Chapter 8 Welcome Kiss

My cheeks flushed in embarrassment, I quickly raised my hand in protest. "No! Not at all," I said in my defense. "Did he handle you well then?" She pressed. "If your moans are loud, then I guess it's the soundproof," she said, nodding her head thoughtfully. "Trust me, nothing like that happened," I said. "Instead, I didn't sleep all through," I added inwardly, I was tempted to roll my eyes. She nudged at my shoulder, with a playful smile. "You don't have to be shy. We are all ladies here. Fine, I'm a little older, but we all went through our wedding night," she said. "What should I help you with? I'm good at cooking," I said, cleverly diverting the topic. Her lips parted in surprise, she let out a gasp, covering her mouth. "I like you more. Not many people know how to cook at your age." Her voice lowered into a whisper. "I taught Jade how to cook," she said. "I lost my father three years ago and my mother slipped into a state of comatose. I had to learn how to fend myself," I answered. "That's so sad. That must be when you let Diego, right?" She clapped excitedly. "He must have given you a shoulder to rest on when you were sad. Was that when you began liking him?" "Huh? I didn't meet Diego...." my mind suddenly flashed back to where he said we met three years ago, damn that psychopath! Looking at her bright eyes, she probably was expecting me to say something good about her son. "Yeah. He helped me a whole lot and was always trying to make me smile. He is like a knight in shining armor, he came just at the right time when I needed someone to lean on." That was so smooth, I inwardly commended myself. "Feel free to call me mom and tell me anything. When I say anything, I mean everything. I'll be here for you," she said, caressing my hand gently. "Your family...ruined mine, your son did. If he hadn't killed my father, then we would be together as a family and I wouldn't be here as his wife," I imagined myself saying. "My family did what? You suddenly stopped talking," Scarlet said, tapping my gently. "Oh... your family is so nice. I just arrived yesterday, but I already feel at home," I said with a smile. "That's a good thing to hear. Marley can be a little problem, but we are all good," she replied. I walked over to Jade, who was chopping some onions. "Hi, I'm Ellie," I introduced myself. She turned to look at me, her gaze lingering on mine for a while. I instinctively touched my face, was there something on it? Why was she staring for so long? A smile slowly formed on her lips. "Nice to meet you. I'm Marley's wife, Jade," she said, turning back to what she was doing. Another strange one spotted. It was a family filled with strange individuals and psychopaths. Marley, who wants to ruin his brother. Diego, my father's killer. Chairman Fernandez, who was after money and Jade seemed a little off too. I couldn't help but wonder if she knew about her husband's deal with me. "Let's get along well," I said. "Sure, Ms. Connors," she said, chuckling over nothing. "Oh sorry. It's Mrs. Fernandez since you are married to Diego," she said, her tone hinted with mockery. "How did you know my name? Do you, by chance, know who my father is?" I asked, the question slipping out. I was dying of curiosity. "Who is he? What's special about your name or your father? Diego introduced you to us on the first day, remember?" she said. My brows met in confusion, I couldn't recollect, but I gave up on pressing further. "It's a nice thing seeing my daughters-in-law getting along," Scarlet said. "Let's set the table. Ellie, Diego will be back soon, right?" "Yes, I guess," I answered with a shrug. He didn't even tell me where he went, how was I supposed to know when he would return? "Just bear it a little, Diego can be a workaholic. I'll make sure he clears his schedule and takes you on a honeymoon," Scarlet said. A honeymoon with Diego Fernandez? Nah, I'll pass. The best place to gather clues on my father's death was here, at the villa. "There's no need for that. I totally understand, he doesn't need to clear his schedule for me," I quickly said. "It's Diego!" Scarlet exclaimed, making me turn. My eyes widened at once, my heart racing in fear, was it excitement? I couldn't tell. His presence sent chills down my spine. What if he heard everything I had said and started to get the wrong ideas? Oh no! Not the moaning part, I would just die of embarrassment "Son! How long have you been standing there?" Scarlet asked, as if she read my thoughts. "Not too long. I was looking for her," he said, pointing at me. Me? But, why? "Oh my! This is so cute! I feel like getting married again and being newlyweds," Scarlet gushed, darting her eyes between us. "Your husband can't let you out of his sight, sweetie!" Her eyes narrowed. "What's with the look on your face? Aren't you happy to see him? Did he offend you last night? Or by leaving so early?" she asked. Not again! Why does she keep mentioning "last night"? What was so special about a wedding night? "Diego, you should clear up your schedule and take her on a honey-" I interrupted her without thinking, "Welcome back, hubby. I missed you, you left before I woke up so I was a little mad at you." So awkward. So strange. So unusual! I could cringe at my own words! "What are you waiting for? Go to him, Jade and I will handle to rest," she said, gesturing at Diego, who had a smirk on his face. I moved closer, before she could suspect anything. Standing in front of him, my toes curled as I got nervous, not knowing what was next. "Do I have to tell you what to do, Diego? Not even a welcome kiss? Don't be so boring!" She snapped. W-wait, what? Welcome kiss?