Chapter 113: Chapter 113

Chapter 113:

“I bought it in a moment of haste,” Eileen whispered in explanation.

Bryan arched an eyebrow and then changed the topic, “Why didn’t you explain things to me?”

He finally brought it up with her. Foreseeing his curiosity, Eileen had been pondering how to respond during dinner. She wondered if it was better to confess that his misinterpretation of her had been the source of her sadness, and that his hurtful words had pierced her heart.

A subtle smile played on her lips as she replied, “It’s unnecessary.” Considering their relationship, she saw no need to elaborate further.

Bryan’s face clouded over, and he somehow felt irritated. Was she not afraid that his misunderstanding would threaten to irreparably damage their bond? He smiled sarcastically and replied, “You’re right.” He threw the cigarette butt, drank his coffee, and began to unbutton his shirt, revealing a hint of his chest.

As he unbuttoned his shirt, his chiseled chest came into view, showcasing his athletic build. His brooding gaze was the only thing that kept Eileen from succumbing to the temptation of his charm.

Dinner had been a pleasant affair, with their misunderstanding neatly cleared up. Yet, his face now was dark, suggesting a fresh tension had taken hold.

Eileen was baffled, unable to comprehend the sudden shift in his behavior. Yet he began to lavish her with ardent kisses, as if he sought to punish her. But then, he became tender: He cradled her face, kissing her eyes with a softness that belied his rough hands. The low, raspy tone of his voice, combined with his heated breathing, enveloped her senses.

Her lashes quivered softly as she stared at him, his face tender with love for her. Since that night, Bryan began living with her in that house. Daily visits became his routine, and when time permitted, he would go the extra mile, walking to Vicin Mall to escort her home. He would envelop her hand with his in his coat pocket as they strolled together.

Huey’s studio was in a secluded spot—a three-story building in the suburbs. The building’s layout was straightforward: reception on the first floor, offices on the second, and staff accommodations on the third. At noon, Huey treated his staff to lunch and then made his way to the reception area, searching for Bailee.

“Let me treat you to lunch today.” He put his hands on the desk and looked at Bailee.

Bailee’s eyes dropped to her plate, the food barely touched, before she lifted them to meet Huey’s with a question. “Why? I’ve got my lunch right here.”

Huey picked up the calendar from her desk and tapped on the marked date. “Isn’t today your birthday?”

It was indeed Bailee’s birthday, a day she had marked on her calendar with a circle. But she was baffled as to how Huey had figured it out.

Huey said, “I’m off to a competition with friends tomorrow and will be away for a few days. But I’ll bring a gift for you when I get back. Today, I’ll just treat you to lunch.” He pulled out his car key and gave a friendly wave. “Let’s go.”

Bailee’s heart swelled with warmth as she set aside her staff meal, grabbed her coat, and followed Huey out. In her haste, she tripped on the stairs, but Huey’s prompt reaction ensured her safety, his firm grasp steadying her before she could tumble.

After that, he playfully flicked her forehead, his eyes sparkling with concern as he teased, “Watch your step, birthday girl! We can’t have you tumbling on your special day!”

“I’m just too excited,” Bailee replied, her cheeks flushing pink as she ducked her head, her shyness momentarily taking over. She followed him to the garage.

But then, they stopped in their tracks when they saw Ruby standing a short distance away.

“Mom?” Bailee’s eyes widened in surprise. She walked to Ruby, asking, “Mom, what are you doing here? Why are you not in the hospital?”

She reached out to grasp Ruby’s hand, but Ruby swiftly pulled away, avoiding her touch. Ruby’s gaze was cold, her eyes seeming to regard Bailee as a stranger. “Come with me,” she said curtly, her tone devoid of warmth.

Bailee stood frozen in shock as her mother turned and walked away. She turned to Huey, her face apologetic, and said, “Huey, I’m so sorry. Maybe we can reschedule for another time?”

“Okay,” Huey watched as Bailee and Ruby walked away, hands in his pockets. After a moment, he turned and went back to the studio.

Ruby walked into a junkyard, heading towards a smelly ditch. Bailee grabbed Ruby’s arm to stop her, saying, “Mom, wait! Let’s talk here. Don’t go any further!”

She approached her mother but was met with a stinging slap and a barrage of questions.

“What’s going on between you and Huey? What are you doing in his studio?”

Bailee’s cheek stung, but the pain inside hurt more. She covered her cheek and looked at Ruby with confused eyes. “Mom, what do you mean?” she asked, her voice shaking.

Ruby’s eyes flashed with anger. “Can’t you understand? Huey is the ideal partner for your sister. Why do you keep seeing him?”

“It’s not what you think! I’m just working at his studio, nothing more!” Bailee said.

Ruby breathed a sigh of relief as she heard Bailee’s words. Then, feeling regretful, she took Bailee’s hand in hers, holding it tightly.

She said, “Bailee, I’m sorry I was too hasty earlier. But Eileen’s not getting any younger, and if she doesn’t find a partner soon, it will only get harder for her. You need to think about what’s next. If you get too close to Huey, what should Eileen do? You’re young and educated, so you’ll find a great partner, but Eileen’s situation is different. Worry about her.”

Ruby had always treated Eileen as her own daughter.

Tears streamed down her face as Bailee nodded, her voice trembling as she replied, “I understand, Mom. But I can’t just quit my job because I still owe Huey years’ salary. I promise to maintain a professional distance with him.”

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