Chapter 26: Harmonious Relationship as Husband and Wife
Everyone’s gaze turned toward Myra when her phone suddenly rang. She apologized quickly and silenced it, her hand trembling slightly as she glanced at the screen. It was a call from Sean.
Without hesitation, she canceled the call, but almost immediately, her phone began to vibrate again. The urgency was palpable—it was clear that the calls wouldn’t stop until she answered.
As she looked up, she caught Sasha’s gaze, which seemed both understanding and reassuring. “Don’t worry, Myra,” Sasha said gently, “You can step out to take the call. We’ll wait for you and start the meal when you return.”
Myra noticed Tony’s eyes on her, and she stood up apologetically. “Please excuse me; I need to answer this call, but I’ll be back shortly.”
She stepped outside the private room to take the call. As soon as she answered, Sean’s voice came through the phone, dark and frustrated. “Where are you?”
Myra frowned, trying to keep her tone light. “I’m at the Ritz Carlton discussing some client matters.”
Sean’s tone grew more intense. “Myra, remember that you’re still my wife! You better behave yourself!”
Her breath hitched at his sudden outburst, and her grip tightened around her phone. “What do you mean?” she asked, trying to stay calm.
“What do I mean? Do you think I don’t know what’s going on just because you’re far away? I don’t appreciate being cuckolded!” Sean’s voice was laced with anger as he hung up abruptly.
Myra stood frozen, the call cutting off with a harsh beep. Her heart raced in her chest. Estelle had once mentioned how Myra had given up the opportunity to study abroad for Sean’s sake, but the full story was never known. She had sacrificed so much for Sean’s career, yet he treated her with such disdain.
Tears welled up in Myra’s eyes, and her fingers dug deep into her palm, trying to hold herself together. Her body trembled, but she wasn’t sure if it was from sadness or anger. The overwhelming despair felt like it might swallow her whole.
Just then, the sound of steady footsteps reached her ears. She assumed it was a staff member coming to escort her back to the room, so she hastily wiped away her tears and turned around. “Sorry, please let them know I’ll be back in a moment.”
But then, a shadow fell over her. The next moment, a cool breeze brushed against her face. As she spun around, she found herself face-to-face with Tony. Their lips met—unexpected, quick, and shocking.
Myra’s eyes widened in surprise, and she felt the heat rush to her face. I can’t believe I just kissed Tony again!
Reacting instinctively, she pulled away, stumbling backward. She tripped, but before she could fall, Tony caught her, his arms enveloping her in an embrace. The familiar scent of mint and tobacco surrounded her, and her heart skipped a beat.
“Careful,” Tony’s deep voice murmured in her ear.
Her mind raced, but all she could manage was, “D-Director H-Hart…” Realizing she was still in his arms, Myra quickly scrambled to pull herself out of his hold. She tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear awkwardly, avoiding his gaze. “Sorry about that. I didn’t realize you were behind me…”
She mentally cursed herself. Why do these embarrassing moments keep happening? It was fine the last time, but now it’s just too awkward.
Tony didn’t respond immediately. Instead, she caught him brushing his fingers across his lips, the touch lingering as if he were savoring the moment.
Myra’s heart skipped another beat, and her cheeks flared with heat. “Director Hart…” she said softly, feeling more embarrassed than ever. “Is there something I can help you with?”
Tony, his lips curving into a subtle smile, put down his hand and looked at her calmly. “I just came to check on you since you’ve been gone for quite some time.”
“I’ll be back in a moment,” Myra mumbled, still rattled by the kiss. Why did this happen again?
Tony gave a brief nod and turned to walk back toward the private room. Myra watched him go, feeling a mix of confusion and frustration. What’s going on with me? And with him?
Meanwhile, Tony walked back with a faint smirk playing at the corners of his lips. He knew exactly what he was doing.
When Myra returned to the private room, the atmosphere felt slightly off. Everyone seemed to be watching her closely, and Sasha was the first to speak up, her voice dripping with exaggeration. “Myra, what happened to your eyes? Were you crying?”
Myra settled back into her seat, trying to maintain her composure. “Just some sand got in my eyes.”
Sasha pressed on, though, her voice taking on a more curious tone. “Oh, I thought… Myra, are you doing okay? I’ve seen some gossip about you lately in the news…”
Before Sasha could continue, Myra quickly cut in with a warning look. “Sasha.”
Sasha paused, her posture stiffening, but then she laughed lightly, brushing off the tension. “Sorry, I shouldn’t be prying into your personal life.”
“Your husband?” Elsie sneered, her voice dripping with sarcasm. “Myra, are you married?”
Sasha’s eyes flickered between Myra and Elsie, guilt creeping into her expression.
Myra nodded calmly, though inside, she was feeling a rising discomfort. “Yes. I’ve been married for two years now.” She had planned to steer the conversation away from her relationship, but something in Tony’s gaze made her pause. Recalling the accidental kiss earlier, she added with a composed smile, “We have a harmonious relationship as husband and wife, and we’re quite happy together.”
“A harmonious relationship?” Tony’s voice broke through the moment, his deep gaze never leaving Myra. He had stopped fiddling with his goblet, now watching her intently.
Myra avoided his stare, smiling faintly. “Yes, that’s right.”
The temperature in the room seemed to drop, and Tony, after a moment of silence, turned his attention back to his goblet. “In that case, I suppose I should congratulate you, Miss Stark.”
Myra’s face tightened, though she forced herself to nod. Why does he have to make it so difficult?
Leo, sensing the tension, cleared his throat and stood up. “I’ll go check with the server. I think the dishes should be arriving soon.”
As Leo left, Myra noticed him casting a quick glance in her direction. It was subtle, but she could feel it. Meanwhile, the meal continued with Elsie shamelessly flirting with Tony, and even Sasha joining in occasionally. Myra, however, remained quiet, lost in her thoughts.
When dinner finally ended, the group walked out of the Ritz Carlton, but the sight of hotel staff carrying bouquets of roses caught their attention. The flowers, vibrant and sparkling, filled the air with a sweet aroma. It was a stunning display—perhaps a hint of something more exciting to come.
“Looks like we have something fun to watch tonight!” someone remarked, but Myra’s mind was elsewhere, still reeling from the tension of the evening.