After Zephyr returned to his senses, he got Robert to send Cordelia back to her office.He called the number to Chaiseland after returning to the Zen Residence.It was morning over there and quite noisy on the other side of the phone. Janine must have started her busy day.Zephyr greeted respectfully. “Mom, were you looking for me?”“Yes, I’m at the airport,” Janine said calmly. “I’ll be in Centrolis in 10 hours. Get someone to pick me up.”“What?” He was shocked.“What? Am I not welcome?”“Of course, that’s not the case.” He soon calmed down.Ever since his parents got divorced, his mother hardly visited Centrolis. It was not where she grew up. Given the terrible memories from her ex-husband’s family and judging by her character, although her child was there, she would definitely not compromise.Therefore, Zephyr visited Chaiseland more often since he was young.Perhaps there was only one reason why Janine suddenly came to Centrolis.Zephyr squinted. He took a deep breath a
Linda blushed and smiled softly.“Why so sudden?” Zephyr looked at them. “Nicholas, you just got stable in Centrolis, and there are many connections to build. You’ll definitely be busy. Isn’t it too much of a rush to host a wedding now?”“No, we can’t wait!” Nicholas was grinning wide. “If we wait any longer, we’ll have to host a baby shower as well!”“What?” Cordelia and Zephyr were surprised.Linda confirmed it. “I’m pregnant. Two months.”Cordelia was thrilled and emotional, going around Linda again and again. The latter’s figure had not changed. She was still tall and slim. Who could have known that there was already a baby in her womb!?“Linda, why didn’t you tell me earlier?!”“They say it’s riskier the first three months, so it’s better not to announce it.” Linda beamed. “But it’s not too late that you know now. You’re the kid’s godmother, and you’re not running away!”“Who’s running away? I’m going to prepare a huge gift for my godson!”“How do you know it’s a son? I w
Zephyr glared at him. “Shut up if you don’t know how to talk!”Nicholas could not even shut his mouth since it was cracked open to a wide grin.For some reason, Zephyr seemed to stand innately against Neil.Actually, that was not true. It was more like he could not stand all the men who approached Cordelia.“Alright, come on!” Nicholas patted Zephyr’s shoulder. “Cordelia’s just interviewed him once. It’s her job. You don’t have to get so petty, right?”“I’m not.” Zephyr was stubborn and took a big gulp of beer.“It’s written on your face, and you still deny it!” Nicholas chortled. “Look, why don’t you get Neil to attend the event for me? I’ll make sure he embarrasses himself there!”It was only then Zephyr looked better. Both men exchanged a look with a smirk.“Am I such a petty person?” Zephyr spat and pulled out his phone to call Mr. Smith.“Figure out something to engage Neil to attend Mr. Thompson’s event. Be polite when you talk to him.”Nicholas was rendered speechless.
Cordelia found a comfortable couch and planned to rest for a bit, only to see someone sitting at a nearby table and playing cards in concentration. She focused and saw that it was actually… Neil? Why was he here!?While she was dazed, Neil spotted her as well and smiled at her. He then got up, approached her, and sat down next to her directly.“Hi!” Cordelia sat up straight, looking a little nervous.There was a nice fragrance on Neil. Coupled with his gorgeous features, it accentuated his grace.“Hello,” Neil greeted with a smile. “I didn’t expect to meet you here. Are you here for interviews today too?”“Mm.” Cordelia nodded.The conversation stopped. Neil smiled and shifted his attention back to the cards, resuming to play on the coffee table in front of them.Cordelia could not help the surprise when she saw the pattern on the back of the deck.“You… know how to play this?”“Why? Do you know how to as well?” Neil looked at her.“This is Xiroh, right?” Cordelia smiled. “I
Zephyr walked in slowly while the celebrities watched him. They were only taking a short break here, not expecting to see Neil playing cards with a woman.The few of them whispered by the door until Zephyr appeared. Only then did they feel pressured and suffocated, like the air was sucked out of the room.Zephyr’s expression was cold. His smile did not reach his eyes.“Cordelia, wrong card.” His voice was low as he walked to Cordelia and pulled another card from her hand. “You should put this one down!”Cordelia froze before she grinned, turning back into the girl who had only him in her eyes.Zephyr rubbed her head.When others took in the intimate scene, they could not help guessing the pair’s relationship.Neil furrowed his brows while the celebrities at the door looked at each other without saying anything.When Nicholas rushed over and noticed the situation, he instantly understood everything.“You’re here, Mr. Z.” He went up to pat Zephyr. “If you don’t like the noise, I
It was unexpected that Neil took a risky move!Zephyr looked at him. “Mr. Harris, this is a risky move. I advise you to be cautious.”“It’s fine.” Neil smiled. “Nothing ventured, nothing gained. I’m willing to take the risk for the roles.”Zephyr smirked. “Nothing ventured, nothing gained? It’s true, but it depends. Not all gains come from risks!”Just when Neil thought he would win, the card that Zephyr put down shocked him.Two more cards, then one more—Zephyr put down all his cards and won in terms of points as well.Neil’s frown was scrunched tight.“You’re talented, Mr. Harris,” Zephyr chortled and lowered his voice, “But talent applied in the wrong area makes it a ticking time bomb. Who knows when it’ll explode and blow you up to pieces? It’d be a pity then.”“What do you mean?” Neil narrowed his eyes.Zephyr pushed all the cards on the table toward him. The Xiroh cards spread out with a swoosh like a huge fan.Zephyr’s dominating presence caused the others not to dare
“Anything I want to do the most?”His warm lips were against the shell of her ear as his deep, husky voice puffed out these incredibly tempting words.Cordelia felt her heart skip a beat as her face flushed. She leaned back against him.“What I want to do the most now… is to keep hugging you like this.”Zephyr was delighted about it. He knew that the girl got shy easily and had to go slow, so he led her forward. “What else do you want to do after hugging?”“Huh?” Cordelia looked up, her innocent gaze confused.“Think about how we were.” Zephyr smiled while stroking her face. “Back at home… where do you usually hug me?”Cordelia obviously did not want to go along with what he said and purposely replied, “Oh, back then? Didn’t we always hug on the balcony? We looked at the stars together after I hugged you like this!”Zephyr was rendered speechless.She chuckled, “Oh yeah, Zephyr, I kind of want to stargaze now. Do it with me, okay?”The deflated man was unwilling, but he force
Cordelia did as she was told and felt Zephyr flipping her hand over. Her palm faced up, and she felt something landing in her hand. When she opened her eyes, she saw a necklace in it.Precious sapphires were etched into stars and the moon, hanging off a platinum necklace.His voice was deep and gentle. “Cordelia, I’ve plucked the stars and moon for you.“What about you? Will you marry me? Let’s not part forever, okay?”Cordelia pressed her lips together, tears brimming from her eyes. Zephyr hugged her and softly stroked her hair.“You don’t have to answer me now,” he said considerately. “I’ll give you time as long as you remember that I’m always here waiting for you.”Cordelia nodded and sobbed herself silly against his chest.“Zephyr.”“Hmm?”“I can actually answer you now…”Zephyr’s heart lurched as he listened quietly.“I do need some time to prepare myself.”She looked up at him with a sincere smile.“I also need some time to explore this world. I hope that when I ma