Chapter 60: My Stubborn Husband-to-Be

Chapter 60: Chapter 60: My Stubborn Husband-to-Be

"I’m saying exactly what I mean," Henry replied coldly. "That’s my decision, and it’s final."

"What’s going on with you, Henry?" Elisha asked, his voice filled with disbelief. "Are you even listening to yourself right now?"

Henry let out a sharp breath on the other end. "That’s what I want, Elisha. Will you please just understand?"

"Henry, please. Just tell me honestly," Elisha said, rubbing his temples as a dull headache began to build. "How many married couples have you ever seen living separately after their wedding? Just tell me the truth. If you don’t actually want to marry me, or if you’re not happy about this wedding, then just say it."

"Of course I’m happy, Eli. I just want us to live separately. If you can accept that we should get married, why can’t you accept that we don’t have to live together?" Henry asked defensively, refusing to change his mind.

Elisha fell silent.

He didn’t want to argue anymore. They were going in circles, and he was too tired to keep trying to make Henry understand. After a moment, he took a slow breath.

"I’m going back to work now," Elisha said, his voice flat. "I’ll talk to you later."

There was a brief pause before Henry’s voice softened slightly. "Alright. I love you."

Elisha sighed, the sound trembling softly against the receiver. "I love you too."

Henry didn’t say anything else before ending the call.

Elisha slowly lowered his phone and placed it on the desk before leaning back in his leather chair and staring at the ceiling. He couldn’t bring himself to look at a single spreadsheet or document. His mind was trying to make sense of Henry’s reasoning.

How could Henry say he loved him, agree to marry him, and yet refuse to live with him after the wedding? It made no sense.

Elisha ran a tired hand over his face, trying to calm himself.

"It’s too early to start complaining to the family," he muttered to himself. "This is probably just Henry being stubborn. Once the wedding is over and we’re actually married, he’ll change his mind."

He picked up his pen and forced his attention back to the documents on his desk. He pushed his uneasy thoughts aside and kept working until the end of the day.

When it was time to leave, Elisha picked up his phone and sent Henry a quick message.

Wrapping up for the day, baby. Leaving the office now.

A few minutes later, Henry replied.

Alright, Eli.

Elisha slipped his phone into his pocket and called out, "Sarah." Then he stood up.

A few moments later, Sarah hurried into the office as Elisha stepped out of his office. She quickly picked up his briefcase and followed him outside.

By the time Elisha reached the entrance, Sarah ran to catch up with him, carrying his briefcase. His driver was already waiting beside the car.

The driver opened the back door for Elisha, and he got in. After closing the door, the driver walked around to the other side, slipped into the driver’s seat, and pulled away.

As they made their way through the evening traffic, Elisha couldn’t stop thinking about Henry. He was so lost in his thoughts that he barely noticed when the car finally pulled up in front of his house.

"Sir, we’re here," the driver said.

Elisha snapped out of his thoughts. The driver quickly got out and walked around to open the door for him.

Elisha stepped out and headed inside. His maid greeted him warmly.

"Welcome home, sir."

He only nodded and continued upstairs until he reached his bedroom. Once inside, he sat on the bed, pulled out his phone, and sent Henry a message.

Just got home, pretty. What about you?

It took a few minutes before Henry’s reply finally came through.

Alright. I also got home a few minutes ago.

Elisha frowned slightly.

You didn’t text to let me know you were leaving your office.

Henry’s response came a moment later.

I forgot.

Elisha stared at the screen, a quiet frustration settling in his chest. After a moment, he let it go and typed another message.

Alright, it’s fine. Have you had dinner yet?

Henry replied a moment later.

Yes. What about you? What are you planning to have for dinner?

Elisha glanced toward the door before typing back.

I don’t know what the housekeeper prepared.

Henry replied, "Alright."

Elisha didn’t reply. Instead, he called him directly.

The call connected almost immediately. Elisha headed straight to the bathroom, propping his phone up on the marble counter while he stripped off his tailored suit and unbuttoned his shirt. He stepped under the warm shower, leaving the call connected.

When he finished, he dried off, changed into a comfortable pair of soft cotton pajamas, and walked back into his bedroom, settling onto the bed.

Henry stayed on the line, talking with Elisha about the contract they were both working on until the conversation eventually turned back to their upcoming wedding preparations.

"I already spoke to our designer in Italy earlier this afternoon," Henry said. "He said we need to choose our colors, and he’ll send us some style samples tomorrow. He also said that if we have any specific ideas in mind, we can let him know."

"Do you have any design in mind?" Elisha asked.

"No, Eli. I’m just waiting for him to send the designs tomorrow. I have a lot of suits, so I don’t really have a particular design in mind yet. Once he sends them, I’ll pick the one I like and tell you which one I chose. Then we can decide on it together."

Henry paused before adding, "He already has our measurements, and he said everything will be ready in five days. So, by next weekend, our wedding outfits should be ready."

"Alright, pretty," Elisha replied. "Anything you choose is fine by me. We could even have two outfits each, with different designs. What do you think?"

"That’s fine," Henry agreed. "I was actually thinking the same thing."

"Alright, then," Elisha said, his mood lifting. "Our invitation cards arrive tomorrow, which means our wedding will officially be announced to the world. Are you happy, my Champion husband-to-be?"

Henry smiled on the other end of the line, and Elisha could hear the happiness in his voice. Without hesitation, he switched the call from audio to video.

Henry’s face appeared on the screen almost immediately. He was lying against his pillows, bare-chested and completely relaxed.

"Are you happy?" Elisha asked softly, needing to hear it from him.

Henry nodded slowly. "Yes, I’m happy."

"Good," Elisha murmured, relieved. "Let’s go pick out our rings on Wednesday, okay?"

"Okay, babe," Henry replied.

Elisha’s eyes lit up. He couldn’t resist teasing him after hearing the unexpected pet name.

"Oh? Did you just call me babe?" he teased. "Say it again. Call me your heartbeat."

Henry rolled his eyes. "You better not push your luck."

Elisha laughed, but then his gaze drifted from Henry’s face to his bare chest.

"You’re sleeping without a shirt again, Henry. You’re going to catch a cold."

Henry gave a lazy shrug, "I know. But it feels too restrictive otherwise. I feel completely relaxed sleeping like this."

Elisha watched him for a moment before an idea suddenly came to him.

"Should I come over and cuddle you to sleep instead?"

Henry’s eyes widened slightly, and a genuine smile appeared on his face. "Yes, babe... but it’s late already."

"It’s not late," Elisha replied immediately, sitting up straighter against his headboard. His heart began to beat faster. "If you want me to come, I’ll get dressed, have my driver bring me over, and I’ll be at your door in twenty minutes."

For a moment, Henry looked like he really wanted him to...