Nadine glared at him. âWhat are you talking about? Look at you, all plump. How could you compare with Neera? Step aside and let me talk to Neera.â
Edward was speechless to be called plump.
âFine, you really are my mom. Iâm stepping away, Mom,â
Edward moved back, handing the phone back to Neera with a disgruntled expression.
âAh, ever since my cousin arrived, it feels like Iâm no longer loved by my father and mother. Neera, from now on, youâre the closest person to me.â
Neera found their banter amusing.
After chatting with her uncle and aunt for a while, Neera inquired about Mariahâs condition.
Hearing her question, Nadine glanced at something beyond the screen and suddenly lowered her voice. âIt seems like your grandma is showing some signs of recovery.â
Neera was puzzled for a moment, then instantly understood that the so-called recovery was not as straightforward as it seemed.
âDid Grandma sense something?â she asked, her voice unintentionally laced with a hint of nervousness and caution.
âI suppose so.â Nadine sighed.
âA few days ago, when I was coaxing her to sleep, she suddenly woke up, cried continuously, saying she missed you. She muttered that you and Stacy are practically identical, and it was Stacy who sent you back to her. At that moment, I didnât realize it. Your grandmother held my hand, crying, telling me she knew we were trying to comfort her, that she knew Stacy was no longer here, and now you were also gone. She asked when you would come back to see her as she missed you.â
Neera hadnât expected this twist. She fell into silence, a complex expression on her face.
As Nadine spoke, her eyes began to moisten.
Taking a deep breath, she held back the tears welling up in her eyes and cleared her throat.
âOh, letâs stop talking about this. Itâs rare for you cousins to have time to dine together. Donât worry, we are taking care of your grandmother. If she gradually recovers, thatâs good. It means sheâs no longer avoiding the truth and accepting reality. After all⦠sooner or later, she has to know the truth. Itâs much better for her to accept it on her own than for us to impose it on her.â
Neera responded with a soft grunt, her voice somewhat hoarse.
After ending the video call, Edward sat back across from her and comforted her, âItâs a good thing that Grandma can accept the truth. Once she fully recovers, everything will get better. Although it will sadden her that Aunt Stacy is no longer here, having you around will provide her comfort.
Neera nodded slightly. âI understand.â
The two skipped over this topic and chatted about other things. The atmosphere gradually warmed up again.
At that moment, an uncertain voice rang out. âMs. Garcia?â
Mr. Leopold, what a coincidence.â She raised her eyebrows slightly as she stood up to greet him, her demeanor lukewarm.
Leopold responded, âWhat a coincidence.â His gaze shifted between her and Edward.
Neera introduced, âThis is my cousin, Edward Park.â
After that, she looked at Edward. âLeopold Meyer, the gentleman who helped find the heart.â
Edward extended his hand politely. âMr. Leopold, nice to meet you for the first time.â
Leopold couldnât quite describe his feelings. He reached out and shook hands with him, responding warmly, âHello, Mr. Park. Iâve heard a lot about you.â
Edward smiled faintly. âYou flatter me, Mr. Leopold.â
After exchanging pleasantries, Neera then asked, âMr. Leopold, do you have an appointment? If not, why not join us?â
Out of courtesy, she extended the invitation. Leopold shook his head, politely declining her offer.
âI do have an appointment, so I wonât disturb you any longer. Iâll take my leave now.â
This little episode quickly passed, and Neera didnât think much about it.
However, Edward sensed something unusual.
âWhy do I feel that Mr. Leopold seems to have some interest in you?â
Neera hadnât even considered this possibility. With a piece of beef halfway to her mouth, she stared blankly at him.
âHuh?â
Seeing her reaction, Edward understood.
âExcept for Jean, you really donât take other men seriously. Even if someone has feelings for you, you canât see it.â
Neera awkwardly put the beef into her mouth, suddenly losing her appetite.
âCome on, stop making things up. He and I have only met a few times. We havenât said as much as we did at the dinner table tonight. How can he be interested in me? Youâre just making things up.â
Edward raised an eyebrow. âAlthough he is trying to hide it, I can see it. The way he looks at you is far from simple.â
Neera was speechless. âWill you just shut up?â
Edward laughed. âOkay, if you donât want to hear It, then I wonât say it. After all, you know your own limits.â
He added, âBut youâre quite popular with men, huh?â
Neera was speechless.
