After a tiring flight, Summer was sound asleep on the sofa. I was fiddling with my phone, getting bored with reading the same old news on the internet.
Unexpectedly, I chanced upon a headline mentioning both Featherstone and White Corporation. Both companies had been engaged in a long-standing rivalry with each other for the past four years. Neither side seemed to be giving in.
In fact, rather than it being a rivalry between corporations, many would see it as a personal competition between Anthony and Marcus.
Both men had a brilliant mind for doing business.
There was a question lingering at the back of my mind. White Corporation had always been under Sally’s control. When did Marcus come into the picture? What exactly happened in these four years?
As I was lost in my thoughts, time flew by. It was soon after noon. Summer had just woken up. In a half- asleep state, she asked, “Mommy, is Mr. Featherstone busy with work?”
“He’ll be back soon. Let’s freshen you up and wait for him together.”
It was pretty obvious she had taken a liking to him. Whenever he was not around, she would ask for his whereabouts.
Yet, I couldn’t help but worry about the possibility of Jared taking Summer back to the Crest family. If that day ever comes, what should I do?
After Summer had freshened up, she was in high spirits. As this was her first time here, she started exploring parts of the house. First, it was the living room, then she proceeded to the yard.
Meanwhile, I sat in the yard patiently for Anthony to arrive home. Joseph had carried Snowfluff over to Summer.
He continued standing, looking anxiously at his watch.
I assumed he had something to say to me. “What’s wrong?”
“Erm… Mr. Featherstone might be running a little late. There is traffic.”
Oh right. It was two minutes before the agreed time. Understanding the likelihood of Joseph’s words coming true, I unknowingly stopped smiling.
Immediately after, there was the sound of hurried footsteps approaching the yard. Next, a voice started, “There was a traffic jam, but nothing I can’t handle!”
Anthony walked right up to me. There was a sheen of sweat on his forehead; he had rushed home. His pair of obsidian eyes glistening. “Made it in time, just a minute before half-past twelve!”
It was adorable to see him put in the effort to keep his promise. I reached for his forehead and started dabbing the sweat off. “There was no need for you to rush home in this hot weather. Look at you now, all sweaty.”
As I spoke, Anthony removed his outerwear. With a boyish grin, he said, “Just a workout!”
“In the future, there’s no need for you to rush back. It’s not like I’m going anywhere. I’ll always be here.”
“I know. But, I just wanted to see you earlier!”
Hearing his sweet words, I broke into a smile. Summer, too, was delighted to see him. She ran over and hugged his leg. “Mr. Featherstone, are you not feeling well? Why do you need to work out?”
Anthony picked her up into his arms. “My body has always been in tip-top condition.” While saying that, he looked suggestively at me.
After their meal, Anthony took a bath and came back down with a file in one hand.
He handed it to Joseph. “Once Summer’s school application is processed, you can start sending her to school.”
Joseph took the file and was already on his way to complete his task. Nearby, Summer had heard everything. She looked at the floor and pouted sadly.
Naturally, Anthony had noticed. “Summer, do you not want to attend school?”
She started shaking her head. “It’s not that I hate school, but I don’t know anyone there. I’ll be alone.”
I knew it was daunting to be alone in a new environment. I chuckled lightly. “That’s normal at first. But I believe you, my dear, will make some new friends in no time!”
She continued pouting, seemingly considering my words.
Anthony had handled Summer’s school matters perfectly. There was nothing much for me to worry about.
That night, I started unpacking some clothes I bought from R Province. Although they were cheap and well-worn, they felt comfortable.
While folding halfway, Anthony, who had finished his work, walked to my side. He took the half-folded clothes from my hands. “I’ll do it.”
I couldn’t help but noticed his long and slender hands, and on his wrist was a watch that was priced in the millions. Just closing a deal with these hands would guarantee me a worry-free life for the rest of my life.
“What’re you thinking?”
I kept the clothes he had folded into the closet before suggesting, “Now that Summer’s school is settled, it’s time for me to find a job.”
Although he nodded, his words said otherwise. “I think you should rest a few more days.”
“It’s been two weeks. I’ve had plenty of rest.”
“Then, how about working at Featherstone Corporation?” While suggesting, he kept the rest of my clothes in the closet. He took a sweeping look and presumed they were not to my liking. He continued, “Also if you don’t like these clothes, I’ll get you new ones.”
“There’s no need. Some of these clothes were specially designed for me, they did cost quite a bit. Also, I feel comfortable wearing them now. Anymore would just be a waste of space.”
Anthony had no qualms about my decision. Instead, he pulled me to the center of the bed, voice hushed and sincere, “Give it some thought. I really want you to come work for Featherstone Corporation.”
I knew that a straightforward rejection would not convince him. “Anthony, I don’t want this to be just a job. If it was in the past, I would be more than happy to work a stable nine-to-five at Featherstone Corporation. Now that I have you supporting me, I want to work on something I am passionate about.”
He smiled in amusement. “What do you want to do?”
“I’ve always wanted to study law at K University, but my college entrance examination results were not so good. So I stayed at J University. Now that I have time, I want to apply for a postgraduate program at K University and continue to study law,” I replied. It was my childhood dream. Being able to pursue it again at the age of thirty would be a great blessing.
He nodded in understanding and teased, “Okay. Do you need a tutor? I can ask Joseph to find one for you.”
Chuckling, I raised my head to meet his gaze. “Doesn’t this feel like you’re raising two daughters?”
He laughed and stroked my hair. “It’s my pleasure to help you to do the things you’re passionate about.”
As I rested my head on his chest and listened to his heartbeat, I felt at peace. No one knows what the future holds. All we can do is to live in the moment.
September in K City was neither too hot nor too cold. Staring up at the ceiling in the dimly lit room, I could not fall asleep, probably because I had napped too long during the day.
Anthony had been busy with his paperwork in the study. I saw the light in the study was still on when I got up in the middle of the night to have some water. So, I poured a glass of water and entered the room.
In the study, I saw that the computer was switched off and the documents on the desk were neatly stacked. It seemed that he was done with his work.
Anthony was sitting in his seat with his eyes closed. When he heard me walking into the room, he opened his eyes and asked, “Can’t sleep?”
I nodded in response and put the glass of water in front of him. Leaning against the desk, I looked at him. “It’s late. If you’ve finished your work, you should turn in early.” We’re no longer young. Staying up all night can be taxing on our bodies.
He narrowed his eyes and smirked. “Is that an invitation?”
It took me quite a while to realize the meaning behind his words. I could not help but blush at the innuendo. “Just go to bed earlier.”
Then, I got up and headed back to my bedroom. Ever since we met at R Province, he had treated me like a gentleman and respected my boundaries. If it were not for the look of desire in his eyes just now, I would have forgotten this matter.
New Book: Back Home to Marry Off Myself
Loredana’s father left the family for his mistress, leaving them to fend for themselves abroad. When life was at its toughest, her father showed up with “good news” after 8 years of absence: To marry off Loredana to a paralyzed son of the wealthy Mendelsohn family.
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