I retreated to the room and slammed the door shut. His voice was on rewind in my mind: "As your husband." It was a subtle and gentle threat. Levi was telling me to suck it up and do my job. Remember, Raphael. You signed the contract. A thought started to linger in my mind. Would Levi be angry if I said that I didn't want to attend the dinner? He probably would, if it meant interfering with his business or plans, right?

But he specifically said 'my job'. I needed to go to that dinner.

It wasn't a request; it was actually my first actual mission since I took this 'job'. Levi wanted me to charm, smile, and look good for the cameras. This was so Levi could ensure the launch of our wedding and announce to the country he was married to a man, likely cashing millions in donations for his foundation. Okay, Levi. I will play your game. I will be there right beside you, in front of every camera and microphone belonging to every press outlet in this country, lying with you.

The rest of the day was silent in this house again. Gray, gloomy, and foggy. I glanced around the house's outer walls. There were cameras lined everywhere, their unblinking lenses staring back at me. A chill ran down my spine.

Wait, did he put a camera in my room, too? My hands started to shake. No, right? He wouldn't do that. He is scary, but not a maniac. As I know right now.

What would he say if I confronted him about the potential spy camera? There were many options, but only two of them were more realistic in my eyes:

Option A: Levi is not a liar. He would say no. Ergo, no cameras. It's just me being delusional in my own fear.

Option B: Levi is not a liar. He would say yes. Ergo, I am being spied upon. He would probably say, "Didn't you read the contract? Privacy was never a clause."

Oh, I am spiraling again. Pull yourself together, Raphael. Stop being so scared of one man. My heart was pounding. Shadows deepened in the room as anxiety closed in around me. Why would he spy on you? As if you can do anything to him. It's not like you can thwart 15 years of meticulous planning.

The time for dinner was coming alarmingly fast in my eyes. I spent my afternoon grooming myself to the heavens. The steam in the bathroom made the large mirror blurry. Taking a long shower, some skincare, shaving my shadow beard down to my bare skin... I was in my bathrobe when I realized how Levi had brought me clothes.

This story originates from NovelBin. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.

I got out of my room and stood in front of my door to check on where Levi was. He was in the living room. I shouted at him with a firm voice, "Levi, I need my clothes." He looked up, a flicker of surprise crossing his face.

"Well, you certainly need clothes," he said, glancing at my body. Look at this, the only reaction I can get from him is sexual in nature. Do not get me wrong, I absolutely enjoy it. And I hate that I enjoy his touch, his attention.

He pulled his eyes away from my body and gestured behind the couch with a nod. Oh, he wants me to take it from there. He wasn't going to bring it to me. No, sir. I spent my hours scrubbing myself raw, plucking my eyebrows like a chicken. I am not letting him do this.

"Can you bring them to me?"

A subtle smirk played on his lips. He got off the couch and took the bags. "As you wish, Raphael," he said with a smooth voice, while the same smirk still lingered there. He was slowly going upstairs. With every step he took, I could see his shadow falling to the floor, slowly rising.

Why did I do that? I was already scared of him, why did I call him to my feet? My pride got the better of me. Levi's shadow was mocking me, stretching and contorting on the wall. My heart was pounding in my chest. I hoped that the shadow didn't hear its loud thumping.

Levi extended his hand, holding the bags. His playful smirk was gone. His eyes were there, silently, precisely evaluating me.

When his evaluation finished, he simply stated with his flat voice, "Was the water too hot? Your face seems flushed." I could already feel my cheeks burning. I averted my gaze to stop caving in to this man. Then a slim hint of amusement made his lips curl up.

Damn this lion. He already knew I found him attractive. A wave of shame and anger washed over me.

"Now, now. Please do not keep me hanging. I need a change of clothes, too," Levi said while gesturing to the expensive clothing bags he had brought. "I do have another gift to give, but I do not think it would be a mannerly thing to do..." after checking my bathrobe, he continued, "in your current outfit." His eyes lingered on my face, a hint of amusement in their depths. I clenched my fists, trying to hide my anger and embarrassment. What is he up to again?

I pressed my lips shut to restrain myself from cursing him. I pulled the bags away from his hand and entered my room, leaving him behind. I perked my ears up to check whether he left or not. Either he was walking really silently or he didn't budge.

I thought walking in total silence would fit Levi better. I placed the bags on my bed, peeking at what was inside. Another suit tailored to perfection, a white shirt that would fit like a glove, leather shoes with their scent filling the room, a silver and elegant watch, and socks? He bought socks?

How controlling a man must be to buy socks for his husband for pictures?