Thank you for the compliment?
After dinner, Jean came to pick her up.
He added, âBut youâre quite popular with men, huh?â
Neera was speechless.
Thank you for the compliment?
After dinner, Jean came to pick her up.
At the entrance of the restaurant, Edward greeted Jean cheerfully with a hand in his pocket.
âMr. Beauvort, long time no see.â
E As he spoke, he suddenly seemed to remember something, looking at Neera with a meaningful expression.
He blurted out, âOn second thought, since weâre already family, thereâs no need to stand on formalities.
Iâm Neeraâs cousin, and now that youâre married, youâre my cousin-in-law, right?â
He wore a sly grin, giving off a somewhat fox-like vibe, as he shot Jean a pointed look.
The latter understood his intention to take advantage. Smiling, he agreed readily, âYes, from now on, I should call your name just like Neera.â
As long as it was related to Neera, he always appeared particularly accommodating and unusually good-tempered.
After hearing this, Edward nodded in satisfaction.
âThatâs settled. I wonât hold you lovebirds up any longer. Iâll be on my way.â
He twirled the car keys at his fingertips, waved casually, and left.
Neera couldnât help but chuckle. âSeriously? Heâs younger than you, but you went along with it. Heâs deliberately teasing you.â
Jean habitually held her hand, his thin lips forming a pleasant smile. âNever mind, it doesnât matter.
After all, he is my older cousin.â
The two got into the car, and Neera said cheerfully, âI think youâre becoming more approachable now.
My cousin probably never imagined that he would one day become the older cousin of the powerful, aloof, and ruthless Mr. Beauvort.â
Jean leaned over to assist her in fastening the seatbelt and took the opportunity to kiss her lips.
âThereâs no way around it. When it comes to you, even the coldest heart has to melt. But itâs only for you.â
FF These sweet words filled Neeraâs heart with joy. Her eyes sparkled, and suddenly, she leaned in and returned his kiss.
âThis is my approval, Mr. Beauvort. Youâre doing well, so keep it up.â
He added, âBut youâre quite popular with men, huh?â
Neera was speechless.
Thank you for the compliment?
After dinner, Jean came to pick her up.
At the entrance of the restaurant, Edward greeted Jean cheerfully with a hand in his pocket.
âMr. Beauvort, long time no see.â
As he spoke, he suddenly seemed to remember something, looking at Neera with a meaningful expression.
He blurted out, âOn second thought, since weâre already family, thereâs no need to stand on formalities.
Iâm Neeraâs cousin, and now that youâre married, youâre my cousin-in-law, right?â
He wore a sly grin, giving off a somewhat fox-like vibe, as he shot Jean a pointed look.
The latter understood his intention to take advantage. Smiling, he agreed readily, âYes, from now on, I should call your name just like Neera.â
As long as it was related to Neera, he always appeared particularly accommodating and unusually good-tempered.
After hearing this, Edward nodded in satisfaction.
âThatâs settled. I wonât hold you lovebirds up any longer. Iâll be on my way.â
He twirled the car keys at his fingertips, waved casually, and left.
Neera couldnât help but chuckle. âSeriously? Heâs younger than you, but you went along with it. Heâs deliberately teasing you.â
Jean habitually held her hand, his thin lips forming a pleasant smile. âNever mind, it doesnât matter.
After all, he is my older cousin.â
The two got into the car, and Neera said cheerfully, âI think youâre becoming more approachable now.
My cousin probably never imagined that he would one day become the older cousin of the powerful, aloof, and ruthless Mr. Beauvort.â
Jean leaned over to assist her in fastening the seatbelt and took the opportunity to kiss her lips.
âThereâs no way around it. When it comes to you, even the coldest heart has to melt. But itâs only for you.â
These sweet words filled Neeraâs heart with joy. Her eyes sparkled, and suddenly, she leaned in and returned his kiss.
âThis Is my approval, Mr. Beauvort. Youâre doing well, so keep it up.â
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