Book To Read
Chapter 11
Stephanie arrived at the café and rented a portable charger. Upon turning on her phone, she noticed Vincent’s message, informing her that Connor was waiting at the spot where he had left her.
She replied: [My phone was out of power. I’m charging it now and just switched it on. Later…]
However, before she could finish typing her message, Vincent’s call came through.
She answered and heard his slightly anxious voice. He asked, “Where are you?”
“Oh, my phone ran out of power, I rented a portable charger at a café to recharge it. I’ve just come across your message and am now typing a response,”
she replied.
“Send me your location. I’ll pick you up.”
up,” he said.
Surprised, she asked, “Are you back?”
“Yes. Send me your location,” he asserted.
She replied, “Okay.” She then sent him her location without hanging up.
“Why are you back?” she asked.
Vincent paused for a moment and responded, “The issue has been resolved. I found it difficult to sleep in the hotel.”
Zane was rendered speechless by his boss’ obstinacy.
Stephanie replied, “Oh. I thought you miss me.”
Vincent remained silent.
“Did you miss me even just a little?” Stephanie asked, wearing a smile.
He hummed softly in response.
“Vincent,” Stephanie called out with a grin.
“Yes?” His seductive voice slightly raised, leaving her feeling weak and numb.
In her past life, she refrained from flirting with him and only witnessed his serious demeanor.
In this life, she yearned to discover the passion hidden beneath his cold facade.
She laughed sweetly. “Vincent, I miss you.” Her words hit his soft spot, causing him to tighten his grip around his phone, though he merely hummed in
response.
Stephanie looked at the screen above him and asked, “What do you like to drink? Coffee or juice?”
“It’s okay. Order what you want,” he replied.
She said, “Okay.”
He then heard her order hot chocolate with marshmallows, eliciting a smile to grace his face.
242: Sat, 26 May M 27
Her favorite has never changed over the years, he thought.
Seated by the floor-to-ceiling window, Stephanie conversed with Vincent while savoring her drink. She posed questions about his preferences and jotted them down. In this life, she aspired to be an exemplary wife.
“Come out. I’m here,” he said.
Taking the last sip of the drink, she ran out of the café.
Zane opened the door for her.
She thanked him with a smile before getting into the back seat.
“Vincent!” She held the man’s arm and smiled happily.
Vincent’s tiredness disappeared immediately. He asked with a smile, “You are Florence’s vocal double?”
She nodded.
“Why did you agree to be her voice double willingly?” he asked.
Resting her head on his shoulder, she explained, “In the Hayes family, aside from Grandpa, she’s the only one who treats me well I yearn for familial affection, so I fulfill all her requests. However, I later discovered that her kindness is merely a ploy to gain benefits from me.”
The scene of her dying in her previous life flashed through her mind again. She couldn’t help but hold his arm tighter. She muttered, “Fortunately, it’s not too late. I won’t be foolish anymore.” Then, she added silently, “Luckily, I can change things in time, and you’re still around.”
Vincent looked at her gently and said, “Fletcher Group has an entertainment company as well, I can help you if you like singing,”
Shaking her head, she said, “I will only sing for you. You’re the only audience I need.” She looked up at him, and her eyes curved from the smiles. “What do you think?”
“Sounds great,” said Vincent while fixing his gaze on her eyes.
“Did you have dinner?” Stephanie asked with a smile.
Before Vincent could say anything, Zane, seated in the driver’s seat, interjected, “Mr. Fletcher ato very little during dinner. He had intended to have a midnight snack after the meeting, but when Connor mentioned he didn’t pick you up, Mr. Fletcher promptly concluded the meeting and returned.””
Vincent glared at Zane. “Shut up”
Zane smiled. “Mr. Fletcher, you must let Mrs. Fletcher know you care about her.”
Stephanie was delighted to hear that. “So, your return isn’t just because you couldn’t sleep at the hotel but because you were worried about me? Honey,
you’re so sweet to me.”
Vincent cleared his throat and said, “It’s my duty as a husband.”
¿Honey, do you want to have a taste of hot chocolate?” she asked.
No, he replied.
Yes you do, she refuted. Stephanie wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed him. Her lips still carried the taste of hot chocolate, the most addictive flavor in the world for Vincent. He had sampled hot chocolate before, and it didn’t quite measure up to its delightful sterow.
12:42 Sat, 25 May Mj
Zane was speechless by their display of affection.
When they arrived home, Stephanie led Vincent upstairs and suggested, “You go ahead and take a shower first. I’ll cook some food for you. How about
pesto pasta?”
“Okay,” he replied.
Vincent smiled watching her leave, before getting up and heading to the bathroom. He only took a quick shower, worried Stephanie would come in atContent (C) Nôv/elDra/ma.Org.
any time.
As expected, not long after he left the bathroom, Stephanie returned.
“Food is ready. I’ll take you to the dining room,” she said.
“Okay,” he replied.
Stephanie led him to the dining room and sat in front of him. There were two plates of pesto pasta before them.
The pasta, with the vibrant hue of the sauce and cheese, looked delicious.
This was the first time Stephanie cooked for Vincent. She looked at him intensely as he ate it. She bit her lip, feeling a little nervous. She wasn’t sure if he
would like it.
“Do you like it?” she asked.
Vincent ate with elegance, showing his inherent grace. He replied, “Yes. When did you learn to cook?”
Stephanie smiled, “In my eight years aboard, I rented a room near the campus and always cooked. If you like it, I’ll make some for you when I have time.”
“That’s not necessary.
We have the housekeepers for that,” he replied.
“But I prefer to cook for you.” Stephanie looked at him eagerly
“If you want to,” he replied.
Stephanie nodded solemnly, “Yes, I want to.”
After their meal, Lydia Hart, a housekeeper, brought him his medicine. “Here’s your medicine, Mr. Fletcher.”
Recalling checking Vincent’s pulse the night before, Stephanie noticed something unusual in him that could harm his long-term health.
Hence, she stopped him when he accepted the medicine. “Wait.”
Vincent looked at her in confusion.
Stephanie took it, checked, but found nothing wrong, leaving her puzzled about the origin of the cold-natured vibe in him.
‘Somebody must have tampered with his medicine or food, she thought.
She resolved not to react to it to discreetly discover the person responsible for drugging Vincent
Frowning, she said, “It doesn’t smell nice. How can you take it?”
“It’s okay. I’m used to it” Vincent took the medicine from her and swallowed it.
M
After finding nothing strange about Lydia, Stephanie pushed Vincent to his room.
“You should rest soon,” he said,
“Can I stay with you tonight?” she asked.