Bondage and Marriage - 40

“I didn’t know your birthday was in three days.”

After ending yet another typical call with Tanner, Noah muttered to himself. Although married to Ian, Noah didn’t like him. And when he didn’t like someone, he simply didn’t care about them. That’s why he had completely forgotten that Ian’s birthday was just three days away. If he had missed it, it would’ve been a bit problematic. After all, as much as he disliked it, Noah was a married man, and certain duties came with that.

His father had suggested that they come to the estate to celebrate Ian’s birthday with a party. But the idea of Ian agreeing to accompany him to such a gathering seemed utterly impossible. Ian, who was tormenting Noah in hopes of getting a divorce, attending a family gathering to celebrate his own birthday? That was a ridiculous notion. While his father had seemed quite hopeful earlier, Noah figured he’d just have to visit him separately another time.

Still, it was Ian’s birthday, so Noah thought he should at least get him something. The problem was, he had no idea what Ian liked. And it wasn’t as if he had anyone to ask for help… Hayden would’ve been useful for something like this. Come to think of it, Hayden had been on an exceptionally long vacation. It seemed like he was taking this chance to fully rest.

Feeling comfortably full after lunch and pleasantly drowsy, Noah decided to put thoughts about Ian’s birthday aside for now and take a nap. After a sound sleep, he spent the afternoon lounging leisurely. When dinner rolled around, Noah went to the dining room with high expectations and found it, as usual, filled with delicious-looking dishes. His eyes sparkled as he waited, and soon Ian strolled into the dining room.

Though they often skipped breakfast or lunch together, they frequently shared dinner. However, in all their shared meals, there hadn’t been a single warm or friendly conversation. Well, if conversation meant anything, it was mostly Ian delivering snarky or inappropriate remarks. Tonight was no different. The two of them ate in silence, savoring the chef’s hard work. While Noah was chewing on a crispy, fresh salad, a thought struck him—it was about Ian’s birthday party, a matter he had completely forgotten during his nap. Knowing Ian would refuse, Noah decided to broach the topic anyway, just for the sake of courtesy.

“Um, Ian. There’s something I’d like to talk to you about…”

Ian, who had been eating quietly, raised an eyebrow and glanced at Noah. He didn’t say a word, but the idea of Ian responding warmly was scarier than his silence, so Noah continued speaking without hesitation.

“Do you happen to have time on your birthday?”

At the mention of “birthday,” Ian furrowed his brow and turned to Noah. He looked genuinely surprised that Noah had brought up his birthday.

“Why are you asking about my birthday?”

“Well, your birthday is in three days. My father thought it’d be nice to celebrate with a party at the estate. So, if you’re free, I was hoping you could come with me.”

Noah asked cautiously, but Ian’s response was as predictable as ever.

“Why would I do that?”

Feigning a defeated expression, Noah didn’t press Ian further. Instead, he returned to his salad, its sweet and tangy dressing complementing the crispness perfectly. Meanwhile, Ian, who had resumed eating indifferently, seemed to have remembered something. He let out a thoughtful hum and gave Noah an enigmatic look. Caught off guard, Noah stared back, puzzled.

“Well, if you behave yourself, I might consider going.”

“Behave myself? How, exactly?”

That was unexpected. Noah had been certain Ian wouldn’t attend a Frost family gathering, especially one hosted by Tanner. Ian had made his disdain for his father abundantly clear during their first phone conversation. Attending a birthday party hosted by him seemed impossible. Yet here Ian was, making an offer. Gracefully setting his utensils down, Ian proposed:

“It’s my birthday, after all. If, for one day, you do everything I say, I’ll go with you.”

Noah swallowed nervously. Do everything Ian said, and he’d agree to come? He didn’t even need Ian to attend to do that! If it meant solving the birthday party problem and spending an interesting day together, it was a win-win. It felt like his birthday, not Ian’s. Though the thought made him happy, Noah kept a neutral expression. He deliberately hesitated, prompting Ian to look unimpressed.

“If you don’t want to, forget it. It doesn’t make much difference to me either way.”

Ian’s indifference was a subtle pressure. Whether Noah agreed or not, Ian implied he’d torment him all the same. Given that, wasn’t it better to endure a little more and have Ian attend the party? Noah nodded, deciding it was worth the challenge, but not before putting on a slightly nervous face.

“F-Fine. I’ll do it. Just for one day, right?”

“Well, fine.”

Ian answered, acting as though he was the most generous person in the world. Just imagining how Ian might torment him this time made Noah feel oddly thrilled. He didn’t consider himself particularly imaginative, so every time Ian found a new way to make his life difficult, Noah couldn’t help but feel a strange sense of admiration. Now, with the condition of “doing as told” added, his anticipation only grew.

“Um, then… when should I start…?”

“Not today… Ah, the day before my birthday sounds good.”

