Love is the Sunshine novel Chapter 216

"Well, it's getting late. Let's go to the rooftop to enjoy the view. After that, let's go to dinner. I know a great place..."

Terence stood up and stretched. Then he placed his arm around Carla's shoulder and led her out of the conference room.

Once out of the AJ Building, Terence called his driver and told him to take them to the restaurant. They returned home after dinner.

Tired and drowsy, Carla stretched herself out on the sofa. What should she get as a gift for Nicholas? She racked her brain the whole day just thinking about it because she was going to Nicholas's house with Terence tomorrow and that would be the formal visit.

She really wanted to show her sincerity. She stood up and began to pace around the room.

Terence came out of the bathroom while still drying his wet hair.

He stopped when he caught sight of Carla. She was still walking around the room looking for some inspiration.

"Carla, what are you looking for?" asked Terence, amused. "Terence, give me some advice. What should I get for grandpa tomorrow?" Carla asked.

Carla scratched her head. She had searched her mind for a good idea all day but she still couldn't find one.

Nicholas was already so rich that he could get whatever he wanted. But she couldn't possibly go with empty hands during her visit.

"Don't worry about it. I'll prepare the gift." Terence consoled her. Every time they visit relatives and friends, Nathan and Rainer would always prepare the gifts for them.

"No," refused Carla decisively. "This is a token of my affection. I'll do it myself." Carla could be stubborn at times. She threw herself on the sofa and concentrated on coming up with an appropriate gift. Suddenly, a good idea came to her. She jumped up and ran down the stairs.

Carla went into the living room and gazed at a painting on the wall. It was a framed portrait she drew for Terence. It could easily be mistaken as a masterpiece by some famous painter.

The gift may be simple but she thought that it was the most appropriate gift of all. It is the thought that counts.

Her eyes sparkled with delight. She rushed out of the living room at once and headed up stairs to the attic.

Carla dug out a painting canvas, some paint and some brushes. Without delay, she started drawing a portrait of Nicholas. Terence provided the photograph as reference.

She worked on the painting the whole night. The lights in the attic were dimly lit. Terence was sprawling at ease across the sofa with his arms draped over the back. He glanced at Carla who was buried in her work. He didn't want to disturb her so he found himself a book and started to read.

The clock struck midnight.

Terence fell asleep and his book fell onto the floor. The chirping of the insects outside the window was like a sweet melody. Carla tore down the drawing paper and crumpled it into a ball. She rubbed her eyes and started to draw a new one.

Light started greeting her after a few hours. The first signs of dawn appeared on the horizon.

Terence opened his eyes and stretched. He looked around and found that Carla had her head on the seat of the chair, fast asleep. He moved towards her over the crumpled pieces of paper on the floor and gazed at the painting that she made.

Carla never failed to impress him. This time was no exception.

In the painting, there was a young officer in his thirties that was inspecting his troops. He was riding a steed with both of his hands holding the reins. He was staring straight out with steely-eyes. Duty and allegiance could be seen in his determined face. The young Nicholas came alive in the painting.

He grinned in satisfaction and called Nathan at once. "Nathan, you need to have a painting framed for me. It must be done as soon as possible." He slipped his phone back into his pocket and carried the sleeping Carla in his arms.

He brought her to their bedroom.

Carla stayed up all night just to finish the painting. There were paint all over her hands and cheeks. She had fallen into a deep sleep and she huddled herself closer in his arms.

Terence wiped her carefully with a wet towel. Then he laid her on the bed and covered her gently with a blanket. When he was satisfied, he gave her an affectionate kiss then walked quietly out of the room.

Carla didn't wake up until the sun was already high in the sky. She opened her eyes because her tummy was rumbling. She was extremely hungry because she missed breakfast. If it wasn't for her noisy stomach, she would rather stay in bed all day.

She glanced at the clock and became fully awake. "Oh! God!" she cried then jumped to her feet. "It's already ten o'clock!"

She got dressed as quickly as she could and rushed downstairs. Terence was reclining on the sofa while waiting for her.

"Good morning, sweetheart." Terence greeted her with a big smile.

"Morning? It's almost noon! Why didn't you wake me up?" Carla shot him an angry glare. "We'll be late! I don't want to be impolite."