Pampered Like A Princess

Unexpectedly, Edward was still around. Nelissa stared at him in a daze, and he approached her with a cigarette between his fingers.

His figure towered over hers, and from above, his gaze locked on her eyes, a lingering scent of cigarettes permeating the air.

“Did you not leave?” Nelissa probed, wondering why he turned back.

Edward observed Nelissa’s tiny figure clutching her basket of clothes. “Those street lamps don’t work. I’ll walk you over.”

He grabbed her hand and pulled her forward, ignoring her as she continued, “How did you know they don’t work?”

Those lamps had been malfunctioning for weeks, even before she had moved there. Hence, Nelissa seldom walked that way when it was dark out.

And, somehow, Edward just knew…

Nelissa felt his large hand gripping hers. His firm grasp emanated a formidable aura, just like how he was as a person.

As they walked, a security guard threw them a glance, clearly recognizing Edward. Nelissa ignored it, and only when they both walked further away did she pull her hand out of Edward’s grip.

“Come on, it’s not as if you’d get pregnant from just holding hands!”

“Can you stop spouting nonsense?” She glared at him incredulously, feeling slightly put off by the mention of pregnancy.

For some reason, Edward just loved to tease her mercilessly.

“Huh, have you not been in a relationship with a guy before? How did Zayden get you pregnant so young then?” Edward pressed on, his gaze ever so deep and unfathomable.

He knew everything about Nelissa’s childhood. How her parents died young, how she and Zayden had been together since they were children. He had seen it all in those old photos.

He knew from five years ago that Nelissa’s parents had passed on. Surely, she and Zayden were not just in an ordinary puppy-love. They lived together. Clearly, anything a couple could do, they would have done.

However, Edward was sure that Nelissa was a virgin the first time they slept together. Perhaps Zayden found out that she had been deflowered by Edward, and hence, forced her to get pregnant out of jealousy?

Edward swore to never let Zayden off the hook.

Amidst the dark night, Nelissa felt an enveloping sense of security being by Edward’s side.

He was someone who could protect her…

She did not know what to expect from a man in a proper courtship. She and Zayden had skipped courtship and went straight into a relationship… Whereas she and Edward? Well, they went straight into bed together.

“Let’s visit my Grandpa at the hospital when you have time. He likes the tea you make.”

“Sure,” Nelissa agreed immediately.

She had to pacify him, to ensure the deal between Victory and Hales’ Group would come to fruition. She needed the money.

Perhaps it would be nice to use it to give Zayden a slap in the face, but alas, the 300, 000 dollars were needed to pay off her mother’s medical bills.

The hospital would be getting an expert from abroad, and it was a rare opportunity for Mary to seek specialist treatment.

300, 000 dollars would still not be enough.

She needed more.

They arrived at the dry-cleaners after emerging through the dark path. It was still open.Text property © Nôvel(D)ra/ma.Org.

Nelissa walked straight in and passed the basket of clothes over to the shopkeeper. They began chatting about ways to wash the clothes while Nelissa signed the drop-off slip.

Edward stared at Nelissa, observing her little movements. She seemed to know her way around, like a good homemaker dropping off her laundry on a routine.

“Let me know when they are ready!” Nelissa said to the shopkeeper as she pocketed the laundry slip.

Edward grabbed her hand again and they strolled out, seeming so in sync with each other, like a natural couple.

The elderly shopkeeper squinted at them as they left. “What good genes they have!”

She had seen Nelissa’s lovely pair of twins, and how polite and adorable they had been. Obviously, it was a factor of this good-looking father of theirs!

“Goodbye.”

They were back at the apartment.

Nelissa turned away from Edward, but he did not let her go.

He lowered his head and pressed his lips against hers. It was a mesmerizing kiss.

“Bye,” he uttered slowly as his lips parted from hers, and he snuck in a cheeky little lick.

With her ears burning from embarrassment, Nelissa walked away, pressing the elevator buttons anxiously.

Gosh. Was that how it felt like to have her boyfriend send her home?!

She was flustered.

Back at home, the twins were already in bed. Jolene looked up from the TV as Nelissa walked in.

“Wow, were you working out? Why is your face so red?!”

“I blush easily! It’s hot out there! I’m taking a shower!” Nelissa declared flusteredly.

“What’s with the attitude?” Jolene raised her eyebrows.

Nelissa lay in bed after washing up, and she heard Jolene leave after a while.

Amidst the dark silence, Nelissa touched her lips, almost feeling Edward’s lips against hers…

God, that man could arouse any woman!

The next day, Nelissa headed to the hospital to see her mother at lunch break. It had been a while since she had time to do so.

She watched over Mary for an hour. Mary still lay there, in a coma, seemingly no progress in her treatment.

The attending doctor had suggested they seek specialist treatment from the expert from abroad. The alternative was to wait for a transfer to a better hospital in the capital.

However, Nelissa knew that Mary did not have the luxury of time. Her condition may deteriorate by then…

Nelissa then turned to leave, and simultaneously, her phone rang.

It was Edward.

“Head over to the hospital to see my Grandpa now. Andrew is already there.”

“Now?” Nelissa looked around frantically. She was worried that Edward would bump into her. It would be hard to explain why she was already there.

“Yes, I’m out of town for work. Take care of yourself and call me if you get into any trouble. Make sure you steer clear of Zayden!”

Edward had just gotten off a flight out of Haleston City, and made that call to Nelissa immediately.

“But he did not mention this trip last night?” Nelissa wondered. Perhaps there was an urgent matter.

Alas, the deal between Victory and Hales’ Group would be delayed once again.

After hanging up, Andrew’s call came in. “Miss Nelissa, I will be waiting at the hospital for you.”

“I’m already here…” Nelissa replied.

Andrew found it strange that she had appeared sooner than him, but he brushed off that thought.

Nelissa quietly thanked God that she had switched Mary’s ward as she took the elevator up with Andrew.

It was a close shave!

It would be disastrous if Edward were to start probing into the matter…

When she arrived at Mikaelson’s ward, Nelissa nodded politely at him before heading off to make tea. Andrew and Mikaelson began to talk about matters regarding the company.

At this moment, the door to the ward opened.

Andrew greeted politely, “Madam.”

Nelissa lifted her gaze to see a well-dressed woman walking in. Could this be Edward’s mother? But she seemed too young!

The lady passed a thermos over to the attending nurse as she helped Mikaelson up. “Father, have some of this tonic. It’s good for your health.”

Andrew interjected. “Mr. Hales is waiting for his tea.”

He then threw a glance at Nelissa.

Nelissa was momentarily dumbfounded, but she quickly picked up the tea and served it to Mikaelson.

“Please have this, Mr. Hales.”

The lady was clearly displeased. She barked at the nurse, “Why are you just standing there?! The tonic is getting cold.”

“Mr. Hales has sufficient health beverages and supplements prepared for him on a daily basis, Madam Norah. You don’t have to worry about it.”

Faced with Andrew’s snide reply, the lady, Norah Zeiton, was furious.

“Father, how preposterous is his attitude?! It’s all Edward’s doing! He’s making all his subordinates so disrespectful!”