The Heiress With Seven Secret Identies (Stella Shaw) novel Chapter 424

A memory surfaced in Jaron's mind—the way he had begged his own father for affection as a child. A bitter ache tightened in his chest.

"All right," he said quietly.

Jaron stayed by her bedside, his mind racing as he tried to figure out how to save the Collins' company.

*****

The next day, Jasper picked up Nicole, and they headed to the tennis club. They played a high-energy match, every movement sharp and fluid as they pushed themselves on the court.

After a while, Nicole took a deep breath and sank onto a bench. Jasper unscrewed a bottle of water and handed it to her naturally.

"Tired?"

"I'm okay," she replied, shaking her head.

A tender smile crossed his handsome face as he gently wiped the sweat from her forehead. "What are you in the mood for later?"

"I want a meal cooked by my fiancé," Nicole said. "Is that allowed?"

Jasper's lips curled into a smile, his eyes brightening. He gave her cheek a playful squeeze. "Anything you want, you get."

"I like the sound of that," Nicole teased.

She leaned in and gave him a quick kiss on the lips, but before he could react, she was already up and running away.

"What are you running for? I'm not going to say no!" He laughed, chasing after her. He eventually caught her, wrapping his arms around her waist. "You should give out rewards like that more often. I like it, too."

"Well, that depends on your performance."

Jasper drove her back to the villa, where Walter, the butler, had already stocked up on fresh groceries. "Good afternoon, Ms. Shaw," Walter greeted her.

"Hi, Walter."

The butler smiled warmly at the couple. "Mr. Moore, shall I have someone stay to prepare the meal?"

"No need, Walter. You can head out for the day."

Jasper led her inside, a bag of groceries in one hand and her hand in the other.

"Cooking already?" Nicole asked.

"Of course. My wife is hungry."

Nicole felt a flush creep into her cheeks. "Correction: fiancée."

"My mistake. I'll try to remember that next time," he said dotingly, brushing his finger against the tip of her nose. "I'll get started. There are snacks and fruit on the table, or you can go up to the study if you want to read or play games—I've got that mushroom game you like."

"Actually," Nicole said, "I'd rather watch a handsome guy cook."

He ruffled her hair affectionately. "Whatever you want."

Nicole grabbed an apron and held it up. "Come here, let me help you put this on."

He leaned down as she looped it over his head. She stepped behind him, carefully tying the strings into a neat bow.

"There. All set."

He turned back to her, cupping her face in his hands. "Thanks, babe."

Nicole sat nearby with her chin resting in her hands, her eyes fixed on him. A soft smile played on her lips.

"Do you need any help, Jasper?"

Finally, Jasper pulled back and tucked her head against his chest, catching his breath. "How was that for an appetizer? Did you like it?"

"Mm-hmm," she murmured breathlessly.

"Go on, eat your dinner," he said.

"Aren't you joining me?"

"You first, kiddo."

With that, he beat a hasty retreat. Nicole watched him go, blinking in confusion. Why was he calling her a "kid" again? She was an adult. Still, she couldn't help but think that his abs felt exactly like the ones she'd seen in manga. She definitely liked what she felt.

She sat back down and rested her chin in her hands, glancing toward the hallway every few seconds until Jasper finally returned.

"Why didn't you start without me?" he asked.

"I wanted to wait for you."

"Eat up, then. I don't want you starving."

She nodded and began to eat, savoring every bite. "So, do you have any plans for winter break?"

Jasper looked up, his gaze softening. "What about you?"

"Make money," Nicole said simply.

"Then I guess I'll be working right alongside you."

They smiled at each other. There wasn't a single dessert on the table, yet the meal couldn't have been any sweeter.

Nicole rested a hand on her stomach as they strolled along, fingers locked tightly with Jasper's, taking in the scenery.