Sweet to the heart

Chapter 7

His eyelashes drooped slightly, casting a faint shadow on his eyelids. A ray of light streamed through the window, passing through his hair. His deep eyes were fixed on her, as if silently conveying all his affection, making it hard for anyone not to be drawn in. The thumb resting on her chin gently caressed her skin, a touch so intimate that it made Emily's heart tremble.

Frank watched her pale face, noting how her expression shifted from initial frustration at his inability to compliment her, to confusion, and finally to bewilderment. A slight smile tugged at the corner of his lips. Despite her sharp tongue and spoiled nature, deep down, she was as pure as freshly fallen snow.

The air was still for a moment, then a low chuckle broke the silence. Emily snapped out of her daze, pushing him away as she stood up, taking a few steps back while breathing unevenly.

He tilted his head, fingers lightly tapping his knee, his posture relaxed as he looked at her with an amused expression. His voice, ambiguous and teasing, asked, "Satisfied?"

Emily didn't quite grasp what he meant, half-closing her eyes in confusion as she looked at him.

"Or do you think that wasn’t intimate enough? That it wouldn't fool MR?" he continued, raising an eyebrow and beckoning her closer. "Come here."

Come closer???

For what? To do what they just did???

The memory of his warm breath on her face made her ears burn. She took a few more steps back, avoiding his playful gaze, and muttered to herself, "Scoundrel." Not willing to back down verbally, she added, "You did well enough. I'll go upstairs to change."

With that, she dashed up the stairs.

Sitting on the sofa in her dressing room, Emily touched her flushed face, taking deep breaths to calm herself down.

What a miscalculation. Trying to make a fool of Frank, only to end up being outdone by him. If he pursued a career in acting, he'd definitely win an award for best actor.

An hour later, Emily, now fully made up, came downstairs. She saw Frank, who had also changed into casual denim clothes, making him look a few years younger compared to his usual business attire. Her outfit was denim too, making it seem like they were wearing a couple's outfits.

"I'm ready. Let's go."

Since the driver wasn't available today, Frank drove. The Ryan family’s old mansion was in the eastern part of the city, about an hour and a half drive from the city center. Emily started feeling drowsy shortly after getting in the car and dozed off against the seat.

The car was quiet, and Frank glanced at her several times during the ride.

Since they were going to visit Mr.Ryan, Emily had chosen a light purple blouse with a Peter Pan collar, paired with denim overalls, her hair styled in a bun. Her skin was fair, her forehead smooth and bright, making her look youthful and full of energy.

As the car entered the villa area, the scenery on both sides of the road became more picturesque. The iconic red maple leaves of the city rustled in the wind. Frank parked the car by the roadside, then turned and gently poked her slightly flushed cheek with his finger.

Emily was sound asleep, and when he woke her, she opened her eyes, still hazy with sleep, her large, watery eyes reflecting a dreamy look, clearly not fully awake.

"We're almost there. Time to pick out some fruit."

Mr.Ryan had everything he could possibly need, with a house full of caretakers and maids looking after him. When Frank visited alone, he rarely brought anything, but whenever Emily joined him, she insisted on buying some fruit to bring along, something Mr.Ryan greatly appreciated.

Emily glanced out the window, noticing they were just one road away from the Ryan mansion. She pulled out her setting powder. "Let me touch up my makeup."

Frank offered, "I'll go buy it. You stay in the car."

Unbuckling his seatbelt, he got out of the car. Emily quickly protested, "No, I have to pick it out myself." She couldn’t miss this chance to make a good impression on Mr.Ryan

She quickly dusted some powder on her face, hurried out of the car, and tugged at his sleeve to stop him, continuing to touch up her makeup as she stood with her back to him.

Frank noticed her little scheme but said nothing, waiting patiently.

Emily applied some coral orange lipstick, pressing her lips together before putting her makeup back in her bag. She looked up at Frank and said, "All done. Let's go."

Frank glanced at her face for a few seconds, and just as she was about to raise an eyebrow, thinking she might have messed up her makeup, he nonchalantly looked away and started walking ahead.

Emily pulled out a small mirror to check—her makeup was flawless, so why had he stared at her for so long? Was he annoyed that she had wasted his precious time by touching up her makeup?

Not giving it much thought, Emily quickly followed him into a nearby fruit supermarket.

She picked out several types of fruit and had the store owner wrap them in a basket. Nearby, there was a newly opened flower shop, so Emily also bought a large bouquet of lilies.

The car drove directly into the Ryan family estate, and from afar, Emily could see Mr.Ryan standing in the small garden, leaning on a wheelchair.

Wearing sunglasses, Mr.Ryan waved at them with a smile, looking quite spirited.

Frank parked the car and went to the trunk to retrieve the fruit basket, holding Emily's hand with his other hand as he walked over. "She's with me."

Emily was momentarily stunned and instinctively tried to pull her hand back, but his warm grip only tightened. Glancing at Frank, she realized he was putting on a show for Mr.Ryan, so she didn’t resist any further.