Chapter 70

Exasperation seized Tessa. Anytime now, Nicholas! You like butting in so much, so why don’t you say something now and articulate your thoughts on this?

Seeing as he wouldn’t come to her help, she had no choice but to make up an excuse. She looked at Gregory and apologized, “I’m sorry, Sweetheart, but I still have a ton of things to do back home, not to mention work’s been piling up over at the orchestra. I won’t be able to give you violin lessons anymore, but if you’re still keen, there are plenty of other teachers out there who can do a much better job than me.”

However, she had only just said this when his little head drooped low in disappointment, and with tears streaming down his little face, he mumbled sadly, “I don’t want anyone else to teach me, though; I want you…”

It was heartbreaking to hear how hurt he sounded.

At that moment, even Edward couldn’t bear to see the child cry and he hurriedly interjected, “Miss Reinhart, I have to inform you that Young Master Gregory refused to eat a single morsel of food today, and when he finally ate a few mouthfuls, he threw up thereafter. He can’t even function without seeing you.” He paused and eyed Tessa imploringly. “I’m asking that you continue teaching him the violin out of your own kindness, Miss Reinhart. He’s always kept his distance from strangers until he met you, and I’ve never seen him being so insistent before. Can’t you compromise for his sake? What else can he do to change your mind?”

Tessa was shocked by this revelation. She could hardly believe that Gregory would go on a hunger strike because of her, and the thought of this caused her heart to twist. She was touched, and at the same time, heartbroken.

She didn’t think there was anyone else in this world who would care about her other than Timothy, but that was until this little one came into her life. She had never expected for someone as young as Gregory to be at his wits’ end when he found out he wouldn’t see her anymore to the point where he would go on a hunger strike because of it.

Tessa realized that her heart could be made of the hardest stone and she would still cave in to the little one at that moment, but, even so, she gritted her teeth and fought against every fiber of her being.

Then, she said, “No.”

Nicholas’ face turned grim.

Edward, on the other hand, swallowed convulsively, and he wondered what could have prompted a woman to be so heartless in the face of a crying child.

However, the men were caught off guard when Tessa suddenly added, “Not right now, at least. How about if we start next week, Sweetheart? I still have a couple of things to work through these few days.”

Gregory’s glistening eyes brightened once more and he stared at her in disbelief as he asked softly, “A Are you saying yes to teaching me again, Miss Pretty Lady?”

She smiled and nodded gently. “Yes, I am. How could I say no after seeing you cry so much, Sweetheart?”

In all honesty, Tessa had been close to rejecting him earlier, but she just couldn’t bring herself to say, those words aloud.

She wasn’t a heartless monster; it wasn’t like she could say no after all the agony the little one had gone through.

Presently, Gregory finally smiled through his tears after hearing her reply. He threw himself into her arms and hugged her around the waist. Then, in a voice as sweet and velvety as honey, he said, “You’re the best, Miss Pretty Lady! You’re my favorite person in the whole world!”

She smiled down at him, her gaze indulgent as she said, “Well, I like you, too, Sweetheart.”

That being said, she was more than prepared to take on the rest of the Sawyers if they were to stop her from teaching Gregory. She didn’t want to let him down anymore.

It was already late by the time they came out of the hospital.

Nicholas was indifferent as he asked casually, “Where are you headed, Miss Reinhart? Home?”

Tessa felt her heart skip a beat. Shaking her head vehemently, she said, “No, I can’t go back!”

“Why?” He immediately sensed that something was off, and with a raised brow, he asked coolly, “Did something happen?”

She hesitated, then shook her head once. “N-Not at all, but would you mind dropping me off at a motel? I’ll be staying there for the night.”

This prompted Gregory to chime in protest, “No, motels aren’t proper places for you to stay, Miss Pretty Lady! Why don’t you stay at my place tonight?”

“Huh?” Tessa blinked at this and she grew even more hesitant.

Meanwhile, it took Nicholas only one look to know that she was torn by a dilemma. Coupled with her injuries earlier, he wagered that things were serious at her end, if not complicated.

With that in mind, he announced with an air of finality, “Stay at my place tonight. You’re injured and you can’t do much on your own, but luckily for you, our household staff could take care of you.”