Chapter 3 The Code Of Conduct

Ethan's gaze lingered on Scarlett's hands cradling a bowl of simple seafood noodles, adorned with a fried egg and several succulent shrimps. The fresh, plump shrimps nestled against the soft, white noodles created an enticing sight.

Surely, they had to be a culinary delight.

Caught off guard by his direct stare, Scarlett paused, her words hanging in the air as she hesitantly extended the bowl towards him. "Would you care to try this?"

"Why not?"

Scarlett had anticipated a polite refusal, yet she found herself taken aback by his acceptance.

As Ethan began to savor the noodles, he noticed something. "Aren't you going to have any?"

Scarlett had intended to indulge in the noodles herself, only to find them taken away by her unexpected guest.

"I wasn't aware you hadn't eaten dinner. I made only one serving, but don't worry, I can whip up some more."

"Very well," Ethan replied, continuing to enjoy the noodles.

Scarlett couldn't help but be surprised by his response.

At that moment, she realized she would struggle to keep pace with her husband.

Initially perceived as aloof, Ethan surprised her by honoring his word and displaying impeccable manners.

She had pegged him as a gentleman, but his straightforward demeanor left her gritting her teeth in frustration.

Shaking her head, Scarlett retreated to the kitchen to prepare herself another dinner.

Behind her, Ethan looked at her angry back, his eyes darkening.

Moments later, Scarlett emerged with a fresh bowl of noodles, only to find Ethan had already finished his serving. And not a drop of broth remained.

Reluctantly, Ethan admitted that Scarlett's noodles were indeed delicious.

With their simplicity and seafood charm, they had captivated his palate.

"Have you had enough? If not, there's more in the kitchen." Scarlett had purposely cooked extra.

"Refrain from indulging before bedtime," Ethan cautioned as he rose, carrying his bowl to the kitchen.

Scarlett assumed he intended to deposit the bowl in the sink, only to be surprised when he returned with a heaping portion of noodles, taking a seat opposite her.

She was left dumbfounded. What was the meaning of this?

How could he caution against overeating while continuing to do so himself?

To her surprise, he reminded her, "Eat at your own pace. No one will deprive you of your food!"

Speechless, Scarlett found herself at a loss.

How the hell could he say that?

The air grew heavy with silence, punctuated only by the sounds of chewing and swallowing.

Quietly, Scarlett stole a glance at Ethan, observing his elegant demeanor as he savored his meal.

Since his return, he had shed his black overcoat, leaving a light-colored sweater and black trousers. His chiseled features exuded an air of refined elegance, but his eyes harbored a piercing intensity when focused.

With his own apartment and car, albeit modest, his striking appearance compensated for any shortcomings.

But he was unattached.

At that moment, Scarlett found herself intrigued by her enigmatic husband.

She ventured, "Mr. Dixon... No, Ethan, what do you do for a living? And your parents? Shouldn't they be informed of our marriage?"

She had breached the barrier.

Ethan fixed her with a cold stare.

His gaze, sharper than before, left Scarlett feeling uneasy.

She even started to wonder whether she had overstepped by asking him those questions.

Flustered, she recoiled. "If you'd rather not answer, I understand."

She believed that, as a married couple, they ought to acquaint themselves with each other's basic details.

But Ethan looked like he was unwilling.

"There's nothing I cannot disclose." Ethan's gaze lowered as he spoke. "I work in the marketing department of Cosmos Group. My mother passed away when I was young. And my father... He is deceased as well. I have my grandmother, though I prefer to keep my marital status concealed from her for now."

Scarlett failed to discern the subtle shift in Ethan's demeanor as he mentioned his parents. Lost in guilt, she regretted prying into his past.

She hadn't imagined his background could be far more tragic than hers.

Though she was orphaned and deprived of familial joy, Ethan had endured even greater sorrow since he lost both parents after having them around.

"I'm sorry, I had no idea..." she apologized.

But Ethan seemed unaffected, finishing his noodles and elegantly dabbing his lips with a tissue.

"Now, I must clarify a few matters."

His cold demeanor pricked at Scarlett's conscience, making her uncomfortable.

However, she instantly calmed down as she had said something that had previously upset him.

"Proceed." Scarlett set down her fork, feigning interest.

"Firstly, I propose we keep our marriage clandestine for the time being. While I shall fulfill my obligations as your husband, I prefer minimal interference in my affairs."

He wasn't done yet. "Secondly, our marital relationship shall not extend to intimacy. I trust you comprehend. However, as a man, I don't want to be cuckolded. Do you understand?"

He was no libertine, nor did he entertain desires for a stranger with unknown intentions.

Still, as a man, he was averse to being betrayed.

Scarlett grasped his intentions and nodded. Her earnest gaze met his. "And the third?"

Ethan's brow furrowed at her unchanged demeanor.

"Thirdly, should you have any requests, within reason, I shall endeavor to accommodate them."

As a man of influence, Ethan understood the art of control.

After proposing two stringent conditions, he wielded his greatest leverage to secure her compliance. It was a test for her.

Yet, Scarlett remained unruffled, her demeanor suggesting acquiescence.

"The first two stipulations align with my sentiments. I concur. Given our lack of familiarity, it is prudent to maintain such boundaries. We've only met twice at most... No, three times! It's in our best interests." She smiled, relieved.

Pausing, she added, "As for any requests, I have none. However, if I may impose, would you accompany me to meet someone tomorrow?"

Previously, when Ethan noticed she seemed to have a clear line from him, he wondered whether he had overthought it.

But his initial thawed countenance reverted to its former chill when he heard her last sentence.

It seemed that she was more astute than he had presumed.

She feigned having no requirements. If he wasn't on guard, he could easily be deceived.

Feigning indifference, Ethan replied, "Regrettably, I have a prior engagement with a crucial client tomorrow."

Disappointment flickered across Scarlett's features.

Nevertheless, she remained composed. "That's alright. We shall revisit the matter later."

She could only bring him to meet her grandmother some other time.