Anneliese is such a natural at coaxing me. She doesn''t even need a script.
Jonathan watched as she blinked those sly, sparkling eyes at him, and all the awkward jealousy he''d been feeling dissolved into a sweet warmth that filled his entire body.
The next day was the official start of the National Low-Altitude Logistics Algorithm Challenge.
Anneliese got a call from Alexander early that morning. He told her to do her best and said he''d be watching the livestream with her seniors, rooting for her.
A few days ago, she''d heard from Clement that Alexander had actually been invited to serve as a judge for thepetition. But since she waspeting, he''d turned it down to avoid any conflict of interest.
Her voice rang out clear and bright as sheughed, "Prof. Clocke, just wait—I''lI bring you back that gold trophy."
Alexanderughed heartily over the phone. "Getting a little cocky, aren''t you?"
Standing in front of the mirror, Anneliese made a final adjustment to her shirt cor before replying, "Of course! Just look at who my mentor is."
"Then your seniors and I will be waiting," he replied with a hearty chuckle.
After hanging up, Anneliese checked her bag to make sure she had all her documents and then headed out.
She walked downstairs, and when Jonathan heard her, he stood up from the living room couch and looked over at the staircase. His gaze sharpened, and a sh of amazement flickered in his deep eyes.
Anneliese looked nothing like her usual self. Normally, she dressed casually andfortably.
But now, to match the asion, she wore a crisp, simple suit-a in blue shirt, a sharp white zer, and matching tailored pants.
Her hair was pulled back in a low bun, with a few wisps left loose at her cheeks. Her makeup was barely there, and she wore no jewelry. She still had her slippers on, but her presence wasmanding.
She had a confidence and poise that Jonathan had never seen in her before.
"Hey? I thought you left for work. What are you doing here?"
Anneliese looked at him in surprise.
Thepetition didn''t start until 10 a.m., so she didn''t have to leave early.
Jonathan had left for work a little after 7 a.m., and she''d seen him out herself. She hadn''t expected him toe back.
Meeting her surprised gaze, Jonathan just crooked his finger at her.
"Come here."
Anneliese hurried downstairs and walked over.
He took her hand and gave her shoulder a gentle push, making her sit on the couch. "What are you doing?" she asked, confused.
Jonathan straightened his suit pants and, in the next moment, dropped to one knee beside her.
Before she could react, he pulled out a pair of shoes from behind his back.
"You''repeting today. As your husband, it''s only right that I put on your battle shoes myself."
Anneliese''s gazended on the shoes in
his hands-a pair of mistet
blue handmade loafers The leather looked soft and the heel was low
Coincidentally, they matched her blue shirt perfectly.
She was pleasantly surprised as Jonathan carefully slipped the shoe onto her foot.
"How does it feel?" He rested her foot on his knee so she could check.
She flexed her foot. "It''s superfy. Fits perfectly."
Satisfied with herments, Jonathan put on the other shoe and helped her to her feet.
"Take a few steps and see."
Anneliese strutted back and forth in the living room, then dashed over to him and threw her arms around his neck.
"Honey, thank you for the surprise!
love them Wearing these, I feel
unbeatable, like I''ve got a fulll
of positive buffs!
Jonathan''s smile deepened at her radiance.
He said in a deep voice, "I''lle back for my reward tonight."
Anneliese''s eyes sparkled. "Sure."
He gently removed her hands from around his neck and held them.
"Let''s go. I''ll drive you there."
He''de home just to send her off to thepetition. If he stayed any longer, he might really lose control.
Hand in hand, Anneliese followed him out, ncing down at their joined hands and smiling.
Watching their shadows stretch
across the floor, she followed him, feeling like a little girl being dropped off by her dad for a big exam