CHAPTER 82: CHAPTER 82- ODD

"H-Husband..."

Janet called out awkwardly, her voice dragging the word into a long, echoing drawl. The two syllables sounded more like a reluctant chant than an affectionate term. Charles’s brows furrowed in displeasure. He flicked her smooth forehead with his long fingers, brushed her bangs aside, and kissed the spot where he’d tapped her.

"Behave. Say it properly—all in one breath."

Janet let out a small yelp, momentarily startled by his closeness. A flicker of mischief danced in her eyes. She leaned close to his ear, took a deep breath, and gave a devilish smile.

"Alright then... You asked for it."

Charles said nothing, only smirked in anticipation, waiting for her to say those two heart-stirring words.

And then—

"Husband, husband, husband, husband, husband, husband, husband, husband, husband, husband, husband—!"

She fired off the word like a machine gun, her warm breath brushing against his ear with each repetition. Charles burst into laughter, instantly pulling her into his arms—but she was quicker, dodging away before he could grab her.

"You little minx! You’re getting cuter by the day."

He made a playful lunge toward her, but Janet stuck out her tongue and skipped away, dashing up the stairs with a delighted laugh. Her heart thumped with joy—because soon, she would truly become his.

Husband... Wife...

Just the thought of such intimate titles made her lips curl into a gentle, dreamy smile.

As she entered the bedroom, her phone on the nightstand suddenly lit up and buzzed. Janet glanced at the caller ID and hesitated—it was Elvira.

She instinctively knew what the call was about. Elvira must have found out about the wedding and was now calling to interrogate her. But this marriage was her own business. She owed them no explanations.

The phone stopped buzzing, only to ring again seconds later. Janet sighed in annoyance and ended the call, then shut off her phone completely.

"Who was it? Why didn’t you answer?"

Charles walked into the room just in time to see her zoning out, sitting on the bed with a far-off look in her eyes. He sat down beside her, asking casually.

"Someone annoying. I didn’t feel like answering," Janet said with a little pout, resting her head against his chest. Whatever frustration Elvira stirred couldn’t touch her heart now—not when Charles was beside her.

Charles didn’t need to ask further. He already knew exactly who the "annoying someone" was.

Scooping her into his arms, he gently asked, "I’ve got a dinner meeting tonight. Want to come with me?"

He had already promised Brian he’d show up at Hell’s Bar tonight—and his buddies had insisted he bring Janet along. But still, he wanted her consent.

"No thanks. Go ahead and come back early."

Janet understood the bond he had with his friends. That was a part of his world she didn’t want to intrude on. Besides, she’d already met those exceptional men—they were all calm, elegant, and powerful in their own way.

"Mhm. I might be back late, so don’t wait up."

Charles gave her a soft kiss before getting changed. He pulled out a fresh outfit from the closet and left.

Janet crawled under the covers, hugging the quilt that still carried his scent. She didn’t even know what time he returned that night—but when she opened her eyes the next morning, his side of the bed was already empty. Only the lingering warmth remained.

Still, Janet knew one thing for sure—

No matter how late it got, he would always come home. To her.

The days flew by as Charles juggled both work and wedding preparations. He never let her worry about a single thing. Instead, he encouraged her to relax and enjoy this time—shopping with Peggy, planning their new home, and just being happy.

After breakfast, Janet checked the time. She was meeting Peggy to choose the bridesmaid dress today. Her own wedding gown, designed by a top French couturier hired by Charles, would be completed tomorrow—just in time for their wedding the day after.

She changed and grabbed her phone from the nightstand. When she turned it back on, several missed calls appeared—Harold, Anila... and August.

She hadn’t contacted August since that incident at the company when Charles got angry. Deep down, she was a little worried. What if Charles still didn’t acknowledge August as family and refused to invite him to the wedding?

Still, part of her hoped—maybe he would.

Then, she saw a strange text message. It was from Ternence.

That was odd. Philip always called her—why would he suddenly text?

Ternence had asked her to meet him at noon—he’d be waiting at a five-star hotel.

Maybe he was trying to spare her any awkwardness, which was why he hadn’t suggested meeting at the Louis residence. Janet was quietly moved by his thoughtfulness. Since Philip had asked to see her, of course she would go. She had even prepared to deliver his wedding invitation in person.

"Janet, I’ve been waiting forever!"

When she arrived at the bridal boutique, Peggy was already standing outside, waving at her excitedly. But what caught Janet’s attention was the tall figure in white standing beside her.

August?

Janet hadn’t expected to see him here. And judging from how naturally he stood next to Peggy, their relationship seemed far less distant than before.

Peggy grabbed Janet by the arm and pulled her inside with a mysterious grin.

"Come on, looks like this bridesmaid is getting some real VIP treatment today!"

Charles had arranged this boutique appointment especially for Peggy, even customizing the bridesmaid dress to fit her style. Peggy was practically glowing with satisfaction.

"Congratulations, Janet."

August offered a sincere smile, his voice warm and steady. There was no trace of resentment, only heartfelt blessing.

Janet returned his smile gratefully.

"Thank you, August. You’ll find your own happiness soon—I’m sure of it."

Her gaze drifted to the fitting room where Peggy was changing. The things Peggy had said about August... could it be that she was serious this time?

August didn’t respond. Instead, he narrowed his deep eyes and stared at Janet’s reflection in the full-length mirror across the room. Her soft features and flushed cheeks seemed bathed in a glow even purer than moonlight.

"Well? Do I look good?"

Peggy stepped out, holding her dress lightly by the hem. The off-shoulder white gown with cascading ruffles exuded elegance and nobility.

Janet nodded in admiration, and when August stepped behind Peggy in a white suit of his own, she couldn’t help but feel—

They looked... perfect together.

The three of them had lunch together. August didn’t seem to mind Peggy’s closeness.

But no one noticed the flicker of pain hidden beneath his refined expression.

As Janet stood to leave, August gestured toward his car.

"Where are you headed? Let me give you a ride."

Peggy had driven herself, and Janet was heading off to meet Ternence. She hesitated only for a moment.

"Alright."

She gave him the hotel address and quietly watched the city roll by. When they reached their destination, she stepped out. August remained in the driver’s seat, his fingers tightening around the steering wheel as he watched her walk away—then he pulled out of the driveway without a word.

Janet took the elevator to the 18th floor.

She followed the room number Ternence had given her and pressed the doorbell—

But noticed the door wasn’t completely closed.

She frowned slightly, then reached out and pushed it open.

"Philip?" she called cautiously, stepping inside.

Something about the quiet air felt... off.