Dorothy, though finding it hard to relax, made an effort to ease into the moment, unwilling to push Everett away or shrink back. She knew deep down that Everett didn't want to hurt her.
But with Abigail and Langston still out of the loop, Everett didn't dare to overstep, letting her go after only half an hour.
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇtYet, neither of them moved, still holding each other, listening to the beat of each other's hearts.
After a while, Everett broke the silence.
"Should we take a shower?" "I can manage on my own." He lifted his hand, his thumb gently grazing her porcelain-like cheek, "Is this because I didn't exhaust you?" With a playful huff, Dorothy pushed him slightly, a smile teasing her lips, "Be careful, or I might snap a photo of you like this and leak it to the company intranet! That'll certainly shatter your CEO image." Mention Everett in public, and you'd hear about his reserved, almost aloof demeanor, sparing words as if each one cost him.
Yet here he was, all his words saved for moments like these.
"Go ahead, if you ever miss me, you can open it up and take a look." Dorothy paused, then slowly, her hand found its way to his shoulder, "Everett, I don't need a photo, I want the real thing." "Alright, your wish is my command." "When Quincy cto me, she mentioned something else." Instantly, Everett's brows furrowed, his heart racing.
He knew Dorothy's unusual approach meant she had heard something unsettling! Otherwise, with her stubborn nature, she wouldn't have sought him out so willingly...
Follow on Novᴇl-Onlinᴇ.cᴏm"What did she say?" "She mentioned you commissioned her to treat my illness, and after much research, she finally developed a medicine that could curecompletely." Everett knew! That was the ultimate cure! "Yes, that's true," he confirmed, looking into Dorothy's eyes, "Did she give it to you?" "She did." "Have you taken it?" Dorothy's eyes twinkled with mischief, "What do you think?" Everett straightened up, pulling her onto his lap, meeting her gaze, This is no tfor jokes, did you take it?" en "Why can't I joke? Is there something else about the medicine? Why are you so anxious?" Everett frowned, "Quincy's medicine can cure you! You won't have to suffer and be hospitalized anymore!" Of course, he was worried! Once everything settled, Dorothy could finally step away from all this.
"So, my illness, Quincy is the only one it, right? Your om who can cure it, closeness with her, your interactions, even the scent of her perfon you... it was all for the sake of getting this medicine for me?" "Well..." Everett hesitated, unsure if she had taken the cure, and stumbled over his words.
"Look atand tell me." Dorothy cupped his face, forcing their gazes to lock, allowing no room for doubt.
"In the beginning, yes."
"And after? Did you develop feelings for her? Were you planning to break up with me?" Everett pursed his lips, about to nod reluctantly when Dorothy gently slapped his cheek.
"Are you out of your mind! To let Quincy blackmail you for my sake! Now she wants money wants your e help to save the Caldwell family, but what about later? If she demands you marry her for this, would you actually do it?" "I never intended to marry her from the start." X