淑女的欲望

Scarlett released her embrace and looked up at Xander. "Aren't you happy living in my apartment?" she asked. "Should we move into your house?"

A few days ago, Scarlett discovered that Xander had an apartment in town not far from her building. To her surprise, it was in the same building as Rex. Although she used to go to Rex's house in the past, strangely, they had never crossed paths.

"I'd rather stay here than at my place. It's much better here," Xander said, not wanting Rex to ruin their peaceful moments together. 

Moreover, he liked Scarlett's apartment; it wasn't too big and had a simple interior design with a warm feeling like he entered his White Mansion at Astington, unlike his own apartment, which felt more like a minimalist hotel room.

She smiled and rested her head on Xander's chest. "Alright! Let's get ready, and go eat breakfast outside. There are so many cafes downstairs for us to choose from."

Scarlett loved living in this apartment because of the numerous fancy restaurants and cafes nearby. She didn't have to cook anything, and she always enjoyed trying new places. Additionally, Central Park was just across from her apartment, providing her with the perfect spot for her morning or afternoon walks.

"That's a great idea, babe! Let's go..." Xander exclaimed, excited at the thought of going out. Ever since they arrived in this city, they hadn't ventured out much and had only ordered food from his own restaurant and hotel nearby.

...

Before long, Scarlett and Xander were both ready to go out for breakfast. But just as they were about to leave the house, the doorbell rang.

"Are you expecting someone?" Xander asked curiously.

"No," Scarlett replied as she peered through the peephole. Suddenly, her worried expression softened, and she hurriedly opened the door. "Cloudy!!!" she exclaimed joyfully, taking the little white furry creature from Rex's hand.

Rex's expression instantly changed when Scarlett took the little cat from his hands. He can't help but bitterly smile when Scarlett doesn't greet him, instead paying all her attention to her cat.

He took a deep breath, trying to hide his irk, before teasing her, "Heartless little sister, how could you greet only your cat and ignore me completely?" He narrowed his eyes at Scarlett, pretending to be displeased.

Scarlett smiled apologetically, "I'm sorry, Rex. I just missed my Cloud so much. But, of course, I'm happy to see you too." She petted her cat gently while Rex looked at them with amusement and annoyance.

"Shouldn't you be thanking me? You know, for taking care of your cat all this time?" He said while putting on his sad look, trying to get credit from her, but instead of praise, he received glares. 

"Geez! Your assistant told me you left my cat at your parent's house. It's not you who cares for Cloud, but your mother! And you didn't even bother to ask your mother to care for Cloud!" she exclaimed.

Scarlett pouted, ignored Rex, and walked toward Xander after asking him to follow them inside. 

As they walked towards the living room, Scarlett introduced her cat to Xander. "Xander, this is my cat, Cloud!" she said, smiling.

Xander was surprised by Scarlett's words and looked at the small cat lying lazily in her arms. He felt a sudden rush of panic. Since childhood, he had been very uncomfortable around cats and had trauma related to feline creatures.

"Uh, H-i... Cloud..." he stuttered nervously, but within a second, he tried to hide his nervousness, not wanting Scarlett to know that he's slightly Ailurophobia* 

Scarlett was happy to introduce Cloud to Xander. After settling on the sofa, she glanced at him and asked, "Xander, do you want to hold him?"

Xander's heart raced with fear. He sat beside Scarlett, unsure of what to do. He wanted to be honest with her about his fear of cats, but he feared disappointing her.

After taking a deep breath and calming himself, Xander slowly raised his hand to touch Cloud. But before he could, Rex laughed, echoing through the room and making his hand hang in the air.

"What's so funny, Brother Rex?"

"Y-You don't know?" Rex said, suppressing his laughter while sitting opposite Scarlett and Xander. 

"Know what?" 

"Your husband... He's afraid of cats!" Rex said, unaware of Xander's darkening expression and fixated eyes on him, as if he wanted to strangle Rex after revealing his secret.

Scarlett was taken aback, "Xander afraid of cats? Is that true?" She slowly looked at Xander and noticed a distance between them. It was unusual for him to sit so far from her.

Xander tried to deny it, "No, I'm not scared of cats. I'm just a dog person. That's all. You know dogs hate cats, right?" he lied. He couldn't admit it. How could he tell Scarlett that he feared cats after seeing how much she loved her little Cloud?

But Rex continued, "Oh, come on, don't be embarrassed, Man. It's nothing to be ashamed about."

"Oh please, Brother Rex..." She narrowed her gaze to Rex opposite her, "Stop teasing me. My husband is not afraid of cats!"

Rex raised his eyebrows. "I'm not playing pranks on you!" he said, looking at Xander, "Are you not traumatized by cats anymore?" His tone sounded pressing. 

Xander's fists were tightly clenched as he looked at Rex. Suddenly, he wanted to stuff Rex's mouth with a slipper to shut him up. But he held back his anger and looked at his wife with his loving smile.

However, he was stunned when he saw a glint of doubt in Scarlett's eyes. It made Xander's heart race. Subconsciously, he raised his hand and snatched the enraged creature from Scarlett's hand.

"I'm never scared of cats," Xander said, placing the cat on his lap and gently stroking its head. He locked eyes with Rex, his gaze intense. "Looks like you don't know me that well, Rex Morrison. And please stop spreading nonsense!"

Rex feels amused to see Xander's glare. He knew that Xander was lying. 

"Hahaha, I'm sorry for teasing you, Mister Cats Lover!" Rex laughed while shaking his head. He didn't want to strain his relationship with Xander, so he stopped exposing this man's flaws. "I had no idea you had a soft spot for cats... I really do." Rex added, trying to ease the tension in the room.

Xander, "..."

If this man wasn't Scarlett's brother, he would have already sent him to the afterlife!

----

*Ailurophobia = Fear of cats.