Nelson was at a loss for words as he reminisced on his mother’s constant nagging about Leni that morning, until he waspelled to reassure her that she would like her.
But now, as he looked at Leni dressed as a British woman, he couldn’t help but wonder if his mother would approve.
Despite Leni’s attempt to hide her smile, she couldn’t contain it as she watched Nelson’s handsome face twist in disgust. She expected him to say, “Go back inside and change out of that dress.”
Then she would tell him straightforwardly that, “I don’t have any other dress,”
But to her surprise, Nelson got into the car and told her to join him.
As Nelson sat in the car and saw Leni hesitating, a faint grin appeared on his face as he effortlessly deciphered her thoughts.
“You thought I was going to send you back inside?” It was more of a statement than a question.
“Not a chance. I can’t keep my mother waiting all night. Now get in before I have my assistant push you in,” His voice was chilling, like the December wind, earning him a sharp re from Leni as she entered the car.
Annoyed, Nelson observed as she struggled to drag her dress and herself into the car, not even fully closing the door before he ordered his assistant to begin driving.
“Archaeopteryx,” Leni hissed with distaste, ring at him before shifting her gaze out the window.
“What did you say?” Nelson didn’t want to believe she had called him that ugly bird again.
Leni cast a brief look at him, seeing the cold re in his eyes. It was as icy as a blizzard, incredibly intimidating.
So she swallowed and whispered, “Nothing.”
Nodding once, Nelson took his assistant’s tablet, opening it and handing it to Leni.
“These are the instructions you must follow for the next three months,” he stated.
Leni took the tablet, scrolling through the list of Dos and Don’ts with disbelief.
Without saying a word, she handed it back to him and resumed looking out the window.
Nelson had not expected her to remain silent after reading the lengthy list he had provided.
He continued, “As I mentioned, I am taking you to meet my mother and I expect you to keep your rude mouth shut in her presence until I say otherwise.”
Again, Leni offered no response, her silence beginning to infuriate Nelson.
“My mother must not have even the slightest hint that our arrangement is just fake, do you understand? You must at least pretend to be a good girl.”
Leni could no longer bear it. She turned her gaze back to him and inquired pointedly, “Why must I pretend to be a good girl? Why must I do all this without any form ofpensation?!” She lost control.
Nelson’s smirk widened as he savored the distressed look in Leni’s eyes.
“You must maintain a facade of goodness for the sake of my mother. She needs to be reassured of my choice of bride. And as for payment, we both know you are getting what you deserve,”
Leni’s body trembled. Her nails were almost digging into her palm, but she was unaware.ConTEent bel0ngs to N?v(e)lD/rama(.)Org .
“And if I refuse to pretend to be good girl?” she questioned, her expression tightening.
“Then you are ready to face my wrath. I will make your miserable life–”
“What more can you do, huh?!” Leni cut him off. “Can my life get any worse?”
Their gazes shed, more powerful than a thousand words or fights.
Stealing a nce at them through the mirror, Herbert pressed his lips tightly together and pretended to focus on driving.
—
Upon reaching the mansion, Nelson opened the door before his assistant could and stepped out of the car.
Seeing his boss had already helped himself, Herbert walked towards the back door and assisted Leni out of the vehicle.
“Thank you,” Leni said. And in that moment, her scowling face transformed into awe as she took in her new surroundings.
Instinctively, she moved away from the garage and eagerly took in the beauty of the mansion.
The front yard was adorned with argewn of soft, green grass. A rockery sat beside the vibrant nts, with water cascading through it. Below was a pool filled with ornamental fish, uniquely green with long tails. They appeared as a scarce and prized species.
At the forefront, a circr table was apanied by four bamboo chairs and a parasol.
Meanwhile, Herbert had positioned himself in front of Nelson, appearing as though he had something important to say.
“What is it?” Nelson inquired sternly.
“Mr. Carter, forgive me for what I am about to say, but it pertains to your decision…” Herbert’s words trailed off as he shifted his gaze towards Leni, who was enthralled by the surroundings. Her amazement was palpable.
Nelson continued to stare at Herbert, waiting for him to finish his statement.
It was the kind of piercing stare that Herbert detested. He emptied his throat and shook his head, “It is nothing really, Mr. Carter. Please proceed inside.”
“Finish what you were saying, Herbert,” Nelsonmanded with a deep, husky voice.
Herbert’s tongue darted out to moisten his parched lips before he began, “In my humble opinion, Mr. Carter, if you refuse topensate her, she may not deliver the job to your satisfaction, sir.”
A furrow formed between Nelson’s eyebrows, his eyes narrowing at Herbert.
Noticing his boss’s reaction, Herbert took a step back and avoided his intense gaze.
“She called me a bastard, Herbert. Am I expected to just let that go?” A muscle in Nelson’s jaw clenched as he looked at his assistant with cold, oppressive eyes.
“No, Mr. Carter, but you must consider…” Herbert tried to say something again, but Nelson cut him off again.
“Whose side are you on, Herbert? Hers or mine?” Nelson interjected gravely, halting Herbert’s words.
Stunned, Herbert blinked in disbelief. In his mind, he couldn’t understand why Nelson was being so petty. How could he even ask such a question?
“Mr. Carter, I will never support…” Herbert began to say, but was interrupted by Nelson once more.
“You’re fired, Herbert,” Nelson stated firmly, turning away and giving him his back.
Herbert’s face fell, but he wasn’t truly saddened by the news. This wasn’t the first time his boss had fired him, but he was still working for him.
“Come along, Miss Hernandez. Mr. Carter is already making his way to the vi,” Herbert called out to Leni, who snapped out of her daze and gave a small smile to Herbert before following Nelson.
Stepping closer to the entrance, Nelson’s movements slowed as he turned to face Leni, his gaze lingering on her in silence.
“What?” Leni’s stern voice cut through the silence, not appreciating the intensity of his stare.
Taking a deep breath, Nelson replied nonchntly, “If you can impress my mother, I might change my mind about not giving you a single penny.”
A glimmer of hope sparked in Leni and a smile graced her face, “Really? You’ll change your mind and pay me?” her words were careful, as if afraid to jinx her chances.
The quickness with which her tion appeared was almostical to Nelson.
“Are you deaf? I said I might, I haven’t made any promises yet. Now let’s go inside,” Nelson’s tone was domineering as he walked towards the door.
“Yenyenyenyenyenyen,” Leni mimicked his voice, rolling her eyes before following him inside.
Upon entering the living room, Leni gasped in awe and her eyes widened in amazement.
“What in the world…” she trailed off, taking in every inch of the extravagant living room.
Lost in the splendor, she hadn’t even realized that Nelson had left her standing there. Every detail in the room was a work of art, from the golden chandeliers hanging above to the ornate furnishings.
Her eyesnded on a portrait of a woman feeding her child, and she was drawn towards it, trailing her fingers along the edges.
It was a beautiful painting, and for some reason, Leni felt a connection to it. She, too, had taken on the role of caregiver to her brother, just like the woman in the portrait.
“Do not trespass upon others’ belongings. Don’t you know basic manners?”
Leni jolted out of her reverie, surprised to find two tears rolling down her cheeks.
She hastily wiped her face and turned to face Nelson and his seemingly mother, who was gracefully walking towards her.
“Hello, dear,” Susan greeted with a charming smile as she approached Leni.
Unbeknownst to her, Leni caught a glimpse of Nelson’s tense expression behind Susan.
“Corporate,” he silently mouthed.