Under His Protection

AN HORRIBLE COOK

Vincent returned from the grocery store, his arms laden with bags of freshly bought ingredients. Spotting Isabella hard at work in the kitchen, he hurried over and placed the groceries on the table.

“Here are the ingredients,” he said, smiling at her as she continued to prepare dinner.

“Thanks,” she replied, sparing him a quick glance as she continued her task. “But we already had enough groceries at home.”

Vincent’s smile faded slightly as he furrowed his brows, glancing down at the groceries he’d just brought. “I know,” he said, placing a hand on her shoulder. “I just thought you might like some extra ingredients for tonight’s dinner.”Content © NôvelDrama.Org.

Isabella stopped what she was doing, turning to face him with a tender look. “That’s really sweet of you, but you didn’t need to go out of your way for me,” she replied, the affection in her voice palpable.

Vincent leaned in closer, the warmth in his gaze intensifying.

Vincent knew he had enough grocery’s and ingredients in the kitchen but that was the only excuse he had thought of at that moment.

Vincent, aware that he’d purchased more than was unnecessary, quickly brushed off Isabella’s remark with his playful charm. “Oh, I didn’t realize,” he said, feigning surprise. “Well, it’s not like having extra ingredients is a bad thing, right?”

Isabella nodded in agreement, acknowledging his point with a smile. “I’m almost done with dinner,” she said, her expression warm and inviting. “And I’m sure you’ll love it.”

“Ok that’s fine,” he replied as he suddenly began to pace up and down around the kitchen, the thought of announcing to Isabella that he wouldn’t be spending the night at home with her suddenly made his legs become wobbly as he could keep them in one place.

Isabella noticed Vincent’s peculiar behavior as he paced around, a look of unease on his face. “You’ve been acting weird all day,” she remarked, concern evident in her tone. “Are you sure you’re okay?”

Vincent’s gaze dropped to the floor, his expression turning serious as he responded. “Yes, I’m fine. It’s just that I won’t be sleeping at home tonight. I have a really important business meeting that’s going to last all night,” he explained, the guilt and discomfort clear in his voice. “I’m sorry, Isabella.”

Isabella’s brows knitted together as she faced Vincent, an incredulous expression on her face. “I can’t believe you’ve been so anxious just because you wanted to tell me you were going out,” she exclaimed, her tone equal parts exasperated and amused.

“You don’t have to ask my permission for anything, you know,” she continued, a mischievous grin playing on her lips. “It’s not like we’re really married.”

Vincent’s surprise deepened as he listened to Isabella’s response, which seemed to challenge his preconceived notions about how women in relationships acted.

“Look, you don’t have to inform me about your activities,” she said, turning to him with an expression that was a mix of understanding and firmness. “We’re only together for a short time because of the arrangement, and I’m not going to restrict you just because I’m carrying your child.”

Vincent opened his mouth to respond, still caught off guard by Isabella’s outlook. “But we live together as a couple!.

Isabella shrugged, her face taking on a look of acceptance. “Yes, we live together, but that doesn’t mean we’re obligated to each other beyond the terms of the contract,” she said, her tone gentle but insistent.

Vincent fell silent for a moment, his eyes moving over her face as if seeking to understand the depths of her thoughts. “So, does that mean you don’t care what I do or where I go?” he asked, his voice tinged with uncertainty.

Isabella continued to speak in her calm, collected voice, her demeanor a sharp contrast to Vincent’s rising frustration. “If you want to bring a woman to the house, that’s fine, as long as you let me know so I can move to another room,” she explained, a hint of amusement dancing in her eyes.

Vincent began to wonder if Isabella had seen Jessica and was trying to make an hint on him, he studied Isabella’s face but all he could see were sincerity and playfulness.

Vincent’s mind began to spin with possibilities, his gaze fixed on her face as he tried to decipher her true intentions. “There’s no other woman!” he declared, his tone revealing the irritation that had been building inside him.

Isabella merely shrugged, her expression unfazed.

“I’m not saying there is but you can if you want to, after all you are grown man.”she replied as she continued with het cooking.

“it’s a contracted marriage remember, once I give birth to the child we would go our separate ways so stop acting like we are so serious,” she retorted still focus on her cooking activity.

“You know, the only reason I’m sharing a room with is because you “claim”, I need total protection which I think it’s just unreasonable,” Isabella Continued as she let out a subtle laughter, she turned to look at Vincent but he had suddenly switched from his calm demeanor.

“Well I think it’s not going to be that easy because you are wearing my ring and carrying my child which definitely makes you my wife and that’s what you are going to be treated as and nothing shirt of that.” Vincent said in a husky voice as stared straight into Isabella’s eyes.

As Isabella looked at Vincent’s penetrating stare, she suddenly felt a sense of longing towards Vincent, her body became hot as she was melting into his gaze but she quickly brushed it away.

