Previous day ~ December 2nd
“I don’t care if it’s your hobby or not!” Gaston said. Belle accused him of going to the tavern every day. As if those two things could even be compared to each other. Belle read books because she didn’t respect him… he went to the tavern because he had no choice. “Are you going to put all the blame on me? Belle, you are destroying our marriage because you put your library work above our relationship. I have no other choice… I would come back earlier if my beloved wife was waiting for me at home. Oh, how ungrateful you are, Belle” He grimaced in disgust. He always had wanted Belle to be his wife. He wanted it because he was sure that she, too, dreamed about it deep down in her heart. At first, she pretended to act hard to get… and while it was sexy and exciting at first, now Gaston was sick of her games. He wanted a wife who knew what a wonderful husband Gaston was. Handsome, strong, talented, wealthy, desired by all women. Who wouldn’t want him? “You do not respect me.” He continued, his voice getting harsher and harsher. “You’re offering me brunch, okay… but what if I don’t have time? What if I can hang out with you right after your work? What if I am busy during the weekend? The problem is that you don’t care about that. If you did, you would come back home right after your shift ends. Not later."
His eyebrows narrowed to his eyelids, and his lips turned into an even line. Gaston observed Belle. He didn’t mind her confidence and her sudden reaction… quite the opposite. Her bravery was attractive. Gaston straightened his back. “Don’t twist my words, Belle.” He started. “You are not my toy, but my wife. A wife who doesn’t care about her husband at all." He sighed heavily - as if he was breaking down. “And she should care.” He turned away from her, reproach visible on his face. He was sick of her constant complaining. He was fed up that he also had to complain. And the fact that she wasn’t ready to have children. Well, that one took the cake! “Why don’t you want to hurry! I want six strapping sons. You’re not gonna give birth to them all at once!" he explained, shaking his head in disbelief. Belle was smart, but sometimes she acted like nothing (even the most uncomplicated thing) was understandable to her.
He scowled at her. Her face looked tired, but even now, Belle looked beautiful. Despite the tousled hair, the black bags under the eyes, and the anxiety in her pupils. Gaston had no idea it was the women who were being kidnapped. In fact, it was the first time that he got more interested in this matter. However, it was not his fault. He was busy with more important things. Himself. “Oh, Belle…” he directed his sad gaze at her. She was standing in front of him now, wanting him to stay. Terrified that the police are not taking care of the kidnappings. “You have nothing to worry about.” He took one of her brown locks in his hand and began to twist it around his massive finger. “I will not let anyone hurt you… After all, I do not like when someone takes something that belongs to me.” He tucked a strand behind her ear. He was flattered that she had begged him for help between the lines - that she wanted him by her side. He pressed his lips to her forehead. It was chaotic, fast… there was no real love behind this kiss. It was a hypocritical manipulation… as was their entire marriage.
Gaston frowned even more. “Really… it pains me to say what I have to say now. I’d love to stay with you, but I can’t do it.” He moved away from her, his gaze becoming repulsive and unpleasant, yet again. Bestial. “You don’t respect me, Belle. You don’t treat me like you should, and my dignity prevents me from accepting it." He opened the door. A chill wind filled the corridor. “I expect you to arrive at the tavern tomorrow around 6 pm. You are intelligent enough to know that you should not miss this chance." He went outside and put his hand on the doorframe. “Goodbye, Belle.” He walked away, leaving the hollow echo of the massive footsteps behind him.
How could she insult him in such a way, offend him? He was so angry that fumes seemed to be blowing from his ears. Belle didn’t want to take him seriously? Now, she has it her own way! He was sure his wife would be concerned about him, and that was good. Anyway… she must be worried about this whole kidnapping thing. But that was not what Gaston should be troubled about now. He shouldn’t waste time thinking about his wife, who herself had no time for him. He had more important things on his mind. Like, for example, where should he stay?
He thought of a hotel, but… it would be a waste of money. He might have flirted with the receptionist to get the free room, but if it was a man who worked behind the counter tonight… his plan would be ruined. Gaston sighed.
Two choices were now circulating in his mind, but Gaston immediately rejected one. After all, if LeFou had told Belle that Gaston had gone to his house last night, it would have been weird at least. Gaston preferred to avoid this awkward situation.
His only choice was…
Gaston was standing outside the door to her house. Aphro couldn’t be sleeping. When one’s muscles ached, it was hard to fall asleep, and after their meeting tonight… Aphro must have been extremely sore.
He knocked loudly on the door. Gaston and Aphro did not end their encounter on a happy note. It was only because his lover started to act too clingy, but… it didn’t matter now. She would definitely accept him, anyway. She would not just reject him. It was impossible.
