Chapter 5: Wedding Night

Dolores seemed to grasp Coral's thoughts. She didn't offer any explanation but simply smiled in response. The arrangement was between her and Matthew, and she had no right to pry into his private life or ask him to stay home with her. In fact, she felt more at ease when he wasn't around.

Entering the room, Dolores took in the sight of the bedroom furnishings. The style was unique, with a black and white color scheme. The monochromatic room exuded simplicity, tidiness, and a touch of luxury, with an elegant ambiance.

"This is Mr. Nelson's room," Coral said, smiling.

Since they were technically married, Dolores knew they were supposed to stay together. She wanted to speak up but realized she couldn't utter a word about the arrangement. So, instead, she nodded in acknowledgment.

Dolores found it difficult to fall asleep on her first night in her temporary home. Leaning against her pillow, she browsed employment websites on her phone, determined to find a job. Having a stable life, taking care of her mother, and securing a future for the child she was carrying could only be achieved if she had a job.

To her surprise, she came across a job posting for translators. While being a translator was a common profession, what astonished her was that the employer specifically sought someone who knew the language of Country A. Country A was where Randolph had sent Dolores and her family—a poorly developed tropical country with few people learning the language of the natives. After all, the more widely spoken languages in the world were those of more developed and capable nations.

The salary and benefits offered were appealing. Dolores completed the application, attached her resume, and set her phone aside before lying down and eventually falling asleep.

Moonlight streamed through the window, casting a silky glow in the silent night. Unbeknownst to Dolores, a flash of white light illuminated the yard as a Maybach pulled into the garage. The car door opened, and a towering figure stepped out. Moving with grace, he entered the house, almost appearing to dance across the floor as if walking on clouds.

Untying his tie, he realized his mouth felt dry. To avoid disturbing the servants, Matthew headed for his room, retrieving a glass of water from the bathroom. His Adam's apple bobbed as he swallowed the water, the liquid dribbling down his chin, but he paid no mind, still lost in thoughts of the evening's events, somewhat muddled by the wine.

After finishing the water, the burning sensation in his throat subsided. He had consumed a fair amount of white wine at the dinner party and a few glasses of red wine while celebrating separately with Helen on her birthday. Being a seasoned drinker, he had gotten slightly drunk.

Shrugging off his jacket and tossing it onto a chair, he proceeded from the bathroom. He hadn't turned on the lights in his room since he was familiar with the furniture layout and didn't need the illumination to undress. Knowing the exact location of his bed, he climbed in and instantly fell into a deep slumber.

Dolores sensed the movement in her sleep but quickly settled back down, embracing the blankets and drifting into a peaceful slumber.

Dawn arrived sooner than they had anticipated. The first rays of light, like glistening threads, gradually filled the room, casting it in a warm glow. Matthew and Dolores slumbered peacefully, resembling a newlywed couple.

Matthew's eyelids twitched, and he blinked his eyes open. His head felt fuzzy from the hangover, and he yearned for a shower to invigorate himself. He tried to lift his arm and sit up, only to realize it was entangled in something. Rolling over, he discovered a woman lying in his embrace.

The woman's long black hair spilled onto his arm. Her complexion was pale, and her eyelashes curled delicately like butterfly wings. Her slightly parted rosy lips and gentle breaths captivated him. His gaze trailed down her face, slowly descending to her slender neck and delicate collarbone. Her accelerated breathing seemed strangely alluring to him. A subtle urge stirred within him, one he hadn't experienced even with Helen. He furrowed his brows, displeased with his involuntary reaction, yet he couldn't tear his eyes away.

Meanwhile, Dolores dreamt of being in the heart of African grasslands. A fierce lion locked eyes with her, seemingly eager to devour her. She jolted awake from the dream, only to be met with a pair of deep, feigned-calm eyes. Her mind went blank, and she instinctively widened her eyes, covering her chest as she stumbled backward.

"W-Why are you here?" she stammered.

Matthew averted his gaze calmly and slowly lifted the blanket. "This is my house," he stated matter-of-factly.

Dolores attempted to respond but, upon realizing her surroundings, she swallowed her words. "Weren't you celebrating your girlfriend's birthday? Why did you come back?" she asked, getting out of bed and positioning herself on the opposite side of Matthew.

Coral had assured Dolores that Matthew wouldn't return, so she had let her guard down and slept soundly throughout the night. Thus, it came as no surprise that she hadn't noticed his entrance. She had slept in the same room as a man. Realizing she had slept in his arms, her cheeks and neck flushed, and she averted her gaze.

Matthew began unbuttoning his shirt, still carrying the lingering scent of alcohol from the previous night. The crumpled fabric sticking to his body was unpleasant, and he simply desired a shower. He glanced at the visibly flustered Dolores standing beside the bed and a mischievous grin formed on his lips.

"Could my girlfriend's birthday be more important than our wedding night?" he quipped.

Dolores was rendered speechless. They were only legally married, and it had only been a month. Did they even have a wedding night? Matthew removed his shirt, and Dolores turned away, concealing her aversion to his undressing in her presence. Ever since she had sold herself, men had disgusted her, particularly when it came to close contact.

She panicked. "I-I'll leave now," Dolores rushed out of the room, not daring to spare a second glance.

Matthew paid her departure no mind.

He loosened his belt and headed into the bathroom, eager to refresh himself with a shower.

The sound of water splashing resonated from within, and about an hour later, steam billowed out along with the fragrant aroma of shampoo. After the shower, his short black hair remained wet and disheveled. His lean body was clad in a white bathrobe, revealing a glimpse of his tanned skin through the gap near his chest, exuding an undeniable masculine charm.

Striding over to the closet, he reached for his clothes but paused when his eyes fell upon an unfamiliar bag adorned with a sunflower. He froze. Did the bag belong to Dolores? And why would she choose such a childlike design? Furthermore, she had audaciously placed her belongings in his closet. He furrowed his brow, retrieved his clothes, and returned the hanger. Accidentally, he knocked down her bag.

The bag spilled open, revealing its contents—some basic clothing and toiletries. As he crouched down to pick them up, his eyes caught sight of an ultrasound with Dolores' name on it, indicating she was six weeks pregnant. Dolores was pregnant?