The day before his birthday… It might be a little tiring, especially with the party the next day, but it wasn’t a big deal. After finishing his meal, Ian disappeared up to the third floor, leaving Noah to try his best not to show how excited he was as he headed back to his room. He decided to call his father and let him know they would attend, but as he picked up his phone, Noah noticed a message from William. It was an invitation to meet up sometime soon.

“Noah.”

“It’s been a while, Will.”

Entering the café, Noah followed the server to the table where William was seated. Lost in thought with his eyes downcast, William looked up when he noticed Noah, stood, and greeted him with a light hug, giving him a few firm pats on the back that were almost painful. Afterward, William returned to his seat, and Noah sat across from him, expressing his delight at the reunion.

As the eldest brother, William was quite similar to Tanner in many ways and lacked a warm personality. However, unlike Tanner’s sometimes incomprehensible stubbornness, William was understanding and forgiving. Tanner’s inflexibility seemed to have been inherited by Benjamin, and when the two of them clashed, it created at least a month of chaos for the entire family.

“So, I hear you’re attending a gathering with Ian Miller this weekend?”

“Oh, yeah. Turns out our schedules worked out.”

Answering absentmindedly, Noah’s eyes lit up at the sight of the sweet desserts being served. This café, owned by the Frost family, was one of Tanner’s creations, established near Noah’s university specifically to cater to his love of sweets. Over time, it gained popularity and expanded into a chain.

William silently watched as Noah happily dug into his parfait. Being accustomed to William’s quiet demeanor, Noah thought nothing of it and focused on his dessert. It was when he was balancing the sweetness of his rich opera cake—a layered coffee buttercream and ganache dessert—with a sip of coffee that William abruptly spoke up.

“So, when are you planning to divorce Ian Miller?”

The suddenness of the question made Noah cough softly. It was a relief he hadn’t choked and spewed anything, but the shock was no less intense. After swallowing what was in his mouth, it took Noah quite a while to find his words.

“D-di… divorce?”

“Exactly. These days, divorce isn’t seen as such a big deal. Since it was a forced marriage because of Father, I’m sure he’d understand.”

Uh… what? Noah was baffled, unable to understand why William was suddenly bringing this up. Had he been caught doing something inappropriate back at the mansion? He’d always made sure to pretend everything was fine between him and Ian in front of the family. Did William overhear something? Stammering, Noah asked cautiously.

“Uh… why are you suddenly bringing up divorce?”

“I’m saying this because it doesn’t seem like you and Ian Miller are doing well together.”

Noah’s eyes darted around nervously. While it was true that his relationship with Ian was far from affectionate, he was confident he hadn’t let anyone catch on. Ian also made an effort to at least appear considerate in front of others, didn’t he? As Noah hesitated, biting his lip, William clicked his tongue softly.

“It’s all written on your face, Noah.”

“What… is?”

“Well, for one, people in happy marriages don’t react like that to divorce being mentioned.”

Hmm… That’s true. Even Noah had to admit his reaction earlier had been oddly nonchalant. Maybe it was because he was pretending all along? That could explain why he felt exposed. William had always been annoyingly perceptive, but this was on another level.

“Besides hearing some very credible rumors, the fact that you’re not denying anything makes it even more obvious.”

“Rumors? What rumors?”

Frowning, Noah couldn’t quite grasp what William meant. Sure, William’s Alpha pheromones were stronger today than usual, but they weren’t overpowering. Noah looked at him curiously, but William didn’t elaborate.

“Anyway, if you’re considering divorce, don’t get too emotionally involved with Ian Miller. Keep your distance, emotionally speaking. You understand what I mean, right?”

“Yeah…”

Feeling guilty, Noah fidgeted under William’s stern gaze. Looking back, he had to admit he’d taken the idea of marriage too lightly, all for the sake of quick gratification. Agreeing obediently, Noah saw William relax slightly as he changed the subject. They made small talk for a while, but William eventually left for an urgent matter, leaving Noah alone with his thoughts.

Although Noah had promised William, he wasn’t actually worried about Ian. Despite having never been in a proper relationship before, Noah knew Ian’s actions had nothing to do with affection. He’d seen countless loving couples during his time at clubs, and Ian’s behavior was far from that.

Still feeling a bit uneasy, Noah left the café. As he strolled along the street, he noticed a luxury tailor shop and stopped in his tracks. Ian was undeniably annoying and unpleasant, but Noah was technically using him too… and it was his birthday, after all. Wanting to settle his nerves, Noah entered the shop.

Greeted by the courteous staff, Noah picked out an elegant pair of cufflinks. They were a safe and practical gift for someone who often wore suits. Of course, Ian might dismiss them as cheap junk without a second glance, like last time, but Noah chose something of good quality just in case. After all, it was a birthday present, so it had to be given on the day.

Feeling unexpectedly satisfied as he held the small paper bag with the neatly wrapped cufflinks, Noah decided to put William’s advice to the back of his mind—for now.