Chapter 40: Unspoken Vows
[Sky High Villa.]
"Wow." Juliana muttered under her breath, staring at the huge sitting room, which was no different from a hall. The sheer scale of the estate was overwhelming; floor-to-ceiling windows offered a breathtaking, unobstructed view of Silverspire, casting a warm, golden afternoon light across the pristine marble floors.
Asher nodded in approval, staring at the luxurious chairs, wall designs, and decorations. Every single piece of furniture looked like a priceless artifact, perfectly curated to project absolute wealth and untouchable status.
"Not bad." He said, and turned his head to the documents before him, completely unfazed by the five-hundred-billion-dollar price tag.
"Mr. Asher, you just need to sign down here, and it will all be legally yours." Andrew said with a smile, sitting respectfully with a gold-plated pen ready.
Asher nodded, picked up the pen, then paused: ’What if I give her the Villa and get a return from the system?’ He thought, staring at Juliana, who was busy moving around, checking the flowers. She looked so innocent right now, gently tracing the petals with a soft, peaceful expression he rarely saw.
’No, I shouldn’t be too greedy, and I should also not make her feel uncomfortable... That will be bad.’ He looked down at the documents, and with Andrew’s pointers, he signed in all the right places, officially placing the crown jewel of Silverspire real estate into his own name.
"That’s it for today... Oh, and Mr. Asher, about the house again. There are 20 bedroom suites, each with private bathrooms and dressing rooms. For Entertainment: there are Commercial-grade home theaters, indoor bowling alleys, a game room, massive indoor and rooftop pools, and full-size fitness centers/spas, and garden. About Garages: there are Subterranean auto galleries, and multi-car motor courts built to store 10 to 20+ vehicles." He smiled, and continued, practically reciting a billionaire’s fantasy checklist:
"There are also Staff Areas: Dedicated separate commercial kitchens, security command rooms, and staff dormitories. Including elevators, massage room, personal power supply, with Backup generators which operates with remote control. Remotes are in the main Master’s bedroom... Everything is fully furnished."
Asher slowly nodded his head: ’I have to admit, this Villa is huge... Can three people stay here?’ He thought, staring at Juliana, then asked, realizing they would easily get lost in this massive fortress:
"Can you prepare some maids, and security for me? I don’t need chefs." He said. Cooking was one of the few normalcies he still wanted to control for his family.
"Maids can be arranged with a call, as for security, do you need awakened or ordinary people?" He asked, naturally assuming a man of Asher’s new standing would require a small army of Awakened mercenaries.
Asher thought for a second, weighing the profound risks of bringing superpowered strangers into a house with three deeply traumatized women, and opened his mouth: "Ordinary people."
"Alright!" Andrew answered; although he was confused, he didn’t dare ask.
’Why ordinary people? Such a place will need awakened as security.’ He thought, but sighed, knowing better than to question the eccentricities of the ultra-rich:
"I will take my leave."
Asher nodded, staring as Andrew walked towards the exit, his footsteps echoing faintly in the massive hall.
’I picked ordinary people because my wives aren’t in any shape to fight an Awakened... Juliana is scared of throwing even a punch, only if her other side is present. Kelly will simply ignore them. But Sara can still defend against ordinary people.’ He slowly nodded his head, satisfied with his decision. It was easier to manage ordinary humans; a rogue Awakened guard could cause irreparable tragedy before Asher could even react.
"Husband, I want to see the rooms." Juliana said, gesturing to the stairs, her eyes sparkling with a rare, untainted curiosity.
"Alright, let’s go."
The two started exploring, checking every single place Andrew mentioned, and after some while, they got to the Master’s bedroom. The double doors opened to reveal a space larger than most standard houses, complete with a private balcony and a roaring, glass-encased fireplace.
"This should be your room!" Juliana walked inside the huge room, a smile on her face, staring at the bed which could contain even five people; the bed frame was decorated, even the curtains were fancy. It was a bed fit for an emperor.
She moved towards the bed, checking the softness, and smiled: "Yup, it’s perfect." She added, and turned around only to bump her head on Asher’s chest; the sudden collision sent her backward, and she fell on the bed, staring up at him in surprise.
"Are you okay?" Asher worriedly asked, staring at her in surprise, his hands instinctively reaching out to catch her, terrified he had somehow hurt her fragile frame.
Juliana stared at his worried expression, the genuine panic in his eyes, and giggled lightly: "You don’t have to be so on edge." She said with a smile, finding his hyper-vigilance both amusing and deeply endearing.
Asher exhaled softly, the tension bleeding out of his shoulders, sitting down beside her: "I can’t help it... You guys are the only ones I consider family, I must protect each of you." He confessed, laying his true feelings bare. In a world of monsters and manipulative nobles, they were his only anchor.
Juliana paused, and sat up, staring at his side profile, noticing the subtle exhaustion hidden behind his unwavering strength: "Truthfully, you have done a lot during these two weeks... You took care of us, and never complained or even yell at any one, this is more than enough, I know Sara and Kelly thinks this way too." She said with a smile, placing her hand on his lap, offering him the comfort he so freely gave them.
Asher stared at her in surprise, then sighed, closing his eyes, a small smile forming on his face: "Thank you, Julia." He said, the simple words carrying the weight of a thousand untold burdens finally being lifted.
SMOOCH
Asher froze, feeling lips on his forehead; he opened his eyes, staring at her in disbelief, she actually gave him a...
"That’s my thanks... Or do you want anything? We didn’t consummate our wedding, if that’s what you want--"
She paused, as Asher placed a finger on her lips, gently but firmly stopping her. He wouldn’t take advantage of her gratitude, nor her vulnerable state of mind.
"I made a promise to myself, I won’t touch any of you, not until I cure each one of my wives." He vowed, his voice absolute. He wanted them whole, capable of making their own choices, free from the shadows of their pasts.
She kissed his finger, touched by his profound respect, and smiled: "Alright then, but about the cure..."
"I know a way, just give me a month." Asher quickly said, his words stunning her in place. The absolute certainty in his voice left no room for doubt.
"You know a way?"
He nodded his head like a lizard, quick and definitive.
"Okay, then what do you think is wrong with me? Am I also sick?"
"...?"
Asher was stunned by the question, staring blankly at her. The air in the room suddenly grew heavy. She was asking with genuine, innocent confusion. The agonizing truth hit him like a physical blow: Juliana’s primary personality had absolutely no idea that her other, ruthless half even existed.