Chapter_38
Chapter 38
“Forget it! Let’s go check out the garden on the rooftop,” Emmeline said, pulling off her apron as she spoke.
“Alright. It’s been half a day; the initial setup should be ready by now,” Abel replied, leading the way.
They made their way to the rooftop on the fourth floor, where they found the garden taking shape beautifully. The swing, nestled under the wisteria, had been installed, and the whole space already looked elegant. The lush greenery and delicate flowers were starting to form a serene atmosphere. Emmeline’s earlier unhappiness faded away as she took in the view.
Later that evening, after the children had fallen asleep, Emmeline went up to the rooftop again, alone. The garden looked even better in the quiet of the night, and with the progress made, it was clear it wouldn’t take three days to complete. It was shaping up to be a true paradise by the next day.
Emmeline’s opinion of Abel improved as she stood there, appreciating the transformation. Since Abel had entered her life, things had become more colorful, more vibrant. The garden, with its blooming flowers, verdant leaves, and the swing, was a perfect reflection of this change.
She sat down on the swing, her heart light. Kicking her legs gently, she let herself swing back and forth, feeling the soothing motion. It was simple, but it made her feel at peace. The cool evening air wrapped around her, and before long, she found herself drifting into a deep sleep on the swing.
Meanwhile, Abel, having seen that his son was asleep, made his way up to the rooftop. When he saw Emmeline curled up on the swing, her small frame surrounded by the blooming flora, something inside him stirred. She looked so serene, so beautiful. But the night air was chilly, and he knew she would catch a cold if she slept there.
Without a second thought, Abel knelt and carefully picked her up, cradling her in his arms. Emmeline’s body instinctively curled into his chest, and she fell even deeper into sleep. A rush of memories from five years ago suddenly flooded Abel’s mind, causing his heart to race and his body to react in a way he hadn’t expected.
Shocked, Abel quickly carried her downstairs and placed her gently on the living room couch on the second floor. He then turned and hurriedly retreated to the third floor, needing some space to process the overwhelming emotions that had stirred within him.
The next morning, at breakfast, Emmeline glanced at Abel, her face flushed with curiosity. “Were you the one who moved me to the couch last night?”
Abel, casually cutting into his French toast, nodded. “You fell asleep on the swing, and I was worried you might catch a cold.”
Emmeline’s cheeks turned a deeper shade of pink. She took a sip of her beef porridge, a shy smile playing at her lips. “Thank you.”
“You’re welcome,” Abel replied, his voice warm as he finished his meal. “By the way, the breakfast was delicious. Thanks for making it.”
Once Abel had finished, he stood up, ready to leave. “The bodyguards will take the kids to kindergarten today, so you don’t have to use your electric bike.”
Emmeline nearly choked on a shrimp dumpling at the mention of her bike. She had completely forgotten about it.
“I still need it to get groceries,” she said quickly, not wanting to seem too dependent.
“I’ll have Luca leave a car here for you,” Abel said, adjusting his suit jacket as he prepared to head out.
“Wait!” Emmeline called out before he could leave.
Abel turned around, a brow raised in question.
“I saw Luca in the parking lot, and I’m sure he hasn’t had breakfast yet. I made extra food, so you can take some to him,” Emmeline suggested with a sweet smile.
Abel frowned, a hint of annoyance in his voice. “Do you really think that’s necessary?”
But Emmeline had already packed the breakfast into a lunch box, handing it to him. Abel sighed and took the box, holding it in one hand while adjusting his jacket with the other.
When Abel crossed the street in front of the café, Luca, who had parked the car, noticed Abel holding the lunch box. It was a sight he’d never imagined seeing.
“Here, it’s yours,” Abel said, handing Luca the box.
Luca blinked, surprised. “Mine?”
“Ms. Louise knew you hadn’t had breakfast, so she packed extra for you,” Abel explained, a trace of annoyance in his tone.
Luca’s face lit up with gratitude. He didn’t know what to say, but he couldn’t hide the joy on his face.
Abel, however, felt a pang of sourness deep inside as he watched Luca’s pleased expression. Why does he look so smug?
“Don’t get any ideas,” Abel muttered, his voice sharp. “She just made too much food and couldn’t finish it. It’s better to give it to you than throw it out.”
Luca, completely caught off guard, could only stand there, stunned by Abel’s tone. It was as though Abel was… jealous?
As they arrived at the Ryker Group building, Abel asked Luca to send a car to the café. Luca raised an eyebrow. “Mr. Abel, all your cars are luxury models. Which one do you think would be suitable for Ms. Louise to drive?”
Abel paused, thinking for a moment. He had intended to make things more convenient for Emmeline, especially since he and Timothy lived at the mansion. A car would make it easier for her to run errands and pick up the kids. But there was a problem.
Sending a luxury car over seemed like a bad idea. Even though it wasn’t a gift, what would people think if they saw him giving Emmeline a luxury car to use?
“I’ll think of something else,” Abel muttered, his expression troubled. “Just send a regular car for now.”
