Chapter 6

Paige was pretty stoked about her new place. After ordering groceries online, she got ready to clean up the house; it wasn't really dirty, just a bit dusty.

She glanced at Raymond and wheeled him towards the TV. After messing with it for a bit, she finally got it on for him. Then she tied up her hair, grabbed some cleaning supplies, and headed to the kitchen.

Raymond watched her quietly from behind. It felt kinda weird, but he didn't mind. Even though they barely knew each other, her actions made it seem like they'd been married for years. A strange warmth filled him.

Raymond started to get why Bradley kept pushing him to get married; being alone and being with someone were two totally different things. Plus, even though Paige was dressed pretty casually, her features were so striking that it was hard for any guy to resist.

Actually, last night, Raymond had initially been under the influence of an aphrodisiac. But halfway through, he snapped out of it. The pleasure Paige gave him made him give in to his instincts, letting his primal desires take over.

As for Paige, she hadn't really seen the guy clearly last night. She'd been pulled from a well-lit area into darkness and felt disoriented. Later, overwhelmed by the intense passion, she barely had the presence of mind to notice his features.

Given that the guy from last night was in the prime of health, while the current Raymond was disabled, it was impossible for Paige to believe they were the same person.

Paige busied herself with the chores. Her face was slightly flushed, and a few strands of her hastily tied hair fell loose, making her look even more attractive.

Raymond, feeling a mix of emotions, averted his gaze from Paige. Not really interested in the TV, he wheeled himself towards the bedroom.

Paige noticed and immediately said, "Wait, where do you want to go? I'll help you."

Raymond declined, "No need, the master bedroom..."

He was about to say he'd stay in the master bedroom, but his words seemed to remind Paige. She quickly said, "You can have the master bedroom. I'll sleep in the guest room."

Raymond was puzzled. 'She just schemed with Louis to get into my bed, used my father's influence to marry me, and now she wants separate rooms? Is she messing with me? Does she really think I'm that desperate?' Thinking this, he coldly replied, "Fine, I was going to suggest that too."

Paige felt pretty helpless, thinking, 'Yesterday's accidental intimate encounter was already too much. Being forced to marry a stranger is wild enough; I can't just jump into another relationship. Besides, given his condition, what would we even do? It's too awkward. Raymond's tone has changed; he finally has a wife but can't touch me. No wonder he's unhappy. Maybe I should make a nice dinner to cheer him up."

Raymond closed the door and just sat there, feeling kinda angry and unsure about what Paige was up to.

Paige only called Raymond out when dinner was ready. Since it was their first meal together, she made three dishes and a soup, all simple home-cooked meals.

Raymond looked at the food on the table, feeling a mixture of disappointment and frustration. He'd never eaten such basic food in his life. If it weren't for the need to keep his identity hidden, he wouldn't have taken a single bite.

He reluctantly took a bite and was suddenly stunned, thinking, 'Is Paige's cooking really this good?' Then he thought, expressionless, 'Maybe she secretly ordered takeout while I was in the bedroom. There's no way a scheming woman cooks this well.'

The next morning, Raymond heard some noise and immediately wheeled himself out, only to see Paige preparing breakfast. As he ate, he realized she had indeed put effort into it; it seemed Paige had even learned to cook just to get close to him.

After breakfast, Paige quickly cleaned up the dishes and helped push Raymond out the door.

Raymond asked, "What are you doing?"

Paige replied matter-of-factly, "Aren't you going to work?"

Raymond, who had completely forgotten about work, said, "Charles will pick me up."

Paige paused. "Now that I'm here, it's not good to always trouble others."

Raymond felt a pang of guilt, but he still said, "It's fine. You should focus on your job."

Since he said that, Paige nodded and turned to leave.

Raymond then secretly contacted Charles to pick him up for work.

A few days later, Bradley visited the new couple, bringing with snacks and fruit. Paige put the gifts away, but Bradley's attention was caught by a job posting on the table.

"What's this?" Bradley picked up the flyer, which had a picture of a mansion—his own villa.

Paige came out of the kitchen with a plate of washed fruit, smiling. "I'm looking for a job. This family is hiring housekeepers, and the pay is good. After paying off his mortgage each month, Raymond is strapped for cash. I need to find a job quickly to help support the household."

Bradley was shocked. Realizing Raymond was so strict that Paige had to help with the household expenses, he couldn't help but feel sympathy for Paige.