Jared placed the clean dishes into the cabinet. He then heard Nicole’s confused voice, “Why don’t you
use the dishwasher?”
She noticed the dishwasher in the kitchen the last time she came, but Jared did not seem to like using it.
1
Jared’s fingers froze for a moment before putting the last plate away as if nothing had happened. Then
only did he turn around to dry his hands while saying indifferently, “I always feel like doing things by hand
makes me feel more at home.”
Nicole was startled. She did not expect such an answer. This answer seemed a little strange coming
from a man like Jared Johnston. However, it was oddly fitting at the same time.
For instance, the plaid apron tied to his waist. The red and black Scottish style was not intended for him,
yet it looked elegant on him. When Jared noticed Nicole’s silence, he turned around and walked toward
her with slight worry in his eyes.
“Not feeling well?”
Nicole chuckled. She was just thinking about something and spaced out, “I’m not that weak.”
She was not lying; her physique was definitely top tier. ‘I’m all better now after being unconscious for only
a while. I’m fine.’ she thought. Jared frowned disapprovingly. He wanted to say something, but Nicole
had turned around and was headed upstairs, “Good night, Jared.” ‘Since he’s worried about me, I’ll sleep
earlier.’ she thought. Jared watched her retreating figure and smiled. It looked warm under the glow of
the dim yellow wall lamp. He suddenly had the illusion that she belonged here.
He thought of what he had just said and gently held the fingers on his right hand.
Just as he stood unmoving, the woman upstairs suddenly stopped moving. She had an indifferent
expression, yet her gaze toward Jared was incredibly gentle. “You should sleep early too. By the way,
you look good in this apron.” She said before walking to her room, leaving Jared looking at his apron
resignedly.
“I’ll wear it more since she likes it.’ he thought.
The following morning, Nicole woke up early. She did not want Jared’s mansion’s strategic location to go
to waste, so she did her morning exercise to her heart’s content. After she got ready, she finished the
breakfast Jared prepared for her under his watch. The two of them got into the car and drove to Royal
Creek Institute.
Nicole got off at the entrance of Royal Creek Institute. Suddenly, a hand behind her reached out to grab
her arm. Nicole turned around and saw Jared’s handsome face bathing under the sunlight. He looked
fixedly and her and spoke in a tender tone.
“Let’s have coffee again after school. The one I owe you.”
Nicole thought of the incident from last night. She knew he was referring to the coffee she wanted, so
she nodded gently.
Right after, she saw Jared reveal a bright smile. He continued gripping her wrist with his fingers while
looking at her with a twinkle in his eyes.
“I don’t want to let go.”
Nicole felt the grip on her wrist gradually loosen. She turned her arm to clasp his hand and said casually
“We still have a lot of time.”
After that, she let go of his hand. She got out of the car and walked toward the teaching and learning
building nearby. The view of her back looked suave. Jared felt her remaining warmth between his fingers
and slowly revealed a yearnful gaze.
‘I’ve thought about restraining myself. I’ve also considered getting to the bottom of things. But I couldn’t
control my raging feelings.’ he thought. He lifted his gaze; there was a twinkle in his dazzling eyes.
‘Nicole is right. We still have a lot of time.’ he thought.
62fb1bb41dcb31934bd49bda