"But..." Graham was hesitating.
He had also heard about the two mining sites. They offered excellent conditions, and the rumored price was quite
attractive. However, his many years of industry experience had taught him that the more attractive the price, the
more trouble lurked behind it.
"Do you not trust me, my darling?" Sophia shook him gently. "Remember all the things I've managed for you back in
Armania? Do you not trust my abilities?"
"Of course I do," he assured, patting the back of her hand and offering her a gentle smile. She had always been his
capable right-hand person, and he was drawn to her for her skills.
"But there's so much money involved in this. We don't know Fat Lawler at all..."
"We're getting to know him!" She painted an exciting picture of their future. "Let's see what your parents have to
say when we make a fortune!"
Seeing his lack of response, she leaned in closer and playfully toyed with the button on his collar. "Graham, don't
you want to be with me forever? If we achieve something great that impresses your parents, they won't stand in
our way... I truly want to be with you. That's why I'm working so hard to earn their approval!"
Graham was touched. He lifted his arms and embraced her, gently running his fingers through her hair.
He had wanted to be with her from the moment he first laid eyes on her. Not only was she beautiful, but he also
admired her determination and strength at work. She was a far cry from someone like Maisie, who he didn't find as
intriguing.
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇtSophia filled a void in his life, and he was willing to be a father to her child.
"Okay, I promise," he said softly. "As long as you believe it's achievable, I'll wholeheartedly support you. We'll
accomplish something that will earn my parents' respect!"
Sophia joyfully planted a kiss on his cheek, and he hugged her passionately.
James took the opportunity to slip between them with a happy smile.
From a distance, they resembled a joyful family of three.
Simon shook his head as he gazed out from the living room. The maids around him observed them in disdain.
"So shameless. Is Mr. Graham under some kind of spell? He doesn't want Ms. Maisie, but he's taken by this vixen!"
"Alright!" Simon quickly stopped their gossip. "Get back to your duties instead of chattering." Upset, they each went
their separate ways.
In truth, Simon missed that kind-hearted girl. Graham might never find someone as lovely as her again.
Even though Maisie's fever had gone away two days ago, she still had no appetite.
Daniel tried having the hotel serve her different food each day, but no matter what they brought, she would only
take a few bites before stopping.
He felt concerned and asked if there was something specific she wanted to eat. She thought for a moment, then
smiled and said, "I'd love some bubble tea."
He was taken aback.
He remembered the first time they went out together when they had just started dating. -
Back then.
He wanted to buy her something, but she complained that everything was too expensive, and she didn't want
anything.
He had never shopped with women before and found her behavior troublesome. He had been under the impression
that all women were materialistic and couldn't resist shopping at the mall.
She sensed his impatience and shyly asked, as they passed by a bubble tea shop, "Could you get me some bubble
tea, Daniel?"
For a brief moment, he was stunned, but he joined the line with her. When they reached the counter, she pointed to
the least expensive drink on the menu, and her smile charmed him.
He felt a pang of sadness. He ordered the most expensive drink on the menu, even though the price difference was
minimal.
-
Daniel recalled how happy she had looked when she drank the bubble tea. It had been her first time trying it.
"What's bothering you, Mr. Quimby?"
Maisie's voice brought him back to reality.
He smiled as he returned to the present. Placing a pillow behind her back, he said, "The bubble tea they serve here
is artificial. It's not good for you."
"But... I really want to drink it!" she said weakly. "I don't know why I've been missing the taste of bubble tea these
days."
"Okay," he replied with alluring eyes. "Wait for me. I'll make one for you soon."
Follow on Novᴇl-Onlinᴇ.cᴏmHe had decided to make the bubble tea himself. Before making it, he called the hotel chef.
Drenched in sweat, the chef imparted all his knowledge to teach him the steps.
However, Daniel didn't get the ratio right. It was quite thick. He added two ice cubes—it seemed to taste lighter
now.
After working for a while, he finally walked out of the kitchen with a cup of bubble tea. He smiled apologetically as
he handed it to Maisie.
"It might not taste great, but I used the best ingredients. There's nothing artificial in there, so feel free to enjoy it!"
She smiled and indulged in the tea. After finishing it, she looked up at him, and there seemed to be stars twinkling in
her eyes.
She pursed her lips and asked carefully. "Mr. Quimby, do you like me?"
He was stunned, and his heart raced.
Maisie's cheeks flushed as she held her head down, speaking softly. "I just thought you're too good to me. I'd feel it
no matter how slow I am... Of course, I apologize if I misunderstood. I..."
"You didn't misunderstand!" he blurted out.
She was stunned and rubbed her hands against the cup. "T-Then I'll go on."
Daniel's back stiffened, and blood rushed to his head. He froze in place as if he were waiting for a verdict.
Maisie said, "To be honest, although my feelings for Graham weren't as strong, it hurt me terribly. I seem to have
lost my confidence, and I don't know what I've done wrong. I think I'll need some time to realign with myself.
"Mr. Quimby, I can't start a new relationship during this period. D-Do you understand what I'm saying?"