TRIANA could not complain when Devance guided her into his room late at night. She was too tired to argue with him. She might even lose consciousness anytime now because she was bone-weary.“I can sleep in my room.” Triana harshly sighed as she studied his room—it was minimalistic, with a black and white interior. A 3D world map was hung on top of the cream leather couch. “Are you crazy? We’re married now. You know we can’t sleep in a different room in this house, especially now that my entire clan is here. What would they think if we slept in a separate bed?”“I get your point. But I can’t share a room with you.”“You have to endure more, sweetheart,” he teased. “Dev, I’m exhausted. I want to rest.” She went to bed and sat in silence, surprised at how smooth it was. She assumed it was probably a waterbed.“Go ahead. I’ll sleep on the couch. I’ll just change. You can use the bathroom.” He pointed in the direction from the right side, “by the way. All your belongings are in this room

TRIANA and Devance went back home around seven o’clock. The night escape of Kathmandu and Bhaktapur was enchanting. There were so many colorful lights blinking around the city. It was almost mid-October, and most people were preparing for the Festival of Lights. “I guess our families will be back here in the next two weeks to celebrate the Tihar. It’s a five-day Hindu Festival,” Devance informed her while walking in the helipad and going inside.“Yeah, the Festival of Lights.” Triana nodded. She knew that the Chaudharys celebrated a lot of festivals because of their culture, and she found it amusing.“Come, dinner must be ready.” They sauntered to the dining room, and Xavier was there.“Where is Dexa?” Devance asked his brother-in-law.“She flew to India earlier to attend a bridal shower. She’ll be back after two days,” Xavier answered while putting some Chhoila on his plate. It was spiced grilled buffalo meat.Devance was surprised. “Whoa, and she didn’t let you join?”“She said it

TRIANA found that Dexa and Xavier were not in the house the next day. Devance informed her beforehand, and she was glad. She’d have her peace of mind.She freshened up quickly. Triana thought it was just a nightmare. She was thankful that Devance never left her side. She was so scared last night, thinking Xavier might be back to force her again.“Are you ready?” Devance asked when he entered the room. And as usual, he had just come from the swimming pool with a white towel covering his lower body.“I’ll have my tea.” She tried to smile and avert her gaze to his torso. “Thanks, about last night.”“Oh, don’t mention it. Let’s catch the flight at nine.” “A-about that, I think I changed my mind.” She hesitated to tell him the reason.“But why?” His forehead creased. Triana knew he was just anxious about her condition. That was why he suddenly decided to return to the Philippines.She cleared her throat. “Caleb called a few minutes ago, and he confirmed his flight going to Bhutan a day af

AT DINNERTIME, Devance and Austin ate together with the three women they met at the tour in the Tiger’s Nest earlier. They learned that the girls were from Australia. It appeared they were getting itchy to warm their beds in private.“Aren’t you going to do something to disturb the couple again?” Austin suddenly asked while they were eating. He only started talking when the women excused themselves to retouch their make-up in the ladies’ room.Devance only shrugged. “Nope, I was just making fun earlier. I want to respect their privacy as long as Tri is happy. She deserves it.”“I see,” Austin nodded. “A lot of things happen when you’re away, Austin. I almost killed a man.” Devance suddenly remembered the night when Xavier forced Triana. And no words could appease his anger until now.Austin’s face beamed with interest. He hadn’t told him yet about the incident.“Why, what happened?” Austin sounded concerned. “Xavier, that bastard, came to Triana’s room in the middle of the night….”

DEXA angrily entered her room and shoved a few crystal vases with fresh red roses on the bedside table. Everything broke, and yet it was not enough. She even kicked a large ceramic vase in her collection. It was her favorite, and too late for her to regret despite realizing her hardship of acquiring it from China, and it was recorded from the Qing Dynasty. The intricate pottery was shattered into pieces.“Damn you, bitch!” She was so mad at Triana and disappointed in her father, especially with Devance. She couldn’t believe they’d joined forces to humiliate her.“Liars!” Dexa was enraged. She knew Xavier was not perfect, but she was sure he loved her and would never do such an odious thing to Triana. He promised to start a new life with her before they married two years ago. He even swore that he’d change for the better only for her. And she believed him.She scurried to the walk-in closet. It was full of her luxury collections of bags and shoes. But she only got her few favorites and