Chapter 32
“I’ve been swamped with work lately and barely got any rest. It’s just a bad headache,” Samuel said, placing the carved store bird she’d gifted him onto the seat
beside him.
Next to it was a bottle of imported painkillers.
Yvonne recognized the brand. She’d taken it before.
“You shouldn’t take those on an empty stomach. They’re really harsh on the stomach lining. Have you eaten anything yet?”
Samuel paused to think. “No.”
From the front seat, Asher looked confused. Didn’t Samuel just come straight from a banquet?
“You’re planning to take it now?” Yvonne glanced toward the front and asked Asher, “May I know how long the drive back is?”
“It’ll take about an hour to get to the Hover residence,” Asher replied.
So Samuel hadn’t let him drive off because he was waiting here, hoping Yvonne would notice him?
Yvonne looked at Samuel, who was clearly in pain. “Mr. Hover, if you don’t mind, come in and have a quick bite first.”
The lighting in the car was dim. Samuel’s face was half–hidden in the shadows, but a fleeting, subtle emotion passed through his features.
“Thank you, Ms. Jamison. Sorry to trouble you.”
He stepped out of the car and followed her back into the villa.
“Headaches can be brutal, I’ll make you a bowl of ravioli soup. I’ve got the ingredients in the fridge.”
As Yvonne started prepping in the kitchen, she called out to him over her shoulder, “Any dietary restrictions I should know about?”
“No, I can eat anything.”
Samuel sat on the couch, frowning through the pain. He glanced around the room until his eyes settled on her.
The villa had a cozy, warm decor. Under the soft lighting, Yvonne moved swiftly around the kitchen in an apron. A little while later, she brought two bowls of ravioli soup to the table.
“You’re impressively efficient, Ms. Jamison.”
“Occupational hazard. I’m used to squeezing every minute, but I’m trying to learn how to slow down.”
Yvonne handed him a set of cutlery.
- te.
Samuel thanked her and took a bite. The ravioli were filled with a mix of shrimp and pork, tender and flavorful with each bite. Paired with a sip of warm soup, it was the kind of comfort that settled deep in the bones.
“You’re a fantastic cook, Ms. Jamison. This is delicious.”
He genuinely seemed to enjoy it as he finished the entire bowl.
When they were done, Yvonne got up to clear the dishes. Samuel made a move to help, but she waved him off. “You’re a guest, Mr. Hover. Just sit and rest for ten minutes before you take the medicine.”
“Okay, then.”
Just then, they heard the sound of someone unlocking the door.
Samuel looked mildly puzzled. “Do you live with someone?”
“My best friend’s here.”
Right as she said that, Isabel walked in, her arms full of shopping bags.
“Yvvy! There’s a mixer tonight at the bar with a bunch of hot college athletes. I packed my A–game dress and everything. Come with me! Let’s go reel in some hotties! They’ve got every type of guy-”
She froze mid–sentence when she saw a man sitting in the living room.
She hadn’t gotten a clear look yet, but he carried an air of elegance and quiet nobility. He was definitely not someone ordinary.
“Well, well, well. Didn’t know you had a hidden boyfriend, babe. You have quite good taste.”
Yvonne was rendered speechless. She quickly rushed over to stop Isabel from saying anything worse. “Take a closer look. Don’t you recognize him?”
“He does look familiar.” Isabel took a few cautious steps closer.
F
Meanwhile, Samuel narrowed his eyes, glancing at the black lace dress she was holding.
CPR 5
+25 Bonus
“We’ve met before.” His introduction was concise. “Ms. York, you’re Mr. Charlie Gill’s ex–wife.”
At the mention of that name, Isabel’s whole face dropped. “Oh, so it’s the prince of Jeriton City.” Without missing a beat, Isabel spun on her heel with the dress in hand. “Babe, I’ll go meet the college hotties alone.”
“Stay safe,” Yvonne called after her, sighing as she watched her disappear.
“Ms. Jamison, did I say something wrong?” Samuel asked gently.
“No, it’s fine.”
Yvonne went to the kitchen and poured him a glass of water. “Take your medicine and get some rest, Mr. Hover.”
“I will. Thanks again for dinner.”
Samuel gave her a sweet smile. He was seriously glad Yvonne didn’t end up getting dragged to that bar full of hot college athletes.
