Chapter 357: On Iker's Treat The evening sky was slowly turning, with the setting sun casting a brilliant hue across half of the sky. Cheyenne walked home, her steps following the shadows of pedestrians on the street.
Inside the house, the warm glow of small lights illuminated the room, and a sumptuous dinner was already laid out on the table. Her grandfather sat at the head of the table, casually reading the evening newspaper.
Iker, too, sat quietly in his seat, eyes closed, taking a moment to relax.
When he heard footsteps approaching the door, he slowly opened his eyes and said coolly, 'You're back.' Cheyenne immediately noticed the dinner spread on the table and quickened her pace, taking a seat across from Master Iker. She rolled up her sleeves and prepared to dig in.
'Why is dinner so lavish today? This doesn't seem like your usual style, Grandpa,' she remarked.
Layne was a frugal old man who usually kept meals simple, with just two dishes and a soup when they ate together.
Today was different, with a table full of delicious dishes, including honey-glazed chicken, cola chicken wings, yam duck, and even hairy crabs. It was incredibly thoughtful! Layne snorted and rolled up the newspaper in his hand, playfully hitting her on the back of her hand. 'Go wash your hands first. All these dishes were arranged by Master Iker. I'm just an old man; how would I get the money to buy you all this good food?' The dishes were arranged by Master Iker? Cheyenne lifted her chin and glanced at the handsman in front of her, giving him a faint smile. 'Well, thanks, Master Iker.' Tonight was her final treatment session, and after acupuncture, he would be able to attempt standing up. She figured Iker must be grateful for her hard work, which was why he had generously treated her to this meal.
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇtAs she turned to go wash her hands, Cheyenne couldn't help but voice her curiosity, 'But, Master Iker, how did you know what I like to eat?' Tanner, who had been standing silently nearby, chuckled and answered her question before Iker could. 'Miss Lawrence, all of these were personally inquired about by Master Iker from the kitchen's chef before instructingto prepare them.' Layne, who had been holding a newspaper, crumpled it up upon hearing this statement. His puzzled and sharp gaze turned toward the calm face of the young man.
It seemed... he was a bit shy? Iker's ears were faintly heating up as he glared at Tanner and scolded, 'You talk too much. Go away.' Though reprimanded, Tanner still wore a playful smile as he winked at Cheyenne and whispered softly, 'Master Iker is shy!' Cheyenne was left speechless.
Tanner intended to be a matchmaker, but unfortunately... Master Iker and she was an impossible pairing! After dinner, as promised, Cheyenne proceeded to perform acupuncture on Iker.
Layne prepared a medicinal bath using the Rejuvenated Herb Cheyenne had obtained at the auction. Taking a section of its root, he ground it into a powder and mixed it with other herbs to create a black paste which he applied to Iker's legs.
Her slender figure fluttered before his eyes like a butterfly, her wavy chestnut hair piled high on her head. Beads of sweat glistened on her fair forehead as she worked diligently.
With two silver needles in her hand, Cheyenne rotated them and gently removed them from his shoulder. 'Master Iker, after tonight, you'll be able to stand up like a normal person. Congratulations,' she said.
He clenched the armrests of his wheelchair tightly, biting his lips. As tpassed, the medicine on his legs would begin to heat up.
'Th-thank you, Cheyenne. I won't forget your favor,' he said, his voice sounding somewhat restrained, each word pronounced clearly.
Cheyenne's needle-removing motion hesitated for a moment, and she raised an eyebrow. 'Master Iker, you don't think a simple thank you is enough to save you from giving money, do you? No need to thank me; just remember to settle the bill for my medical treatment.' He suddenly smiled, and his resolute face, covered in sweat, softened slightly. His gaze was intense as he looked directly at her. 'Miss Lawrence, don't worry.' If an ordinary person spoke to him like this, he would undoubtedly think they were after his money. However, when it cto Cheyenne, a trace of regret suddenly welled up in his heart.
Why was she only interested in his money? Was he not worth her consideration? Before, when his legs were crippled, Cheyenne had Omari, a perfect bodyguard, by her side. But now that his legs were healed and Omari probably wouldn't return to Akloit, she should try to consider him a choice, right? Iker's mind went through countless thoughts, but in the end, he suppressed all his emotions and decided to wait. He still had the Serpent Magic inside him. If he was destined to die before thirty, there was no need to burden her with unnecessary worries.
Tanner, standing behind Iker the whole time, couldn't contain his excitement. As Cheyenne finished removing the last silver needle, he eagerly approached her.
'Miss... Miss Lawrence, can my master he stand now?' As his words fell, Iker supported himself on the wheelchair's arms, and he slowly attempted to stand.
The room fell into a hushed silence, and the sound of their breathing becaudible.
Cheyenne felt a bit nervous herself, and she unconsciously covered the left side of her chest.
The dim yellow light in the room cast a glow on his face. He lowered his head, and his deep-set eyes remained hidden in the darkness.
No one knew that beneath his composed demeanor, his clenched hands were sweaty.
Follow on Novᴇl-Onlinᴇ.cᴏmThree years! Over a thousand days and nights!
He had sat in the wheelchair alone, watched countless sunrises and sunsets, allowed helplessness and loneliness to envelop him, and used indifference to hide his vulnerability. Occasionally, he would remember the days of his former glory.
Iker suddenly lifted his head, gazing steadily at Cheyenne who stood before him. Her almond shaped watery eyes, her rosy lips, and that Herr fiery, enchanting smile she wore while looking at him. Alluring yet serene. Two contrasting qualities that should have been incompatible but blended perfectly in her.
He wanted to walk over, stand tall in front of her, and embrace her.
So he did.
Iker attempted to release his grip on the wheelchair, lifted his foot, and slowly made his way towards Cheyenne.
His speed was akin to that of a snail...
She watched him with a smile, her bright eyes filled with encouraging tenderness.
In his heart, he heard countless voices cheering him on. One step two steps, three steps... on the seventh step, he finally stood in front of her. His husky voice, filled with magnetic charisma and suppressed excitement, squeezed out a sincere confession from his crimson lips.
'Cheyenne, I'm grateful that in my difficult and lonely times, I met you.' He was dressed in a black bathrobe, revealing a smooth and sturdy chest, and his towering figure enveloped her. Cheyenne couldn't help but think he looked incredibly handsome! X