Chapter 311
Layla's first reaction was to agree, but the next second, she declined, "My phone is running out of battery, and I need to save some for the afternoon shoot."
"Miss Adkins, I have a power bank here," the driver immediately offered.
Layla was speechless.
Samuel's lips curled into a faint smile, and he generously decided to give the driver a tenfold raise.
"Can we start shooting now?"
"I... I don't look good," Layla hesitated.
"You took a lot of selfies just now, and I took many pictures of you," Samuel reminded her. "That was then, now it's been a while, and I don't look good anymore. My makeup has worn off," Layla muttered, but she knew these excuses were weak. "Even on a trip with friends, it's normal to take a group photo. You don't have to worry too much," Samuel reassured. Layla realized that he was now adept at using the identity of 'friends'.
"Okay." The two chose the Arc de Triomphe as the background. Layla stood beside him, tiptoeing. Samuel chuckled, "I'll just bend down. You don't need to tiptoe. It won't make a difference..." The height difference between 6'2" and 5'3" was quite significant. Layla retorted, "What do you mean? Do you think I'm short?"
"Of course not. Being petite makes people want to protect you, and I like that a lot." Samuel liked it so much that he wanted to hold her in his arms every minute and second, to pamper her and cherish her. Samuel bent down, bringing their faces to the same level. In the moment the photo was taken, his hand rested on her shoulder, and they both smiled at the camera.
"Send me the photo."
"Okay." After Layla sent it, Samuel immediately set it as his screensaver, cherishing the sight of it and smiling. Layla noticed, but she didn't say anything. At night, Samuel booked a table at a high-end restaurant, with a view of the sparkling Eiffel Tower outside the floor-to-ceiling windows. The atmosphere, the music, the wine, everything was so romantic. Layla couldn't drink, and when she saw Samuel pouring wine, she reminded him, "You're still injured."
"I'll just have a few sips, it won't affect me."
"Okay. I've warned you. Don't blame me." Layla focused on the beautiful view outside the window. In her mind, the scene of him proposing to her and them dancing in the 360° rotating restaurant came to mind. It was the most beautiful night of her life. There were no psychological burdens at that time, and they were purely immersed in their love.
Could they go back to how they used to be? Regardless of the future, she didn't want to disrupt the tranquility of the moment, unwilling to dwell on Owen's accident.
Samuel looked at her profile in the light, feeling a deep tenderness. 'Layla, you are so beautiful. I love you so deeply. I can't bear to let go. As long as I'm alive, I will never let go of your hand.'
At the mansion, Joseph leisurely descended the stairs with his hands in his pockets, his gaze between the two full of ambiguous intent. "Off on a date? How sweet! The hotel here is also nice. Why not 'visit' it?" Layla's impression of Joseph had changed from a wealthy second generation to a man in need of a spanking. She rolled her eyes at him.
"Why do you talk so much?"
"Come on. Is it the first day you've known me?" Joseph retorted, taking it as a compliment.
"It's because none of you took me out to play, leaving me alone in the mansion. Your hearts must be made of stone, right?" Layla gave him a look that said she couldn't be bothered and went upstairs.
"You seem to be doing well. It looks like your pursuit is about to succeed," Joseph said, patting Samuel on the shoulder. Samuel watched Layla go upstairs, a smile playing on his lips.
"I still need some time."
"No rush, you're handling it well. I mean, most guys spend money when they pursue women, but you're chasing her with your life. From getting shot to facing a fire, it makes my heart skip a beat. Are you a masochist?"
"For her, no amount of effort is too much. I can't bear to let go." Joseph shuddered. "Alright. Save those cheesy words for her. Don't bother me. But the hard times are finally coming to an end, as your brother, I'm happy for you." Joseph meant what he said. Just by looking at these few days, he knew how many difficulties his brother had been through. He didn't believe in love before, but this couple made him believe.
If they loved each other, then they should be an item forever.
"Yes," Samuel replied with certainty. They would be with each other for a lifetime.
In City A.
After half a month of recuperation, Oliver had endured the critical period and was recovering day by day, getting healthier and healthier. Susan took time off to take care of him at the hospital. It was the longest time they had spent together since Oliver turned one. Oliver looked up from his comic book. "Mommy, why aren't you going to work?" Susan was peeling a pear and looked up at him with a smile, "What's wrong? Are you tired of me? Do you find me annoying?"
"No way. I love you the most, Mommy. You're the most beautiful person in the world. I will never get tired of staying with you. How could I ever find you annoying? You have no idea how happy I've been during this time. Being with Mommy every day makes me the happiest kid in the world."
Susan smiled. "Are you buttering me up?"
"Who's buttering you up?"
"Uncle, you're here," Oliver happily exclaimed. Caleb walked in, a few snowflakes on his body, carrying a box of LEGO in his hand. During this time, he had come to the hospital almost every day, at least twice when he was not so busy. Susan had gone from initial resistance to slowly accepting him. Sometimes when he was late, she would unconsciously look out the window.
"Why did you buy him another gift? You're spoiling him." Susan shook her head helplessly. "As long as Oliver likes it." Caleb knew that what he was doing couldn't make up for the fatherly love he owed his son over the years, but he was grateful for the future.
"I like it. I like playing with LEGO the most." Oliver jumped out of bed, happily hugging the LEGO, "Uncle, come and play."
"You go ahead."
"OK. Hurry up."
"It's colder today than yesterday. Are you cold?" Caleb walked over, his gaze at Susan particularly gentle, so gentle that Susan often didn't dare to meet his eyes, afraid of being overwhelmed by his tenderness. At this moment, she lowered her head as if she was tidying up the fruit. "I'm in an air-conditioned room every day. I don't feel cold. You should wear more," she said these caring words in a light tone, but for Caleb, they were the warmest words in the world.
"With your care, I'm not cold at all. Every time I think of coming over, my heart is always warm." Susan didn't say anything, and her chin shrank a little more into her neck, sighing softly. She poured him a cup of tea and handed it to him. Caleb reached out to take it, and their fingers touched. Her fingers were warm, while his fingers were cold, the touch sparking a surge of electricity, and Susan quickly withdrew her hand.