Chapter 241 Sweet Time (2)

Olive stood on the balcony, searching for him but finding no one. The blue sky clouded over, and rain began to fall. She stamped her foot in frustration. Then, a familiar figure appeared, Elvis running towards her through the downpour. He wore a black shirt and trousers, the neighbors', untucked and giving him a surprisingly handsome, youthful air.

Olive watched him from the steps, his drenched clothes testament to his determined dash.

"Mrs. Augustine, were you looking for me?" his deep voice asked.

Still angry, Olive almost ignored him, but his soaked clothing softened her. She noticed something hidden behind his back.

"What's in your hand?" she asked curiously.

Holding out her palm, she said, "Quickly give it to me. I'll see what it is and decide whether to forgive you or not."

Slowly, he offered her a large bouquet of freshly bloomed red roses, their petals still glistening with raindrops. Olive's eyes lit up; she took them, hugging the fragrant blooms. This was the first time he’d given her roses.

"Do you like them?" he asked.

"Yes, I love them," she replied ecstatically. "For the sake of these roses, I'll forgive you."

He smiled, kissing her forehead. But before they could linger, a neighbor's anguished cry echoed from afar: "Goodness lord! Where are my roses? Who used a knife to cut my roses?!"

Elvis froze. Olive's beautiful face lifted, her gaze questioning.

"You stole these, right?"

"It seems so," he admitted.

The neighbor's heaving chest and tearful eyes revealed the gravity of the situation. "These were the most expensive flowers that bloomed today! They're all gone! What a cruel heart!"

Olive looked at the eleven roses, then at Elvis, whose face registered a rare embarrassment.

"What should I do?" he panicked.

"What else? Run! If you don't run, my aunt will catch you!" She grabbed his hand, pulling him away.

The rain had stopped. The beach air felt exceptionally fresh. Olive dragged him all the way to the shore.

"I can't believe I actually stole for you," he said, mortified by his actions; it was a first.

His heart pounded. He looked at the girl beside him, the red roses held gently in her hands, her beauty surpassing even the flowers. He felt this was the happiest moment of his life. He picked a rose and tucked it into her hair.

She obediently added another to her own ear. "Mr. Augustine, do I look good?"

He stared, wanting to imprint her image forever. "Yes, you look beautiful."

Unsatisfied, she asked, "Do you like it?"

"I love it," he replied hastily.

Olive smiled, laughing softly. Cupping her hands around her mouth, she yelled, "Elvis, I like you!"

His heart skipped a beat. He felt himself falling deeper into her love. "Elvis Augustine, I love you!" she shouted again.

He reached for her, but she laughed, evading his grasp. Hugging the roses, she ran, a smile playing on her lips. "Elvis, I'll definitely get you if I want. I'll make you my man if I want."

He chuckled, chasing after her. She fled, playfully evading his attempts to catch her. They played on the beach all day, laughing and giggling.

Night fell. Olive emerged from the shower, towel-drying her damp hair. Elvis, already showered, grabbed a hairdryer. "Come here, let me help you dry your hair."

She sat on his lap. He kissed her neck, then dried her hair. Once finished, he set down the dryer and carried her to the bed.

She snuggled in, her clear black eyes on him. He covered her with the duvet.

"Mr. Augustine," she said, grabbing his hand, "are you pretending to be a gentleman? Don't leave; sleep with me." She patted the bed invitingly.

Knowing she wouldn't let up, he lifted the blanket and lay beside her. He pulled her into his arms, enjoying the warmth of her body. He hadn't fallen asleep, but remained still, fearing he'd wake her.

He reached for the bedside drawer, clouded by disappointment. His sleeping pills were usually there, but the drawer was empty. His face froze. Then, two small hands encircled his waist. Olive opened her eyes, gazing at him.

"Mr. Augustine," she whispered, "if you can't sleep, let's do something fun."