and find something delicious to eat for I wanted to cheer myself up, my thoughts in a jumble as I walk, dazed. Gabriel was nowhere to find and I decided not to drag him on my food trip. I'm mighty fine without his obnoxious behaviour. I do not need him teasing me every step of the way for he has a sick idea about what is fun and what is hurtful.

I am threading through the crowd of tourist when I found a hotdog stand. I ordered two jumbos and a fruit shake to go with it. Pulling my wallet from my handbag, I paid for the food and started to walk away. It was quiet at first then I heard them mumbling around me, before they erupted, the whole crowd laughing. I curiously stared at them and realize that it was me whom they are laughing about. I followed their gaze and was surprised that my dress was now split in a half, showing my cleavage and a bit of my breast. Blushing, I tried to cover myself with the drinks and two hotdog jumbo's on my hands but it was a futile attempt. I tried to hurry back to the shade Gabriel made for me back at the shore, my head bowed while I tried so hard to cover myself.

"Look at her body! God, she looks like she wanted to have sex with me, mate!"

"That was quite embarrassing."

"I wouldn't dare to walk around like that."

"Can you even imagine how small her tits are?"

"Sheesh, she must be so desperate to find a husband to walk around like that!"

"I would be displeased if she was my daughter. What a whore!"

I am feeling so down, my confidence hitting the bottom as I tried to quicken my pace. I was about to turn when I felt his presence. Gabriel's arms provided warmth all over my body as he shielded me from the curious crowd. Muttering something on my ear that I cannot comprehend, he carried me back to the car and closed the doors while I sob in my hands, the two hotdog jumbo's now stained with my tears as I cry.

"I'm so sorry, Gabriel. I have ruined this day." I muttered in my hands, tears trickling in my cheeks as I tried to suppress a sob, "It is so embarrassing. They've seen me naked! Oh, what will they tell about me?" Gabriel takes the hotdog from me and settled them at the back seat along with the drinks. "The media will laugh at me if they saw that. This is bad, really bad." Staring back at me, he huffed. He turns the engine on, putting the car in reverse as he speeds away from the beach.

It was silence before the storm and I could feel it - his heated glare on me when he is looking at me, his fist tightening around the steering wheel and his occasional huff. I know that he's angry at me. He is ashamed of me.

The tears slowly trickle down my cheeks, and I didn't even bother to wipe it off because of how I felt so hurt of his treatment at me. It hurts so much that even if I am the victim here, he is making it appear like I am at fault of everything that has happened. I didn't know that my clothes have split, showing my breast to the crowd who laughed at me. I have reduced myself to silently crying, staring out of the window. A couple of minutes have passed before all that I could hear is my sniffles as he slowly pulled over on the side of the road, cutting the engine.

"Shhhh," he pulled my chin up and kissed my forehead. “You did not ruin this day, I did. If I chose not to play a prank on you, you won't be angry and walk off alone. It was my fault. I should've been there with you. I was too confident on myself that you could handle yourself but I didn't realize that you are a woman. I am not saying it in a bad way - I just fail to realize the fact that you could be fragile even though sometimes you act like you are not." He wiped the tears on the sides of my face with his hands, smiling at me.

"I won't allow this day to end like this, Elle." he pulls my chin up as he made me look at him, "Tell me, how does ice cream, pizza and Wall-e sound for you?"

“Wall-e?”