The visit to the Huang family house was proving to be productive as it was amusing.
"Miss Seraphina, the choice is yours." He smiled at her.
Greed was such a disgusting thing in humans. It made them easy prey. All you have to do is just dangle a treat before their eyes.
Nobody knew the origin of the Ruby. Nobody knew how essential it was for him to be in possession of the Ruby.
Never in his thousand years of living in the human realm did he think he could come across one of the seven jewels of hell.
"She's not exchanging anything Mr Li. The Ruby is a family heirloom passed on from generations to generations. I'd not allow something like that to happen." Mr Huang spoke up.
He was a portly man, his black eyes shining like that of a toad. He was calculating and cruel and dazzlingly stupid, if he thought Alphonse would rise to the bait.
"Right you are Father-in-law," He acquiesced politely.
Karma was watching the exchange closely, her mouth pursed and a small frown nestling between her brows.
She was wondering what game Alphonse was playing at.
Let her wonder, he thought leisurely.
"It's time for tea!" Aunt Emily announced.
Tea was served, and everyone relaxed in a group of threes and fours. No doubt to gossip and talk about the unfolding drama.
Karma sat beside him, the smell of his blood mixed with hers a tantalizing scent beneath his nostrils.
"Mr Li, I must officially welcome you to the family. It's an honor." Mr Huang began.
Alphonse was seated between Karma, her stepsister and Ethan.
"I'd never thought my sister would meet someone like you. How did your guys meet?" Seraphina asked.
She couldn't stop her words from dripping with sarcastic jealousy.
Ethan looked cool and smiled, but his tapping fingers gave him away.
He was apprehensive, as he should be. Alphonse wasn't ready to deal with him…yet.
Karma panicked. She hadn't thought this through. She didn't think anyone would ask this question.
But Alphonse has the situation in hand.
"It was enchanting at first sight." He sounded wistful. "Though we met under unfavorable conditions, I wouldn't change it for anything," he gazed at her with fondness.
He dropped a light kiss on her forehead. He could hear the sharp intake of breath from Karma, and a light hissing sound from Mrs Huang.
Karma clutched her necklace with a dazed look on her face. She glanced at Alphonse warily.
The Jade was probably reacting to his presence.
"You look really better than the last time I saw you." Ethan noticed, his eyes leering at her exposed cleavage.
A small glance at Alphonse, his throat bobbed and he politely averted his gaze.
"Karma, you should visit sometime. And bring this lovely gentleman with you." Mrs Huang looked like she wanted anything but.
"Not sure that'll be possible. We're quite busy you see," Karma said with more vehemence than necessary.
Alphonse grabbed Karma's hand in his startling her into silence, her vivid blue eyes darkened and her breath hitched.
"We'll visit soon mother-in-law . Don't worry." He assured affably.
The tea had been long gone, with lapses in the conversations that he didn't care about. His mind was fixated on the perfect opportunity that presented itself and how well he was going to utilize the opportunity.
"We should get going now. Karma, next week is the first fitting. I'll text you the address," Seraphina told Karma, who nodded diligently.
Alphonse stared longingly at the Ruby, his train of thought making pit stops and pick ups.
The ticket to his temporary freedom was much within his reach and yet so far away.
"We should probably get going too." Karma told her father.
He gave a noncommittal grunt.
The elderly aunties were all retiring, and only Aunt Emily was dozing off on the couch.
Veronica was jamming her keyboard rapidly, her fingers taking life of their own.
Such was the life of a part-time writer.
Alphonse stood up and held out the crook of his arms for Karma. She took it gratefully, they said their goodbyes and were soon on their way.
Immediately they got to the car, Karma's serene calm fell off like rubbery gel and she turned on Alphonse with flashing eyes.
"What was that all about?" she demanded angrily.
She reminded him of a feral cat, nails and claws ready to do damage. Only there was no damage she could possibly do to him.
"What?" He asked innocently.
"Please don't take that tone with me. Because we're married doesn't necessarily make us a real couple. I know there's something you're getting at," she took a deep breath.
"The Ruby and the Jade? What exactly is that?" She fingered the clasp of the necklace and stared hard at him.
Alphonse sighed. Nothing ever escapes her sharp eyes. However, did Seraphina think she was smarter than her? He had no idea.
"My secrets are mine. Just like your secret are yours. I didn't ask for this marriage, but it has happened. And you're sorely mistaken if you think i wouldn't get my time worth." His voice was once again cold and commanding.
His green eyes were like frozen winter.
Karma swallowed audibly. Did she really want to anger this demon?
She has no choice.
"It's all good to be as manipulative as you please. Just keep in mind, whatever end you're doing this for, it had better not stand in my way. I will carve a path out of you." She said vehemently.
Her fingers trembled, and her heart pounded so loud inside her ears. She could hear the blood rushing in her veins.
But she had said it. She stood up to him! She wanted to weep and pat herself on the back.
"Since our goals don't align, let's agree to stay out of each other's way. Unless of course, you want to br difficult." Alphonse said in a low voice.
Karma slanted him a baleful look. How was he so unruffled?
"As long as you
present your help if needed." Her voice was small and sheepish.
Alphonse said nothing in reply.
You'll help me dear husband, whether you wish it or not, she thought grimly.