Chapter 3. Alana’s Existence

"Hey, wake up, Sleeping Beauty." Alana could hear someone trying to wake her up, but the drowsiness urged her to keep her eyes closed, ignoring the sounds she heard.

"In the count of three, if you don't wake up, I'll splash you until you're soaking wet." Again, Alana ignored the voice. And in a few seconds...

"Aaaaaa...!!!" Alana's scream echoed throughout the room. Alana quickly sat up and wiped her face, which was now completely wet.

"What are you doing?"

"Waking you up, what else," Leo casually answered, making Alana shift her gaze to the clock on the nightstand, then back at Leo.

"You poured water on me and woke me up in the middle of the night?"

"So, what if I did?"

"If you need something, at least wake me up gently, like giving a kiss on my forehead or stroking my hair."

"Are you still dreaming? Your talk is nonsense. Quickly get up and get out of my bed," Leo said, making Alana look at him with a question mark.

"Why? What's wrong?"

"I've been tortured enough sleeping in the same bed with you for this week. Tonight and onwards, I want to sleep soundly. So, get out quickly," Leo explained, making Alana grumble in disagreement.

"What's wrong with my presence? You're exaggerating. Every morning when I wake up, I see you sleep very soundly. Even if there's an earthquake, I'm sure you won't wake up."

"Of course, because I can only sleep after midnight due to your sleeping style. So, get out!"

"Why do you have a problem with my sleeping style?" Alana continued to ask, unwilling to back down.

"You always hug me tightly, and your legs never stay still. Do you think I'm your pillow?" Leo, irritated, explained, though not everything. It's not just that which prevents Leo from sleeping.

He doesn't want to keep looking at Alana's face while she's asleep. He doesn't want to give his heart even a tiny crack for Alana because, to Leo, Alana and his stepmother are the same. He just wants Alana to die quickly and inherit all the wealth left by his father.

"It's normal; I'm sure every wife in the world hugs her husband like that while sleeping," Alana said.

"Yes, but they will sleep gracefully next to their husbands, not like you who snores loudly," Leo quickly replied, making Alana startled and laugh, surprising Leo.

"Hahaha, what are you saying? I snore? That's impossible; I can't be like that."

"How do you know you're snoring when you're asleep?"

"Anyway, I don't want to move. I'll keep sleeping next to you," Alana answered, then turned around, facing away from Leo, and went back to sleep, while Leo tousled his hair in frustration. It turns out the woman who officially became his wife a week ago is not only wild but also very stubborn. Leo slightly regrets accepting this marriage.

Finally, whether he likes it or not, Leo gives in and struggles to move his own body onto the bed. Alana immediately turned around when she felt movement next to her. Alana saw Leo beside her with sweat dampening his temples. Alana knew Leo must have struggled to move his own body onto the bed.

"Why don't you ask for my help?"

"I can do it by myself."

"At least, I can help by holding your hand," Alana whispered because Leo had never asked for her help unless Alana insisted persistently.

"Look, you're sweating," Alana said, wiping away the sweat on Leo's temples, making Leo quickly push away Alana's hand.

"Don't touch me randomly."

"I'm just wiping away your sweat. What's wrong? You won't die just because of my touch."

"Yes, I know because it's still early. I already know your wicked plans with that sorceress. After our marriage has been a few months, I'm sure you'll start plotting my murder," accused Leo, making Alana sigh heavily.

"It's up to you. Are you into watching thriller movies now? I suggest starting to reduce watching things like that. It affects your brain."

"Did you just lecture me?"

"No, forget it. I'm still very sleepy, so let's end the debate for tonight," Alana surrendered because this time her eyes were really heavy.

"Fin..."

"Yes, okay, good night, my husband."

Alana then kissed Leo's cheek and went back to sleep with her back turned to her husband. Meanwhile, Leo, once again, fell victim to Alana. Leo has lost count of how many times Alana easily stopped his heartbeat. Leo is sure Alana doesn't need poison or sharp objects to slowly kill him. With her carefree attitude, Leo has felt his heart almost stop several times.

"Are you okay?" Pedro asked, looking at his boss intently.

"What's wrong with me?" Leo replied, still focusing on the laptop in front of him.

"Is your insomnia acting up again?" Pedro asked.

When alone, Pedro and Leo often chatted casually like close friends, but Pedro would turn into a submissive subordinate in front of others.

"No, but someone really makes it impossible for me to sleep."

"Is it your wife you're talking about?"

"Yes, who else. I want her to stay away from me tonight. I want to sleep soundly, Pedro," Leo said with a tired look in his eyes.

"Is her performance in bed so great that you can't match it?" Pedro guessed, immediately receiving a pen thrown at him by Leo.

"Watch your words. I don't even want to touch her, so I don't care about her Leong-Leong in my room today either!" Leo ordered firmly.

"Haven't we tried that method several times but failed? She'll come back to sleep in your room."

"In that case, make sure she doesn't get a duplicate key to my room. I'll lock myself in the room after coming home from the office."

"Ah, we've tried that method too," Pedro replied, trying to remember the methods they used to keep Alana away from Leo, but the results were always the same, and it made Leo frustrated.

"Ck, you can even conquer our competitor company, but you're defeated by a woman like Alana. I really question the effectiveness of your performance this time, Pedro," Leo said with a mocking tone, making Pedro grumble.

"It's your wife who is too slippery to handle, so don't blame my performance. Moreover, during this week, I've been observing her, and she hasn't shown any signs of danger at all. She's really learning how to be a good wife for you. Even from the reports of several cooks, she's willing to spend a long time in the kitchen just to make your favorite food."

"Ck, ck, ck. Now, even Pedro, the untrickable secretary, has started to be fooled by that snake-like woman, and I won't let myself be fooled by her like you, Pedro. I'll make sure her disguise and that sorceress are exposed. Just wait and see," Leo said, convincing himself.

"Well, it's up to you. I'll just keep an eye on her. If anything suspicious happens, I'll report it to you."