The Enigmatic Return (Neera and Jean) novel Chapter 558

Neera was taken aback, quickly diving into the water to hide her body.

She had wrapped a white bath towel around her body, which only modestly shielded her from her collarbone to her thighs, leaving much of her skin visible.

When Jean walked in, he was met with this unexpected sight.

The pool was shrouded in mist, revealing a hazy silhouette.

Hidden within the pool, the woman's flushed face stood out, her eyes watery and vulnerable like a deer caught in headlights.

When he saw such a seductive scene, Jean's gaze grew intense.

"Why...how did you get in?"

Her voice, filled with a mix of mild reproach and nervousness, plucked at Jean's heartstrings.

Jean's throat tightened with the unexpected sensation. In a low voice, he warned, "Staying in the hot spring too long can be dangerous; you could pass out."

With that being said, he took several steps closer to the pool.

He extended a hand, asking, "Can you get up?"

Neera nodded in agreement but hesitated to take his hand.

She struggled with her words. With rosy cheeks, she stammered, "Could you...maybe get that towel for me?"

Jean was stunned. His gaze swept over her shoulder before following her gaze to the towel. He then went to retrieve it without saying a word.

Upon his return, Neera stretched her hand out to take the towel.

Jean draped it over her. He grasped her extended hand and gently pulled her closer to him.

The prolonged soak had weakened Neera, leaving her with little strength.

Noticing her frailty, Jean quickly grabbed her waist and scooped her up into his arms.

Neera emitted a soft, unexpected yelp as she felt herself being lifted. Instinctively, she wrapped her arms around Jean's neck for support.

Jean's back stiffened as their bodies pressed together.

His gaze turned more intense. As he looked down, he noticed Neera hiding her head in his arms out of shyness. Her ears were flaming red.

After observing this timid reaction, a light chuckle escaped him, his chest resonating with the sound.

Feeling both embarrassed and aggrieved, Neera decided to play dumb.

She raised her head and inquired, "What are you laughing at?"

Jean raised an eyebrow and said, "It's nothing. I just thought back to the first time I met you. We were at the hotel by the hot springs at that time. You were quite aggressive, completely different than it is now."

His words brought back some memories.

Neera's mind kept going back to the scene uncontrollably. She was so shy that her entire body turned as red as a tomato.

To alleviate the awkwardness, she retorted, "You have the nerve to mention that. Wasn't it you who wrongly assumed I had some hidden agenda when approaching you?"

She teased, "Mr. Beauvort was so full of himself back then!"

Jean replied brazenly, and he was not in the least bit ashamed of himself.

"Well, I'm sorry, but I do believe I have what it takes. In addition, it was natural for me to assume you had some ulterior motives based on our odd first encounter and previous experiences."

"Oh?"

Neera quickly realized what he was getting at. So, are you saying that people used to trespass when you were having a bath?"

Caught off guard by her wit, Jean replied after a brief pause, "Not really, only you. The rest...they remained outside the room."

For some reason, hearing this made Neera inexplicably happy.

As they bantered, Jean carried Neera back to the room.

He draped a blanket over her after he set her down on the bed.

"Get some rest. You'll feel better later."

Neera nodded obediently and followed his instructions.

Jean stayed by her side and monitored her.

After some time, her dizziness subsided, she recovered her strength, and she felt much better.

"I'm fine now."

Jean nodded and urged, "Good. Change into something else so you don't catch a cold."

Neera obediently accepted his suggestions.

It was already late when she dried her hair and got dressed.

"Rest well. Goodnight," Jean said in relief, walking away.

She felt safe as she watched him walk away. She mumbled, "Goodnight, sweet dreams."

Jean closed the door with a grin on his face.

...

Neera slept peacefully that night.

The next morning, she received a call from Isabella after she woke up.

"Neera, I'm so sorry. Something came up at the hospital, and I can't make it today. I have taken the kids home. Auntie Zuniga is looking after them. There is nothing to worry about."

Neera's eyes twitched. She confronted her, saying, "Bell, did you do this on purpose?"