The man soon realized that something was wrong. His legs felt heavy, as if someone poured lead into them.
That was when he realized in horror that the floor was covered in glue, rendering him immobile.
He narrowed his eyes. âAre you having fun?â
His voice was inordinately deep. Nicole stared back with an innocuous expression, pretending that she had no clue what was happening.
Evan could have easily removed his footwear and left the scene. But he waited. He waited to see what other tricks she had up her sleeve.
Seeing that her husband made no further moves, Nicole got down the bed.
Is the glue really that adhesive?
Or is he such a big germaphobe that he doesnât want to touch the ground with his bare feet?
If that was the case, Nicole reckoned that this was the perfect opportunity to do whatever she wanted.
Tiptoeing and pinching his well-defined face, she cooed, âOh Evan, I must thank you for your help these past few days. You have gone to such great lengths to care for me in every way possible. You even got me my favorite dish â âanythingâ.â
The man picked up on the sarcasm in her tone and knew she was going to start an argument.
And he was all ears for it. Letâs see what youâre unhappy about.
âWell, you ordered âanythingâ, so of course Iâd do my best to satisfy your cravings.â
Very literal of you.
âWhen I was too weak to do anything, you barred entry to all my male friends. They couldnât even enter my ward. Do you realize that youâre essentially robbing my freedom to make friends?â
âYes, I think Iâm justified to limit your freedom to make boyfriends.â
Seriously?
Boyfriends? They are just normal friends!
Nicole could not tolerate Evanâs actions. Not only did he bar Stephen from visiting the ward, but he also even made sure that the person delivering the hospital meals were all female.
She scoffed, âAt this rate, I will end up with zero male presence in my life.â
âAnd you should be grateful for that! Iâm making sure that you donât fall into a scam or something. I canât wait until you return back to your home country. Life should return to normal after that.â
That was news to Nicole. âHuh? When am I going back?â
âThree days later. There will be a special helper tending to you there.â
âThree days later?â Thatâs fast.
Her hesitation did not escape Evanâs eyes. âYou have a problem with that?â
She knew Evan was being jealous again.
She pouted indignantly. Iâm just surprised at how tight the schedule is! Donât give me that judgmental look!
Then, a spiteful thought struck her. Since you canât stop assuming that I have a thing for Sir Musgrave, then Iâm going to make your assumptions come true.
âHmm⦠Before I depart, I think itâs polite to visit the estate and give a farewell notice to Sir Musgrave. After all, his blood literally flows in me right now, so I think itâs not very nice if I just left without a word.â
Evan narrowed his eyes.
Well, letting her witness the aftermath would be good too. By then, Jeremy should have wiped out the whole estate.
âSure, Iâll follow you too,â he replied.
Nicole did a double take. He actually agreed?
His easy consent came as a surprise considering how Evan had just sworn never to let the two meet again a few days ago.
His odd attitude raised some alarm. He must be hiding something, she thought.
âEvan, if youâre scheming anything, just remember that Sir Musgrave has saved my life! If you hurt him in any way, youâre basically betraying his kindness, and I will never forgive you!â
Evan was rendered speechless by her outburst for a moment.
Processing her words, he gave to a sobering verdict. So you still care about him after all!
Shooting her a cold gaze without saying a word, he removed his footwear and strode out of the room.
Everything happened so quickly that Nicole did not react in time.
He walked out barefoot? And wait⦠No! Donât go, Iâm not done with my punishment yet! Come back!
Watching the door shut, she sighed. Looks like Ninaâs props will have to wait⦠Perhaps tomorrow would be a better time. Regardless, there will be a chance in the future, I suppose. Watch out, Evan!
At the estate, woes plagued Daphne. Her long discussion with the psychologist whom Lady Musgrave recommended left her with the disheartening realization that Hector had ulterior motives for getting close to her.
She mocked herself for being so foolish for thinking that the man was her Mr. Right who she was ready to spend the rest of her life with.
Now that Hector had returned, her agony only compounded. She had to see the man and be constantly reminded of her unrequited love. Only time could heal her current pain.