Chapter 14

As dusk settled, they left Gourmet Galaxy and stepped into a tranquil scene that contrasted sharply with the lively downtown. The only illumination came from the street lamps and the stars, casting a gentle light on the peaceful evening. Feeling the crisp early summer chill of Betrico, Truman sneezed as the cool air brushed against him.

Back at the airport, Cherise’s large suitcase hadn’t fit in Xenia’s sports car, prompting Morris to have Leo place it in his own car.

“Where can I direct you, Ms. Leach?” Morris inquired, addressing Cherise.

Cherise hesitated to reveal her address, but Xenia, always outspoken, didn’t hesitate. “Cherise resides in Glenshire Gardens. We should be on our way,” Xenia declared, about to take Cherise’s hand.

Morris chimed in with a serious expression, “The Simpson and Taylor residences are to the north, and Glenshire Gardens is to the south, which is my direction. Ms. Leach’s luggage is in my car, so I can drop her off. It’s on my route.” Though his words were casual, Truman saw through the ruse-Morris’s home was actually northward. But, considering his friend’s long-standing bachelorhood, he chose to go along with it for Morris’s sake.

“Xenia, let Morris handle it. We should head back,” Truman recommended, guiding Xenia towards the vehicle.

“But I promised Grandpa I’d take Cherise home,” Xenia objected.

“Your grandparents miss you. They’re eager to see you. Come on, let’s go,” Truman said, gently urging Xenia towards the car.

Leo’s expression shifted as he observed the scene. He thought to himself, ‘So Mr. Chivers wasn’t uninterested in women; he’s just been holding out for the right one.’

Then, he approached the restaurant owner, who was accompanying them out. “Sir, I’m keen on learning how to handle seafood. Could you teach me?” Leo asked.

Catching the underlying message, the owner agreed, “Leo, come with me. You’ll be an expert in no time.”

Morris’s lips curled into a subtle, contented smile.

Cherise sighed and shook her head, feeling a bit frustrated as everyone made plans without asking for her opinion. Hailing a cab around here was no simple task, and it appeared she was stuck with Morris again. “Ms. Leach, shall we? I’ll drive you home,” Morris said, extending the offer.

Beneath the night sky, the streetlights stretched their shadows, making Morris seem even more towering and formidable. His features, bathed in the warm light, drew Cherise’s gaze.

“Do I look good?” he questioned.

“Yeah, stunning,” Cherise admitted. Morris was undoubtedly the most attractive man she’d ever encountered, and she had a soft spot for good looks.

“Let’s go,” Morris responded, a note of satisfaction in his tone.

Cherise identified the black Maybach as a high-end, custom model with plenty of room. As she got comfortable in the passenger seat, she noticed her phone vibrate with a message from Dora. [King had turned down the offer.] She quickly typed out a reply. [Keep extending the invitation, and double the offer.]

Tucking her phone back into her bag, Cherise glanced over at Morris, the sophisticated man behind the wheel, before taking out her phone again to look up information on him.

Noticing Cherise engrossed in her phone as soon as she settled into the car, Morris couldn’t resist asking, “Are you really busy? Or are you just catching up with your boyfriend?”

“No, it’s work. I’m not seeing anyone,” Cherise clarified, meeting his gaze.

Upon learning that Cherise was single, Morris’s serious expression softened, his eyes resting on her lovely features. “I was impressed with your medical skills today. Are you a doctor?” he asked.

“No, I just learned some basics from the doctor in my hometown,” Cherise replied sincerely.

Morris raised an eyebrow and gave a slight smile.

“May I open the window?” Cherise requested, her voice reflecting the fatigue from the long day, coming out gentle and slightly whiny, a tone that somehow charmed Morris.