THE CEO’S ACCIDENTAL BRIDE

CHAPTER 12

Maya found herself wedged between the seat and Charles’s muscular frame. His hand remained in the same position as before, but their faces were nearly touching, his thin lips brushing against hers in a way that sent a shiver down her spine. His voice turned husky as he said, "Miss Cooper, how am I being fuzzy with you, huh?"

The warmth of his breath enveloped her, causing her to tilt her head back slightly, trembling all over. Still, she gritted her teeth and declared firmly, "What you're doing right now is definitely fuzzy.”

“Is it groping?" Charles smirked, his lips curling into a teasing smile. He pressed a long finger down, and with a click, he said, "It's unbuckled."

Unbuckled?

Maya stared at him, confused, until she noticed him tilt his chin, urging her to look down at her chest.

Following his gaze, she realized that the seatbelt was positioned right between her breasts. He had only been helping her unbuckle it…

Instantly, her cheeks flushed with heat, turning a shade so red it felt like they might bleed. She wished there was a mouse hole in the car for her to crawl into.

How embarrassing!

This was truly the most humiliating moment of her life.

Sitting up straight, Charles released her hand, a playful smile on his lips as he casually remarked, "So, Miss Cooper, do you owe me an apology for misunderstanding my intentions?"

This time, Maya truly had no excuse. She felt her face flush as she softly said, "I'm sorry.”

Charles frowned slightly, clearly displeased. "Why are you apologizing?"

Maya took a deep breath, trying to change the subject. "Mr. Darwin, we are here."

He remained seated, not moving an inch.

"Hmm, since you've already said it, shouldn't you clarify a bit more?"

Her anger flared up instantly, but she suppressed it, gritting her teeth.

“I really apologize for misunderstanding that you wanted to take advantage of me, Mr. Darwin.”

"As long as you feel sorry, that's enough..."

Raising an eyebrow, Charles opened the car door and stepped out. Maya followed closely behind, her heart boiling with anger. What an embarrassment...

The two arrived at the penthouse, where Ethan had been waiting in the living room for quite some time. As soon as he saw Maya, his face lit up with a big smile.

Charles cast a deep, meaningful glance at him, who immediately straightened up and sat up properly.

With a faint, cold snort escaping his lips, Charles tossed his black coat casually onto the sofa before heading straight into his room.

As soon as his brother disappeared, Ethan let out a sigh of relief, though concern lingered in his voice. "Miss Cooper, why were you taken to the police station?"

"Hmm, Some things are hard to explain at a glance; they can't be clarified in just a few words," Maya replied.

Shrugging his shoulders, Ethan stopped pressing for answers, his handsome face showing understanding. "I get it. Everyone has their impulsive moments. Teachers are human too, after all... Gurgle..." Before he could finish his sentence, a loud rumble came from her stomach.

Maya frowned; having not eaten all day, she realized she was feeling a bit hungry. She asked Ethan what he wanted to eat.

Ethan eagerly replied that he wanted dumplings. He hadn’t had any during the winter solstice, and today he especially craved them.

Maya smiled. Since she was able to get out today thanks to him, she figured it would be a nice way to extend her gratitude.

After taking a shower, Charles changed into a comfortable set of loungewear, his hair still slightly damp. As he stepped out of his room, he heard a series of crisp sounds, as if someone was chopping something.

Entering the living room, he found Maya holding a knife, chopping meat, while Ethan was bustling around her side, clearly excited.

Hearing footsteps, Ethan turned around, his handsome face lighting up with a smile. "Big bro, the Miss Cooper is making dumplings." Maya didn't look back as she continued chopping the meat filling, raising an eyebrow.

Charles remained silent, his deep gaze sweeping over her back before he settled onto the couch and turned on the TV to watch the financial news.

As the intense gaze shifted away, Maya couldn't help but breathe a sigh of relief, focusing entirely on making the dumplings.

Once the water boiled, she dropped in the plump, white dumplings that resembled Jenna, letting them cook for a moment before serving them onto a green plate. After a moment's thought, she filled three plates.

Noticing this, Ethan wrinkled his nose and whispered, "My big brother doesn't eat dumplings with chives. He thinks they have a strong taste."

At his words, she paused for a moment. That man really was picky! She quickly chopped up some celery, mixed it with the meat filling, and wrapped a plate of dumplings before tossing them into the boiling water.

Living in a high-end penthouse definitely had its perks. Just downstairs, across the road, there was a large chain supermarket, stocked with fruits, vegetables, and meats. She bought some chives and meat, along with some celery.

Originally, she had planned to use the celery to mix with the vinegar and soy sauce for dipping, but now it served a different purpose.

Once all the dumplings were ready, Ethan brought them over to the coffee table.

Charles narrowed his eyes, studying him intently. Ethan shrugged, "Miss Cooper originally packed dumplings with chives and pork filling, but since you don't eat chives, she specially made some with celery and pork instead, and even added a three-flavor mix. My big brother is really getting the royal treatment! I'm so envious!"

With a furrowed brow, Charles remained silent throughout the exchange, his gaze always carrying a hint of curiosity.

Maya set down her plate and, upon meeting Charles's gaze, jumped slightly but quickly regained her composure. "I really appreciate it today, Mr. Darwin.”

"You should thank me properly.” His voice was deep and husky, a slight smirk playing on his lips as he picked up his chopsticks, elegantly lifting a dumpling to his mouth.

"Big brother, how does it taste?" Ethan asked eagerly.

At his words, Maya felt a wave of curiosity wash over her, mixed with a hint of nervousness. Although she pretended to focus on her dumplings, her eyes kept drifting toward him.

Charles's gaze landed on her face; her delicate features were flushed, and a bit of flour dusted her cheeks, which only made her look more tempting rather than ridiculous.

His eyes flickered with an intensity, and after sipping some soup, he finally spoke, "Not bad."

Hearing those words come from his notoriously picky mouth, she felt a rush of satisfaction. However, the way he looked at her felt predatory, making her lower her head to avoid his gaze.

Withdrawing his gaze, Charles elegantly finished a bowl of dumplings, leaving only half a bowl of broth behind.

As he stood up and was about to leave, he seemed to remember something and said, “Miss Cooper, since you have nowhere to go tonight, you can stay here. Just make sure to clean up that mess in the kitchen…”

Maya’s heart skipped a beat as she looked up, surprised by his words, but she felt genuinely grateful.

He seemed to be willing to help after all.

************

The next morning.

Maya woke up at her usual time of 6:30 AM. By the time she washed her face, brushed her teeth, and got ready, it was already 7:00.

As she walked into the living room, she saw Ethan sitting on the sofa. She asked, “Where’s your brother?”

After staying with her for a night, she felt it was only right to thank him in person.

Ethan, still yawning and half-asleep, replied, “He went for a morning run. It’s his routine.”

A faint sense of disappointment lingered in Maya’s heart. She exchanged a few more words with Ethan, asking him to pass on her gratitude, before leaving the apartment.