His Devious Rule

'Sister-in-law!!?' Anya took a few seconds to digest it. She didn't even speak about it with Alvin and here he was calling her sister-in-law.

Anyway, she was glad Linus wasn't hating her and things were cool between the brothers. She turned to the elder brother who hadn't moved.

With a hand in his pocket, Alvin narrowed his eyes at her when she went closer on the wheels. Hiding her grin, she hummed, extending her hand for him to hold and continue to teach her.

Alvin squinted his eyes at the woman who was teasing him. She didn't once try to say she knew to skate, he assumed she was learning before teaching her son. He lifted his hand but she pulled her hand away and giggled.

"My teacher is so efficient. I learned to skate in 5 minutes." She teased him and continued to giggle looking at his blaming eyes.

As a secret service officer, she was on par with local cops and sometimes soldiers. She might have to chase after a criminal or escape from a dangerous place. Hence she was trained in every circumstance and pressure.

She had learned everything for the first time, from riding a two-wheeler to massive road vehicles. Roller skates were no exception as they never knew when what could be helpful for them. They were also good at riding small boats, ships, trains, and aircraft. But they were only allowed to be pilots in case of emergency during their missions.

With her hands behind her back, she went closer to Alvin and offered in a low whisper, "I can give you a ride on your jet." She just let him know she wasn't a delicate princess who will be served in her place. Even if she falls, she will get up and move.

She swiveled to skate for some time but she gasped when he suddenly held her hand and yanked her into his arms. Her back crashed against his chest, yet he stood unmoved like a wall. Her body stiffened and her face grew hot recalling their kisses.

His left arm wrapped around her and held her right hand. He tugged her hand, spinning her around to face him. In contrast to her thoughts, he mused, noticing her shift her foot and whirl easily, "Why didn't I know Goofball is so talented?"

Anya grumped after hearing him. Either she could be a goofball or talented. How could she be both? She countered, "You are blind."

He seemed to be free but she didn't have any other roller skates. Remembering the bicycle, she tugged him towards the car garage.

Alvin followed her as he started his plan to poach her. Another way to keep her right next to him, "What are you planning about your job?" Or if she was planning for her own business, he was ready to invest.

Anya hadn't decided anything yet. So she poked fun, "Job? I thought to live you off." She waved her hand showing the magnificent mansion standing in the fog, "You have earned so much, let me squander."

Alvin: "…"

That was really enticing but she wasn't the type to sit and idle off. At least not at this age. He snickered, "Let me transfer everything to your name."

Anya wasn't surprised. Yet she face-palmed. Shouldn't he keep all his cards to her hands? Turning around, she slowly skated backward, still holding his hand, "I found a job."

Alvin gave her a questioning look when she stopped speaking. Although he wants her to follow him, he will let her do what she likes. He wasn't going to be like Casper who was dictating Gianna to a specific job, just to maintain the image of Madam Mathews

A confusion flashed on her face, "It's a bit strange to call it a job." Then she started explaining about her work. "My new work needs a lot of attention, sometimes my boss could be unreasonable and childish with his demands. He even tries to get close to me." She let out a loud sigh, "I don't know how I will fulfill them."

By the end of her words, Alvin's face was dark as coal, his jaws clenched. His grip on her hand tightened. He decided to buy the company she was joining or teach her boss a good lesson.

How dare he harasses his wife?

He shot his question, one after the other, "Which Company? Who is your new boss?"

Anya couldn't believe he was getting angry at himself without deciphering it. She grinned, "You!!!"

Alvin: "…"

He was her boss? Now her words didn't seem as offending as before. But will she join his company?

Anya went inside the garage as she added, "Girlfriend post is going to be a bit difficult." She humored.

She hadn't said anything the previous night. She didn't find it suitable to be around him without naming their relationship. Hence she brought it up as soon as she found the chance.

[Author Munchkin: 'Found the chance? Or are you unromantic, Anya Owen?]

Anya fetched the bicycle that was at the corner and came out to see Alvin disgruntled to his bones. He looked like he was going to flip the world.

"Err…" Anya had expected this kind of reaction. But who marries just like that? It wasn't an arranged marriage.

Holding the bicycle in her hand, she stood in front of him. Appeasing his anger wasn't very difficult. She patiently coaxed the sullen child, "Alvin, there will be a lot to compromise, sacrifice in a relationship to end with a happy marriage… Probably you will have to accommodate a lot with me."

