Chapter 6: His Dominant Nature

Aylin withdrew her gaze. "Yes, and I admire Mr. Hector very much."

"Do you understand art?" Joaquin suddenly asked.

"I've learned a bit," Aylin replied.

Considering Aylin's family background, Joaquin understood why she had only learned a bit.

"Do you want to learn more?" he asked.

"Hmm?" Aylin didn't quite understand what he meant.

"If you want to learn, I can hire a professional teacher for you as a reward for your cooperation."

So that was what he meant.

It seemed Joaquin wasn't as cold-blooded as the rumors said.

Aylin smiled faintly. "Thank you for your kindness, but it's not necessary. I already have a teacher and won't look for another."

Gary frowned slightly, thinking that her ordinary teacher couldn't compare to the Mr. Hector Mr. Beckham could hire. Just as he was about to persuade her to reconsider, Joaquin spoke first, "Suit yourself."

Gary swallowed his words.

Aylin looked around the room and then back at Joaquin. "Where is my room?"

"On the third floor. Second door on the right after you exit the elevator."

The living room had an open design. Aylin looked up towards the upper floors when Joaquin's voice sounded again. "The room next to it can be your study or art studio."

"And your room?" Aylin asked.

"On the left side, the innermost room."

"You're on the third floor too?" Aylin thought their rooms wouldn't be on the same floor.

Joaquin nodded. "Yes."

"Let's go take a look." Joaquin suddenly stood up.

Aylin followed him upstairs. After exiting the elevator, she observed that their rooms were on opposite sides, seemingly unrelated.

This arrangement was acceptable.

Joaquin looked at her and suddenly said, "That night was an accident. Don't enter my room without permission again. Otherwise, watch your legs."

His tone was threatening, revealing his dominant and ruthless nature.

Aylin was speechless.

Did he really think she was attracted to him?

"Rest assured. With your skills, I don't want a second time," she said.

Seeing his face darken instantly, Aylin felt she had won this round. She turned and walked towards her bedroom.

Just as she lifted her foot, a large hand grabbed her arm. She turned to look at him. "What are you doing?"

Joaquin pulled her back forcefully and held her tightly in his arms, his dark eyes staring at her. "Does it hurt?"

"You brought this upon yourself."

Aylin's face turned red then pale. "Let go of me! Don't force me to act!"

Joaquin was indifferent. "If you have the ability, break free yourself."

Aylin's eyes narrowed as she threw a punch at his handsome face without hesitation.

Joaquin dodged faster than she expected and grabbed her wrist with such strength that she couldn't break free.

Aylin looked at him in surprise. "You!"

An aristocratic young Mr. Hector who knew martial arts and suppressed her?

Over the years, Aylin had encountered many experts but never one who could match her.

Rare indeed.

Still in Joaquin's arms, Aylin felt his cool breath and steady heartbeat. Their eyes met as an odd atmosphere spread around them.

"Are you planning to hold me like this forever?"

Joaquin's gaze deepened. After a few seconds, he released her.

Aylin stepped back to put some distance between them.

"I'm going to the study. If you need anything, find Gary," Joaquin said.

Aylin nodded. "Okay."

They turned in opposite directions and went their separate ways.

Aylin opened the door to her room and walked in. The bedroom was large and cozy, clearly decorated with care. Inside was a huge balcony with tables and chairs. From there, she could see a clear pool and a beautiful garden below.

A gentle breeze carried a faint floral fragrance that calmed her in this unfamiliar environment and even made her want to paint. She enjoyed creating quietly by herself.

However, painting here would likely reveal her identity to Joaquin.

Better not risk it.

Time passed slowly as Aylin sat quietly on the balcony until someone knocked on the door.

She got up to answer it. "Gary..."

Gary smiled slightly. "It's almost time for dinner. What would you like to eat, Mrs. Beckham? I'll have the chef prepare it."

Aylin hesitated at being called 'Mrs. Beckham', finding it both unfamiliar and weird. She wasn't used to it at all.

"Gary, Joaquin and I are in a fake marriage. There's no need for such formalities in private. You can just call me Aylin."

"Madam, that won't do. We must form habits, so they become natural," Gary insisted further. "Besides, it's Mr. Beckham's order. I dare not disobey."

"I don't think your boss is as cold or terrifying as rumored," Aylin remarked thoughtfully.

"You haven't seen it yet!" Gary blurted out before realizing his mistake and quickly laughing awkwardly, "I mean, he treats different people differently. Of course, he wouldn't be like that with you, Mrs. Beckham."

Aylin silently watched him. His repeated use of 'Mrs. Beckham' seemed quite natural now.

"What would you like for dinner, Mrs. Beckham?" Gary asked again.

After pausing briefly, Aylin replied, "Better ask your boss. I'm fine with anything."

"Mr. Beckham instructed me to ask you, Mrs. Beckham," Gary explained.

"Then... Whatever." Aylin conceded after some thought.

Gary nodded thoughtfully before responding affirmatively, "Alright then. I'll make arrangements accordingly."

Two hours later, Aylin and Joaquin sat quietly in the dining room eating without speaking, a scene of apparent unfamiliarity between them despite sharing space together.

Aylin put down her knife and fork after a few bites, saying, "I'm full. I'm going upstairs first."

Joaquin looked at her. "Not to your taste?"

"No, I'm just not very hungry."

There was a pause, and then Joaquin suddenly said, "You're quite skinny. You don't need to lose weight."

Aylin retorted, "I'm not trying to lose weight."

She merely ate very little.

"Then eat some more. You're not allowed to leave," the man said, his eyes fixed on her, his tone domineering.

If anyone spoke to her like that, Aylin wouldn't tolerate it, but at that moment, she didn't retort. A gentle yet stern voice suddenly echoed in her mind.

"Aylin, don't leave. Eat some more. You're eating too little."

"Aylin, be good."

It was her father, a voice she would never hear again in this life.

Aylin didn't leave, and she picked up her cutlery again. Her delicate, fair little face was calm, but her eyes hid pain.

With her eyes lowered, Joaquin didn't notice the emotions hidden in her eyes. Seeing her continue to eat, he didn't say anything more.

After a while, Aylin suddenly raised her eyes, her gaze now calm. "You suddenly married me like this. Won't your family object?"

After all, wealthy families usually preferred suitable matches.

"No. In the Beckham family, I have the final say."

The only one he couldn't control was his grandfather, but he didn't have a bias towards family background, only wishing that Joaquin could find someone he liked to be with.