Isabella knew he wouldn’t fall in love with someone like her and that he was doing all this because of his unborn child, but even if it does happen, she was still entrapped by Mr white and their contract which made her his property at the moment.

“What’s wrong?” Vincent asked as he noticed Isabella’s was suddenly lost in thought.

“Oh it’s nothing,” she replied as she gave him a warm smile. “So I guess I will just serve you dinner before you leave,” she said trying to get on from their little argument.

“That would be nice,” Vincent replied as he gave Isabella a smile.

After assisting Isabella in setting up the dining table, they took their seats to enjoy their meal. As Vincent took his first bite, his facial expression turned sour, the taste of the food falling short of his expectations. He had been anticipating a delectable feast, given the appealing visual presentation, but the flavor left much to be desired.

Quickly masking his disappointment, Vincent struggled to maintain a neutral expression, not wanting to upset Isabella, who had clearly invested time and effort into the preparation.

“Is the food okay?” she asked, watching him pick at his plate with a furrowed brow. Isabella’s question was filled with hopeful expectation as she awaited Vincent’s response. She knew her culinary skills were limited, but she’d put in her best effort to make a meal he’d enjoy.

“Yes, it’s nice,” Vincent replied, his expression belied by the brief flash of disdain that crossed his face before he plastered on a reassuring smile. He tried to take another bite, the expression on his face a proof to his valiant attempt to hide his true feelings.

Isabella stifled a chuckle as she observed Vincent’s struggle to consume the unpalatable food, knowing full well that her culinary skills left much to be desired.

“I know I’m not a great cook,” she admitted, her eyes dancing with amusement as she watched Vincent force a swallow of the offending bite.

“That’s not true,” he insisted, a pained smile playing on his lips as he strove to make her feel better. “It’s just… it’s got a lot of flavor,” he added diplomatically.

Isabella’s gaze remained fixed on Vincent, her voice gentle yet persistent. “Really?” she prompted, noticing the untouched food on his plate. “You don’t have to pretend you like it just to make me feel better.”

Vincent considered her words, his expression one of concern and thoughtfulness. “Maybe it’s because I’m not hungry or it’s work stress,” he offered, his voice trailing off as he looked back at her with a furrowed brow.

Isabella’s features softened as she absorbed his words, understanding his efforts to protect her feelings.

Rising from the table, Vincent’s announcement of his imminent departure hung in the air. “I need to start preparing for my meeting,” he said, his mind already turning to the evening’s plans with Jessica.

“Okay, I’ll just put the food in the microwave for you to eat when you get back,” Isabella replied, her expression kind and welcoming as she offered to save the leftovers.

Vincent’s smile faltered for a moment as he processed the thought of eating the unappetizing meal again. “No, don’t do that.”

“I’m not really one for leftovers,” he finished, hoping to dissuade Isabella without appearing rude. He knew the food was unpalatable and, regardless of the effort she’d put in, he didn’t want to subject himself to it again.

Isabella’s smile didn’t waver as she considered his words. “Alright, I’ll just throw it out then,” she said, her tone matter-of-fact as she set about clearing the table.

Vincent felt a twinge of guilt at the sight.

Isabella’s cooking skills had long been a subject of light-hearted ridicule from her best friend Audrey, who was well aware of her struggles in the kitchen.

And despite Vincent’s diplomatic efforts to spare her feelings, Isabella couldn’t help but find amusement in his attempt to spare her feelings.

She smiled to herself as Vincent walked off to prepare for his evening plans, her whisper of “He’s so nice” echoing through the room.

In that moment, Isabella felt a sense of affection and appreciation for Vincent, grateful for his kindness and consideration, despite the shortcomings of her cooking..

Vincent emerged from his room a few minutes later, a vision of elegance and masculinity as he made his way out. His vintage shirt fit snugly over his six-pack abs, the fabric cascading down his toned physique, while his trousers harmonized with the garment perfectly.

Clearing his throat, he announced his departure to Isabella, who had been absorbed in her phone. “I’m leaving now,” he informed her, the words carrying a hint of finality.

As Isabella lifted up her eyes, she felt her eyes dazzled at the beauty it beheld, she quickly regain her composure and replied him.

“Bye Vincent.” She said as she couldn’t get her eyes off him.

After Vincent left she began to notice her feeling which had began to sway towards him, but she had to discard it because all this was only going to be for a short time.

After some time, Isabella’s phone suddenly rang and she saw that it was audrey calling.

Hey Babe!” Audrey said as isabella picked up the phone, “Where are you at?” she asked as she tried to know isabella’s location.

“I’m at Vincents,” Isabella replied, wondering why Audrey had called her all of a sudden.

Apparently She had seen Vincent going into Bell View Inn and she knew Jessica frequented that place.

Audrey had excused herself from her meeting to call Isabella, immediately she saw Vincent walked in, she wanted to make sure Isabella was safe.