The previous night, she had to muster her courage to kiss him back at first. Then she panicked when his lips trailed down to her jawline. He was right, she was a turtle. She was slow and she couldn't change easily. She was trying her best yet it wasn't easy for her.

"You might find me annoying at some point. Wouldn't it be better to break up rather than get a divorce?" She definitely didn't want to be a single mom and divorcee.

Alvin hadn't even thought of breaking up or divorcing. He was ready to give in or mend things between them. He disliked that she didn't have faith in them. Will they reach the point of leaving each other?

Anya didn't forget to let him know other important factors that will be affected by them, "Our relationship will directly influence Zane. He is very smart, I don't want him to suffer because of us."

An awkward smile appeared on her face as she continued, "We have very different worlds. My parents won't be able to accept us or believe that we could last longer." She was aware her parents may not say no to dating Alvin but marriage out of blue.

Alvin: "…"

He realized he just thought of himself whereas she has to consider a lot of things and people in her life. He wasn't quite sure how to react to it.

Anya flashed a winsome smile, instantly relaxing his nerves. "So let's learn to love and get to know each other better." She encouraged both of them.

The relationship is new to both of them. She had her uncertainties too. So it was time for them to learn and treasure each other. She didn't wish for their journey to be smooth but happy and long-lasting.

Anya quickly cleared the possible misunderstanding if he was thinking she wasn't going to marry him, "Of course, we will get married if we never give up on each other."

Alvin snatched the bicycle from her hand and snorted, "So annoying." He started cycling.

Anya chuckled looking at his back. She knew he accepted although he was dissatisfied. He was like a grumpy child who should be coaxed. All she needed was a bit of patience to be with him, instead of arguing.

"Oye… You are leaving your girlfriend behind." She said aloud and skated forward.

Alvin: "…"

Strangely enough, he was fascinated by the unruly Anya Owen who was happier and fun to be with.

—–––––

Zane was excited when he woke up and found brand new roller skaters on his bed. He read the note his mother left and rushed to get fresh.

Holding roller skaters in both hands, he skipped to the breakfast table where four were sitting. "Mo…" His voice was muffled when a big palm was pressed on his mouth and pulled him back.

Linus kneeled next to Zane and whispered, "Shh… Little Champ, you are going to get a Daddy today."

The expected reaction didn't come. Zane scowled after hearing Linus.

"Err…" Linus expected Zane to jump in joy so he wasn't sure how to react.

A few minutes ago, Anya was a bit nervous when she sat with her parents and Alvin. So she poked Alvin to speak, however, she suddenly clutched his forearm tight to keep him silent.

Alvin: "..."

Alvin definitely will say he wants to marry her and give a heart attack to her parents. So Anya awkwardly spoke, "Mom, Dad… We wanted to talk to you about something.." Then Anya started repeating lines in her mind.

'We are seeing each other!!?' She just accepted and coaxed him to date.

'We have known each other for a long time… What if they ask why we weren't in contact with each other for so long?'

'Should I mention I have been thinking about it all these days and decided to accept his proposal?'

Alvin looked at Anya in pure stupefaction. He didn't know she could be so nervous to speak with her parents. 'Wait… Will they stop Little Donut?' Now it was his turn to be edgy.

"Anya…" Dennis's calm voice snapped them out of their daze.

Anya clenched her fist and went for it without making them angry, "Mom, Dad, Alvin asked me out…"

'When did I ask you out?' He asked her for marriage. 'Why is this woman lying?' He wanted to interject but she was squeezing his hand under the table

Catalina and Dennis had already anticipated it so they were calmer than expected but their expression was complex.

"I thought to take it forward. What do you guys think?" She asked for their opinion.

'Thought?' Alvin wanted to smack her head. He interjected by questioning her, "Little Donut, why are you lying?"

Anya: "..."

She wanted to slam her head on the table. They should have first discussed it with each other before coming to her parents. She kicked Alvin under the table.

Dennis and Catalina glanced at Alvin and turned to Anya. Catalina asked, "Lying what?"

Anya lowered her head and corrected herself, "I have accepted. I want to know your opinion."

Alvin wasn't satisfied with the half-truth. He interrupted again, "And I didn't ask you out. I asked you to marry me." He assumed that by knowing the whole truth, her parents won't think of rejecting him.

Anya wanted to cry under the table. She got a very honest boyfriend.

Dennis and Catalina misunderstood as Anya accepted the marriage proposal. Worry was replaced with anger, Catalina hissed at them, "Do you think marriage is a child's play?"