“How to be the perfect wife.”
Needing to know more, I push a little harder. “What did that entail. Tell me everything they taught you.”
Because I’m sure half of it is probably fucked up shit that’s going to piss me off.
Yuki’s back is ramrod straight, and she keeps her gaze locked on her hands as she says, “I got cooking lessons from a chef. Yutaro showed me how to do laundry and iron clothes.”
She pauses to swallow hard, and I get up and go to the kitchen to get two waters from the fridge.
Handing her a bottle, I murmur, “Drink some before you continue.”
She listens, and while I take a few sips, her tone tenses as she carries on with everything she was taught.
When shame flashes over her features, I know she’s leaving out something horrible.
Taking a wild guess, I ask, “Did you get lessons on sex?”
Her fingers crush the bottle as she nods.
My voice deepens with rage. “Did anyone touch you in an inappropriate manner?”
Yuki shakes her head, and it offers me some relief.
Wanting to set her at ease, I say, “Whatever they taught you about sex is probably wrong. If anything ever happens between us, it will be natural and with your approval.” I set my water down on the table beside the couch before I continue, “I love your cooking, but you don’t have to make dinner every night. Have you met Anita?”
Yuki’s eyes lift to meet mine as she nods. “Samantha introduced me to her last week.”
“Good. Anita takes care of the cleaning and laundry, so I don’t want you to worry about it at all.”
She begins to look a little worried as she asks, “What do you expect me to do during the days?”
“I want you to enjoy life. Do whatever makes you happy.”
For the hundredth time, surprise flickers in her gaze.
Wanting to give her the option, I ask, “Would you like to see a therapist? You’ve been through a lot, and I think it would help if you spoke to a professional.”
“No, thank you,” she replies politely, her back still straight where she’s perched on the couch.
Silence falls between us again, and I give her some time so her emotions can settle after the serious topic we just discussed.
Chapter 17
Yuki
Tonight turned out completely different from what I expected.
From Augusto enjoying the dinner I prepared, to the beautiful garden that feels like a little slice of home, as well as everything he’s said to me, it’s all very overwhelming.
My emotions are all over the place and I keep alternating between feeling apprehensive and hopeful.
It’s starting to sink in that Augusto feels bad for what he did to me and that he might not hurt me again.
“Let’s take turns asking questions so we can get to know each other,” he says with the same gentle tone he’s been using the whole night. “You can go first.”
What do I want to know?
My mind races from one question to the next, and I feel a little nervous as I decide to ask, “Do you like your work?”
