Chapter 2: What is Beauty? Can I Eat It?

The driver halted the car at the entrance of the Burton family's villa. Brysen got out, telling Stacey to stay for a moment. He went around to her side, opened the door, and helped her out. Just then, the front door of the Burton villa opened wide. Madam Burton emerged, grinning, with a man and a woman following behind her, both of them being servants. "So, this is Stacey?" Madam Burton asked pleasantly. "Yes, Ma'am." Brysen replied with a forced smile. "I trust you'll take good care of my little girl, Ma'am." "No matter what, once she's part of the Burton family, we'll treat her well," Madam Burton answered, her tone a bit mysterious. " May I see her?" "Ma'am, remember what the fortuneteller said? Only Young Master Burton should lift the bride's red veil, to ward off bad luck," Brysen reminded. "Ah, of course, how could I forget? I am sorry," Madam Burton laughed. "Elodie, help our new bride upstairs." "Yes," Elodie answered. Stepping up to Stacey, she said, "Follow me. Miss." Stacey stepped back, hiding behind Brysen. Brysen frowned, whispering, "Did you forget what daddy told you?" Stacey instantly did as she was told. Elodie forced a smile. She had a weird feeling about all this. She took Stacey's hand and said, "Your hand is so tiny and soft, just like a fine young lady's." Brysen awkwardly answered, "Yes, it's quite lovely." Hidden by her red veil, Stacey let out a silent laugh. If she gave the frail Young Master Burton a fright, Brysen would be in trouble. After all, she was the fool here, and they wouldn't blame her. Elodie guided Stacey inside. Madam Burton cheerfully said, "Mr. Hampton, you may leave now. You can see your daughter in three days." "Okay," Brysen nodded. Even though he felt uneasy, he wanted to get out of this tricky spot as fast as he could. He hopped back into the car and told the driver to drive away from the Burton family villa. Elodie took Stacey up to the third floor. Standing outside Conor's room, she announced, "Young Master, the bride has arrived." There was no answer from inside. Elodie opened the door and reassured, "Go on in. Don't be scared. The young master is a good man." Stacey snorted silently. Conor, a good man? Had she asked the folks of Zephyria? Did they agree? Everyone knew that Conor was the overlord of Zephyria. He used his family's influence to do as he pleased in Zephyria. And, he was pretty savvy in business. Despite his poor health, his company was growing bigger each year, becoming a force to be reckoned with. Stacey stepped into the room. Elodie quickly shut the door. Hearing the door close with a thud behind her, Stacey sighed. She had no idea how Conor would deal with her. Just then, a cool and captivating presence approached her. Conor looked down at his new wife, who was a good head shorter than him, "So, you're Stacey?" Stacey was surprised. She didn't expect Young Master Burton's voice to be quite charming. It was low and resonant, with a frosty vibe. But it sounded familiar. Yet, she couldn't remember where she had heard it. As she was lost in thought, her vision suddenly cleared. Without her noticing, her veil had been lifted. Their eyes locked. Stacey felt a bit uncomfortable, but she quickly composed herself and looked back at him with her big, innocent eyes. The atmosphere was a bit tense. She silently studied Conor. Although she had done her research on this man and seen his pictures, she had to admit, he was way more handsome in person! Conor was dressed in a white shirt and black pants, radiating a sense of grace and dignity. His designer belt accentuated his fit and strong waist. His broad shoulders looked inviting to lean on. His long, lean legs made his pants look flawless, like he was a runway model. Now, looking at his face, with its perfectly sculpted features, alluring and cold, his eyes were narrow and deep, his gaze intense and enigmatic, his nose high and elegant, and his lips rosy. He looked at her like a king, distant and unapproachable. Why was she so ugly? "Stacey?" Conor frowned. Stacey nodded. "Brysen told me you were a beauty." Conor's eyes turned icy. Brysen dared to deceive him! He sure had some nerve. Stacey stared at Conor's face, innocently blurting out, "Stace, that means pretty." Conor was speechless. "Do you have no sense of beauty?" Conor's expression turned chilly. "What's beauty? Can I eat it?" Stacey tilted her head. A frown creased Conor's handsome forehead. He didn't need to ask Brysen now. He was sure, Stacey was a simpleton. Unaware of what a sense of beauty was, she couldn't be uneducated, just foolish. But even if Stacey wasn't typically pretty, she had a pair of incredibly beautiful eyes. They were sweet, innocent doe eyes that stirred feelings of affection and warmth. Conor thought it over. Although annoyed at being tricked by Brysen, the thought of sending Stacey back and having his family continue to find a woman for him was a hassle he didn't want. If someone took this chance to send a spy to him, he'd have to be cautious. It was better to keep Stacey with him. Even though she was a fool, it would save him some trouble. "My name is Conor," Conor's voice was deep, his handsome face impassive as he looked at her. "I'm your husband." "What's a husband? Can I eat it?" Stacey decided to play the fool. It seemed Conor had no intention of sending her away. Perhaps he thought her innocence made her safe to keep around. She had heard that the Burton family was far from peaceful. Conor's health was weak, and his cousins were eyeing his position as the CEO of the corporation. He must be concerned about people around him being bought off, so he probably thought keeping a simpleton by his side was not a bad idea, at least he wouldn't have to be on guard all the time. After all, constantly being on guard could lead to moments of carelessness. "A husband is someone who is in charge of you," Conor rubbed his temple, his tone frosty. "Whatever I say, you do. Get it?" Stacey sneered inside, this man was a real control freak! He dared to fool her like this! "Oh!" Stacey pretended to obey, "So what's a husband, exactly?" Conor's brows knitted in irritation, "A husband is just a husband." He knew Stacey was naive, so he had no choice but to patiently explain to her. Seeing his annoyed look, Stacey said in a pitiful voice, "I get it, husband." "That's not how you use 'husband'." Conor's dark eyes were deep, coolly correcting her, "From now on, call me 'honey'." Stacey was speechless. This man was really pushing his luck. "Okay, Stace gets it, honey man." Stacey said in her innocent way.