Married a Secret Billionaire

Chapter 20

Before Cordelia could reject the suggestion, she was pulled out of the house by Marcus. She was silent the whole journey, as she quickly thought about what they could afford to eat on her minuscule salary.

She sneaked a peek at Marcus. The man had been broke and impoverished, so he probably had no idea about Jangasas’ hotels and restaurants.

Given his budget standard, she might be able to satisfy him with some street food. Some stalls provided limitless staples too, so he would definitely be full.

Cordelia smiled with her head lowered.

She had been frugal since they had gotten married, picking cheap groceries whenever she shopped. Despite that, she had once heard an old servant of the Jenners say that young married couples feared nothing but the disappearance of passion. It would be helpful to romance each other occasionally.

In that case… she thought they could be carefree for once today, so she would buy him a meal outside.

When Cordelia looked up again, though, she realized that she had come to the busiest street and stopped right in front of Regalia Hotel with Marcus.

“We’ll eat here.” The man sounded as nonchalant as though he had just picked a cabbage at the market.

“What did you say?” Cordelia gasped.

“I said, we’ll eat here.” Marcus chortled with a squint. “I think it looks decent.”

Cordelia could not help feeling her breath catch in her throat as she instinctively clutched her purse. This was the most expensive five-star hotel in Jangasas, and she had never even looked at it once whenever she passed by. Her pathetic salary would hardly pay for an appetizer if they were to eat there! Copyright Nôv/el/Dra/ma.Org.

Marcus tugged her inside, where servers bowed to them politely from both sides. The manager came over to welcome them, smiling professionally. “Welcome.”

“Marcus!” Cordelia yanked on the man’s arm.

“What’s the matter?”

“We…”

‘We don’t have enough money.’

‘Let’s eat somewhere cheaper.’

‘People like us can’t afford to eat here.’

When these words reached the tip of Cordelia’s tongue, she swallowed them back down. She looked at Marcus’ anticipating expression and recalled that he had given her all his valuable family heirlooms.

How could she be stingy to her husband when he did not consider her an outsider?

Cordelia made up her mind and plastered on a smile. “Let’s go in.”

Marcus was startled. Her answer had completely exceeded his expectations. “We’re really going in?”

“Of course!” Cordelia grinned in delight and stayed close to him, acting as though she was snuggling up to him. “Since you like this place, we’ll eat here. It’s just a meal. Don’t worry, your wife can still feed you!”

Marcus blinked. He had intentionally chosen this place, knowing that Cordelia did not have a high salary and expecting her to placate him with various excuses. She might even buy some cheap groceries and suggest that they go home for dinner in the end.

He had just wanted to tease her and force her into confessing that she was not Yelena but a substitute. However, he suddenly felt that his prank had gone too far.

“Why don’t we—” Before he could finish, Cordelia dragged him in. They got a window seat, so they got to see the night view.

Cordelia ordered two dishes, not very expensive ones, but that was all she could afford. She made it clear to their server that they only wanted small portions, just enough for Marcus to be full.

“Why aren’t you eating?” He looked her in the eye.

Cordelia smiled, her gaze evasive. “I’m not very hungry. I don’t have much of an appetite.”

“But you complained about me not making food at home.”

Cordelia went silent, her clear gaze obviously looking troubled.

Marcus put his cutlery down. His deep eyes seemed able to see through her. After a momentary pause, he said, “It’s been some time since we got married. Don’t you have anything to tell me?”