章)There thundered the phone ringing of an old-fashioned dumbphone, which Stella took out from the trousers.
She picked it up and went up to Ebert.
"Your call."
This phone appeared capable of nothing but making and receiving calls. Stella began to wonder if Ebert was really so poor that he couldnt even afford a smart phone.
She took a glance at it. The number suggested the call was from a landline in Anston.
Did he know anyone in Anston?
Ebert took the phone and answered it.
Stella turned and went back into the restroom.
"Speak it." Eberts voice was cold and nonchalant, devoid of the slightest emotion.
"Mr. Carr, its about time for your follow-up."
"OK."
"Mr.… Mr. Carr, may I know when you are coming back?" The voice from the other end of the line was exceedingly reverent and careful.
"Not sure."
Ebert hung up and threw the cellphone onto the end table.
Stella walked out of the bathroom, saw his outmoded cellphone, hesitated for a moment, and suggested, "I think you should change your cellphone, Ebert."
Ebert stared up at Stella, his expression impassive.
He lit another cigarette, put it in his mouth, and asked, "Are you going to buy me a new one?"
"If you dont mind it, Ill buy you a new one," replied Stella.
To her surprise, Ebert only chuckled a little.
It suddenly crossed Stella ever since she and Ebert met each other, she rarely saw the man laugh, and now he was laughing heart-contendedly.
The smile melted the coldness on his face.
Yet the laugh was transient.
"You know, Stella, youre my wife, and if you want to buy me a new phone, just do it. I certainly wouldnt mind your spending some money on me."
Stellas face turned faintly embarrassed, which didnt escape Eberts sharp eyes. He said in a low voice, "Yes, we agreed to monopolize our own property, but now, you see, were husband and wife. And husband and wife dont stay cautious, or too polite, with each other, isnt it?"
Ebert flicked the ashes from his cigar, and the ashes fell to the bin. He added casually, "Never mind. As I said, Ill keep my hands off the money give my monthly salary to you. And you, as my wife, need just do what a wife is supposed to do."
"What a wife is supposed to do?" Stella wondered.
Was it to warm his bed?
She pursued her lips and walked in the room, trying to stop herself from thinking too much.
At night, Stella and Ebert were having dinner face to face with each other. In fact, while theyd faced each other naked before, they now still appeared like two strangers.
The room was filled with silence; the atmosphere was somewhat embarrassing.
At it seemed so to Stella.
Ebert was half-naked, wearing only a pair of loose pants, which he felt rather comfortable with.
After the dinner, Stella cleaned the kitchen, went to take a shower, then dealt with jobs on the computer.
By 10 oclock, Ebert entered the room. Stella immediately turned nervous at his sight.
Ebert didnt seem to have noticed it. He took off the pants and was ready to put himself to bed.
Stella let out a gentle exclamation and hastened to close her eyes. She stuttered, "What… What are you doing?"
"Hes so barbarous," she thought to herself.
Then she seemed to have heard Ebert chuckle a little, but she wasnt sure about it.
The next instant, Ebert put his arms around her; she exclaimed; he was pressing down on her body.
"Shut up!"
His voice was low and deep, having a tone of impatience.
Stella tightened her lips, stared at his black pupils, felt his approaching, and dared not to make a move.
"Need I remind you who youre to me with our marriage license now?"
"No, its… its just that Im still not used to it."
"Then learn to—learn to get used to me."
So saying, Ebert lowered his head and gave her lips a kiss. Stella felt an urge to resist, but refrained from it.
He was a great kisser, Stella decided, and although she lacked adequate experiences to confirm it, she knew it was quite comfortable; she found herself lost in it.
As her nightgown was being gradually stripped off, however, Stella suddenly clamped her legs.
The man tried to go further, but she murmured, "I… I dont feel well."
Ebert looked up at her, his eyes dark, gloomy, and full of desire, which intimidated her.
But he said nothing. He stopped it and turned over.
Stella let out a sigh of relief.
Gradually, however, the mans breath grew increasingly rapid and heavy. Her hands were grasped, and she shut her eyes. She felt fingers were about to catch fire. Holding Stella, Ebert seemed about to ignite her whole body with his violent breath the next second.
When everything was quiet, Stella lay motionless on the bed, pretending to be asleep, not knowing what else to do.
Her fingers were wiped clean one by one by the man, and when that was done, the man put himself back to the bed again.
Instead of cuddling each other, the two kept distance.