11 11 - Knowing You 2

"Of course, you do. You are mostly a pure soul. I know your previous marriage did not end well, but, I intend to give my all in our marriage. I hope you will give us a chance, love."

"Cod, that marriage couldn't crumble with misgivings on one side alone. No matter what anyone says, I know that I played a big part in that failure of a marriage. *sigh* I simply am not ..."

"Sweetheart, I know, you aren't ready for another relationship. But, we are married now. At least allow me to show you how much I treasure you."

"No, Cod. That would be unfair to you. I'm a broken merchandise. I don't even know myself anymore. I have just started picking up pieces of me and having someone around to fill those spaces won't work. I need to feel complete before I could start contemplating to enter into another relationship."

"George, I know where you're coming from. I won't force what I want. Let's just try to make do with what we have now and get to know each other, alright? I mean, let us communicate to each other openly as much as possible. Is that fine with you?"

"Fair enough. But I won't be a couple with you when we are alone... I could act as your wife in public but I hope I could just live as before the wedding ceremony."

Having understood her sentiment, he had no choice but agree with what she wants. Although at the back of his mind, he is still bent at winning over his new wife.

The two spent the rest of the day discussing their schedules when they leave Ise and playing board games. Just like the previous night, Cody pretended to work to keep his hands off his wife.

George was grateful for that and she woke up in a very cheerful mood the third day. She was so happy that she got what she wanted and gained a friend in the process — in the person if her new husband.

Her glee, however was short-lived. Just as they were done with lunch, her grandpa dropped by their bailey.

"Come out, you two. Let's take a walk, shall we?" The old man said.

As soon as they were out of earshot from the staff, Aki asked, "Do you really think, you could fool this old man easily?"

"What do you, mean. Grandpa?" George asked, confused.

"This is your third day as newlyweds. I explicitly stated that for the union of the two families to be cemented, this marriage needs to be consummated. The last two days, the staff reported no traces of intimacy from your quarters." The old man said in a disappointed tone.

"... but Grandpa, ..."

"Stop it, princess. I'm not listening to any of your explanations. The same goes to you, young man... Give me proof that you have spent your wedding night or else..." warned Aki.

He then left without giving them a chance to say anything.