“Are you seriously agreeing to be my relative?” Kathleen was startled.
Samuel’s lips curled. “Yes.”
A deep line appeared in the middle of Kathleen’s brow. “You won’t do things that I hate? For example, kiss me or flirt with me without warning?” she asked doubtfully.
“No,” Samuel responded with a shake of his head.
“All right.” Kathleen paused. “I’ll give you one last chance.”
Chuckling deeply, Samuel spread his arms wide.
Kathleen hesitated before wrapping her arms around him.
Samuel felt his heart clenching up as a lone tear dropped down his cheek and disappeared underneath Kathleen’s collar.
She’s so soft and fits right into my arms perfectly. Alas, this will be the last time we’ll ever hug each other.
Kathleen had no idea why her heart was aching.
A year had since passed, but the pain still remained.
“From now on, we’ll be a family. If you need help, just let me know. I’ll try my best to help,” Samuel rasped. “I promise no one will dare to lay a hand on you in Jadeborough.”
“Mm.” Kathleen bobbed her head.
His lips curled up, Samuel added, “One more thing. I hope you’ll say yes to my request.”
“Say it,” Kathleen urged.
“Please don’t show your affection for Christopher in front of me. I might’ve agreed to be your family, but that doesn’t mean I can accept your relationship. Do you understand?” Samuel stated.
“Okay.” Kathleen nodded.
I won’t be affectionate with Christopher in public, anyway.
“I can’t bring myself to release you,” Samuel grunted. “If I let go, you’ll no longer belong to me.”
Something told him he would forever be her family.
Kathleen hesitated. “I’ll let you hug me for ten seconds longer.”
Samuel snickered and commented, “How kind of you.”
“Release me then,” Kathleen hissed with her brows furrowed up.
“No!” Samuel tightened his grip. “I earned the ten seconds myself.”
Kathleen let out a light snort.
Ten seconds later, Samuel released her reluctantly. He placed his hand on her head and said, “Let’s get along well, Kate.”
Kathleen was dumbfounded.
Samuel let out a low chuckle. “What did you bring?”
He must’ve faked that tear! I felt bad for him, but he started joking again. Never mind. If he dares to go against his word, I shall cut off all ties with him!
“Quinoa salad.” Kathleen placed the takeaway food in front of him. “It’s still piping hot, so eat up. I shall take my leave now.”
“Did you drive here?” Samuel inquired.
“I’ll get a taxi,” Kathleen answered.
“I’ll give you a ride.” Samuel got to his feet. “I’ll eat this at home.”
“No need for that. It’s just ten o’clock.” Kathleen raised her hand to glance at her Patek Philippe watch. “You don’t have to give me a ride home.”
Samuel put on his coat. “I insist. Did you forget what I said? I said I won’t let you run into danger ever again.”
Every time he recalled how she had nearly lost her life after he abandoned her on the street, he would have to resist the urge to slap himself twice.
Kathleen bit her lip. “All right.”
She had stopped recalling the matter.
Samuel drove a Maybach, and it was the first time Kathleen had ever driven it.
Sensing her anxiety, Samuel chuckled. “Drive slowly. It’s fine. I can eat the quinoa salad in the car.”
“Stop mocking me.” Kathleen clenched her jaw. “I can drive a Bentley, let alone this car. Eat your food.”
“Okay.” Grinning, Samuel started eating his supper slowly.
Kathleen was focusing on driving. She pursed her lips in concentration and wore a determined expression.
Samuel glanced at her and smiled discreetly.
Finally, the car arrived at the house.
She promptly heaved a sigh of relief. Turning around, she looked at the quinoa salad in Samuel’s hand and grumbled, “The journey took over an hour. Why didn’t you manage to finish your food?”
“It isn’t as good as your cooking,” came Samuel’s answer.
Kathleen snorted. “Back when I cooked for you, you never praised me.”
Samuel flashed a half-smile. “I was an idiot back then.”
Kathleen frowned. “I’ll park the car in the yard and tell Maria to prepare some food for you.”
“Can’t you cook for me?” Samuel asked. “I collected so much information for you and agreed to be your family today. Is that how you repay me?”
Kathleen gaped silently.
Why is this suddenly my fault?
She caved in. “Will pasta do?”
“Sure.” Samuel inclined his head.
Kathleen sighed. “Let’s go.”
She unbuckled her seatbelt and got off the car.
Samuel’s lips curled into an alluring smile.
He got out of the car and caught up to her.
At the door, Kathleen entered her birthdate. The door clicked open.
Whipping around, Kathleen asked, “Won’t you change the passcode?”
“No. Is there a rule saying I can’t use my relative’s birthday as my passcode?” Samuel retorted.
No, indeed. But one usually uses the birthday of one’s significant being as the passcode. It’s totally different!
“Kate, you’ll have to give me some time to get used to it.” Samuel’s voice was bitter. “You changed our relationship forcefully. You might’ve gotten used to it, but I need more time.”
Kathleen felt as though she was an evil person. “All right, then.”
She strode into the house.
A smile nudged Samuel’s lips as he went in after her.
Kathleen went to the kitchen and opened the refrigerator.
The refrigerator was full, so she grabbed a few ingredients and began cooking.
Samuel removed his coat and placed it on the couch.
He went to the kitchen and asked, “Can I ask you some questions?”
“Sure, if you don’t try to invade my privacy.” Kathleen was busy cutting tomatoes.
Samuel smirked. “How did you find your brother?”
“It was Chris’ doing,” Kathleen explained. “He helped me to check my family records and discovered I had a long-lost brother. All the while, he had been searching for Charles, and Charles happened to be looking for me, too. They then bumped into each other.”
Samuel fell silent. If I showed her more concern, I might be able to help her.
“What happened next?” Samuel asked.
“Charles assumed we’re getting a divorce, so he didn’t show up. He planned to reunite with me after our divorce and take me with him. However…” Kathleen paused momentarily. “Anyway, he took me with him later on.”
Oh, I see.
Samuel’s gaze was dark. No wonder I failed to find anything even though I investigated Christopher thoroughly.
“You never told us about this,” Samuel remarked.
“I didn’t want to trouble you.” Kathleen stopped in her tracks. “Actually, I don’t mind if your grandma decides not to adopt me. I’m glad that my parents are kind souls. I didn’t grow up to be like them, but I can promise that they didn’t save her just because she’s Old Mrs. Macari.”
“I know. You don’t have to explain that to me. There was no way they’d recognize her during the incident,” Samuel replied hastily. He was afraid she would misunderstand things.
Kathleen exhaled. “Anyway, I can’t bring myself to ask for your help to find Charles. I didn’t know Chris was helping me, either.”
Samuel’s gaze deepened. “Why didn’t you tell me?”
“Because you don’t love me,” Kathleen answered with a soft sigh. “You were busy and didn’t have time for me. I don’t blame you, though.”
