Reclaiming Her Heart

Ann walked up to Selena's desk, unsure if she should wake her. Selena had dozed off, and given how exhausted everyone was lately, Ann figured it was best to let her sleep.

Over at Manston Manor, the food on the table had been reheated so many times the chef had stopped asking. It was cold again. Raymond glanced at the clock; it was 10 PM. Selena hadn't called, and she wasn't picking up his calls either.

Raymond was busy too, but he always made time for her calls, even during meetings.

He wanted to light a cigarette but hesitated, worried she'd show up just as he did and the smell would put her off.

He held a cigarette between his fingers, fighting the urge. When the clock hit 10:30, he finally gave in and lit it.

The chef had gone home, and there was no one left to reheat the food.

Raymond sat there, almost like he was in a standoff with someone.

The atmosphere was so tense that John didn't dare approach, standing quietly at a distance.

At 11 PM, Raymond told John, "You should go rest."

John walked to the door, wanting to say something comforting but couldn't find the words.

He felt like he understood Raymond a bit better now.

When Raymond was unsure of his feelings, he was always defensive and stubborn. But once he figured it out, he became incredibly tender.

These were two extremes, but not contradictory at all.

When someone who's scared to show love finally takes that step, it can cause a huge change.

Selena woke up at midnight. She rubbed her eyes and, seeing the night view outside, suddenly remembered she had promised Raymond dinner at Manston Manor. Feeling refreshed after her nap, she grabbed her phone and saw it was midnight. She broke out in a cold sweat.

She quickly grabbed her coat and headed out, greeting the people still working overtime on the top floor before going downstairs.

She didn't call him first. She knew Raymond well enough to know he was still waiting.

That's why she always felt warm around him.

Just like in that room in Ridgefield during the sandstorm, he held her gently without saying a word.

Selena floored the gas pedal, and when she arrived at Manston Manor, the guards let her in without question.

The door to the living room was ajar, like it had been waiting for someone.

She pushed it open and saw Raymond still sitting alone at the dining table.

Selena hung her bag on the side and said, "I'm sorry, I fell asleep at the office."

Raymond didn't say anything, sulking.

Selena quickly walked to the dining table. Seeing all the dishes, she knew he had instructed the chef with care.

She said joyfully, "So many dishes, they all look delicious."Text © 2024 NôvelDrama.Org.

Raymond ignored her. She quickly put on an apron, wrapped some of the dishes in plastic wrap, and put them in the fridge. "There are too many dishes; we can't finish them all. I'll reheat three. Just sit for another ten minutes, and we can eat." Raymond still didn't move, watching her wear an apron at Manston Manor for the first time.

He couldn't help but think, if they hadn't divorced, she would still be his wife.

Selena left three dishes out, talking to herself the whole time. "Wow, this dish must have been flown in. I remember it's not available here. You must have instructed the chef early in the morning." "This one is also to my taste." She took the three dishes to the kitchen to reheat them.

The kitchen was a bit far from the dining table, separated by a transparent sliding glass door. Raymond could still see her busy in the kitchen with the apron on.

He didn't want to blink, wanting to take in the sight, as it was the first time seeing Selena like this, especially in the kitchen of Manston Manor.

Selena indeed took only ten minutes to reheat the three dishes. She put on gloves, took the first dish out of the microwave, placed it on the dining table, and then brought out the other two dishes. She served Raymond and then herself. She didn't take off the apron, instead leaning in front of him.

"Mr. Montague, let me feed you. I hope you can forgive me. I promise I won't do it again. Is that okay?"

Her words almost made Raymond laugh.

When Selena wanted to coax Raymond, she could make him feel completely at ease.

He snorted lightly, picked up a fork, and started eating.