Chapter 49: Should I Help You Take Your Shower?

Annabel was speechless.

"Didn't you say you'd repay me for saving your life?" Rupert asked, his expression cold and serious.

It was a joke, but Annabel didn't realize it, given his serious expression.

Looking at Rupert's wound, she said helplessly, "Okay." After all, he had stopped the knife from reaching her.

Seeing her reluctance, Rupert felt disappointed. He took the cutlery from Annabel and said with a smile, "I'm just kidding. I can do it myself."

Annabel breathed a sigh of relief. But when had Rupert ever joked before? He was always cold and serious.

Meanwhile, Rupert, unused to eating left-handed, took some time to finish his meal. When he was done, he wiped his mouth with a napkin.

"It tastes good," he praised.

"I'm glad you like it," Annabel said, standing to clear the table.

"Leave it. Someone will clean it tomorrow," Rupert said with a sigh, rubbing his temples. "I'm so tired."

"Let me help you to your room to rest," Annabel offered. She was tired too and wanted an early night. She had a lot of work the next day and needed to be refreshed.

"Okay," Rupert agreed.

Getting Rupert to his room took effort. As Annabel helped him onto the bed, he stopped.

"I want to take a shower first," he said.

Her eyelashes trembling, Annabel blurted, "Do you want me to help you shower?"

Seeing her alarm, Rupert loosened his tie with his left hand, a playful smile slowly spreading across his face.

"Run me a bath."

Annabel breathed a sigh of relief and filled the bathtub, ensuring the temperature was right before telling him it was ready.

She sat listening to the water running from the bathroom. She wanted to wait for Rupert to finish so she could find her sleeping arrangements, but exhaustion overcame her, and she fell asleep on the sofa.

After his shower, Rupert found Annabel asleep. Her steady breathing filled the quiet room. He took the opportunity to study her. Her skin was smooth and delicate, her eyes perfect. The chandelier light glinted on her long eyelashes, casting shadows on her cheeks.

Smiling gently, he lifted her and carefully laid her on the bed, tucking her in. Then he lay down beside her.

"Teddy, let me hug you," Annabel murmured in her sleep, hugging Rupert and mistaking him for a teddy bear.

Rupert's body stiffened. This feeling was so familiar! He reached out and caressed her hair.

"Candy, is it really not you?"

The next day, sunlight streamed through the curtains onto the bed. Annabel awoke, dazed. The first thing she saw was a luxurious crystal lamp. Where was she? She quickly realized she was in Rupert's bed.

What had happened? She rubbed her temples, recalling Rupert intervening between her and the knife, taking her home, their dinner, and his shower. And then? Why couldn't she remember anything? Why was she in his bed? They were alone in the apartment. She hadn't gone to his bed herself.

Had Rupert put her there? She checked her clothes; thankfully, she was fully dressed.

Just then, Rupert entered.

Seeing Annabel awake, he smiled faintly. "You're awake."

"Why am I here?" Annabel demanded, ignoring his greeting.

Rupert shrugged. "It's easy to catch cold sleeping on the sofa."

So, Rupert had put her in his bed. Annabel felt embarrassed.

"Breakfast is in the dining room. I'm working from home today, and you have the day off. If you need anything, come to my study," Rupert said, heading to his study.

Annabel checked the time; it was almost ten o'clock. Luckily, she had the day off. She decided to go to work after breakfast.

She went to the dining room and found a lavish breakfast. She sat down and ate happily.

The doorbell rang. Annabel frowned, wondering who would call at this hour. Opening the door, she saw a tall, beautiful young woman: Cathy.

Cathy, in a white dress, held a mug, initially smiling brightly. But at the sight of Annabel, her smile vanished.

"Annabel, why are you here?" she asked, displeased.

"What do you mean? Can't I stay at my fiancé's place?" Annabel retorted. "And you, why are you here so early?"

"Where's my cousin?" Cathy asked, looking around. Rupert had called home the previous night, saying he would stay at Water Moon Community. This disappointed Cathy; she wouldn't see him. That morning, she learned Annabel hadn't returned either, which alarmed her. She'd made breakfast and gone to Benton Group, intending to use it as an excuse to see Rupert, but Finley told her he'd taken the day off. Annabel was also absent from work. Cathy rushed to Water Moon Community and found Annabel, confirming her suspicions that Annabel had spent the night with Rupert.

Ignoring Cathy, Annabel continued her breakfast.

Cathy entered the dining room. She saw the breakfast, recognizing it as Rupert's cooking. He only cooked like this for Bruce when he was ill. Now, he was cooking for Annabel! Jealousy surged.

Seeing Annabel still ignoring her, Cathy raised her voice. "Annabel, I'm asking you, where's my cousin?"

Annabel finished her breakfast, wiped her mouth, and stood. "Excuse me," she said, trying to pass Cathy.

"Annabel, who do you think you are?" Cathy fumed, blocking her way. Jealousy and contempt were clear in her eyes. "You're just a country bumpkin. You don't deserve my cousin!"

Remembering seeing Cathy kissing Rupert while he slept, Annabel retorted sarcastically, "If I don't deserve him, then who does? You?"

"Annabel, don't talk nonsense!" Cathy shouted. Then, catching sight of a tall figure approaching, she screamed and fell to the floor. "Annabel, why did you push me?"