Beyond The Gaze: A Love Unseen

Chapter 66

My confused gaze instinctively shifted to Ares' calm expression, studying him carefully.

No one could possibly open a bank account under my name and deposit one million pounds into it without my consent or signature, unless it's... him.

"I received messages from a bank stating I opened a bank account, and just now, someone deposited one million pounds into it. Do you have anything to say?" I inquired, my unwavering gaze fixed on him.

I noticed Ares heaved a subtle sigh before he straightened up from leaning against the doorframe, slipping his hands into his pants pockets. He silently watched me for a few moments before releasing a breath and nodding his head. "...I did."

"Why would you do that?" I stated defensively, narrowing my eyes slightly as I continued to scrutinize him. "I have my own money; I don't need yours." My voice came out sharper than intended.

Ares' hands slipped out of his pockets as he ran his fingers through his hair. I followed his movements as he stepped towards me, closing the distance until he was standing right in front of me.

I tilted my head back, maintaining my sharp gaze on him. His demeanor remained calm as always, expressions unreadable, looking deep into my eyes.

"I know," he said, his tone soft, as if he was addressing a child. I glanced down momentarily as he held my shoulders, pulling me closer, causing my breath to hitch. "I know you have your money and that you don't need mine, but you are my wife, Elysia. It's my basic duty to fulfill your financial, emotional, and physical needs as your husband," he stated quietly, moving his hand up to caress my hair.

My eyes lowered, heart drumming against my chest and head drooped as he spoke. "Providing my wife with money is my basic right as a husband. Can you please not take that away from me?" He requested, causing me to lower my head even further.

I had never considered this before until now. Being labeled as poor, unworthy, or cursed many times in the past had made me sensitive about my financial status and money. No matter how many times I tried to let go of the past, it isn't that easy.

"I...I'm not... used to taking someone else's money," I reasoned quietly. "I've never...asked for money from anyone before," I explained, feeling awkward expressing it like this, especially in front of Ares.

"I'm not letting you ask for money from me either, sweetheart. I'll make sure your account is always full without you ever needing to ask for it," Ares replied, his fingers brushing my jaw, tilting my chin up to look at him again. My amber eyes met his soft yet intense light brown eyes, my skin tingling wherever he touched. "And, I'm not just someone, I'm your husband," he added firmly, his words causing my heart to skip a beat.

"But...I have money, and I get a salary too," I stated softly, stuttering slightly, our close proximity affecting my thoughts. "I mean, you—"

"Save it," Ares interjected lightly, a small smile appearing on his face. "Keep your money; save it or do whatever you want with it. Your money is yours, and my money is also yours," he assured me. I subconsciously gulped, blinking and averting my gaze from his intense stare when he lowered his head, nearing my ear, and whispered, "Just like I'm yours..."

Just like I'm yours....

My eyes closed for a moment, overwhelmed by the intensity and firmness of his tone. His words echoed in my head repeatedly, causing my heart to race as if it might burst from my chest at any moment. My stomach churned with nervous anticipation, and my cheeks burned.

When I opened my eyes, I found Ares gazing down at me intensely, his face mere inches from mine. "T-t-this is the o-office. W-what are you saying?" I blurted out, my words stumbling over each other as I stammered uncontrollably. My gaze flickered to his lips for a brief moment before darting away, looking anywhere but him, unable to meet his intense stare.