Chapter 528

"What are you doing? Let me go!" Watching her leave, Elvis's eyes darkened. What was her attitude? He slightly regretted his request. He wouldn't have asked her to change his shoes if he'd known it would be like this. He lowered his waist, glancing at the bottom of the slippers; they were very clean. The logo was uncut; they were brand new. This proved she'd been alone since returning to the Imperial, never having had a man by her side. Elvis's gloomy brow softened considerably. He changed his shoes and entered the living room.

Elvis sat on the sofa, lazily leaning back, his long, slender legs gracefully crossed. Several documents lay in his hand; he closed his eyes to review them. A soft, silken voice reached his ears. Raising his head, he saw Olive and Lil’ Nathan at the kitchen window. Lil’ Nathan followed Olive like a little shadow. The boy was washing vegetables while Olive, wearing a floral apron, cooked. He couldn't hear their conversation, but their laughter was constant. Laughter and the aroma of food filled the house. Elvis watched them, then looked away, only to raise his head to look again a moment later. His heart seemed to fill with something.

An hour later, Olive brought the food to the table. Seeing Elvis still there, she assumed he would join them. "President Augustine," she said politely, "Dinner is ready. Shall we eat together?"

"Okay," Elvis grunted, setting down his files and quickly taking a seat at the head of the table—the male head of household's place. Seeing Olive watching him, he slightly raised an eyelid. "What are you doing? Get me the food."

Olive was speechless. She served Elvis, then sat beside Lil’ Nathan. The three ate in polite silence; like father, like son. Olive fed Nathan some tomato omelet. Elvis glanced over and murmured, "He doesn't eat eggs. He'll never touch them."

"Huh? Why not?" Olive asked, looking at Nathan. "Nathan, why don't you eat eggs? They're very nutritious. You're growing up; you must eat them. They're delicious."

Lil’ Nathan quickly stuffed the omelet into his mouth, eyes sparkling. Silently, he mouthed, "Yes, Fairy, I think eggs are delicious, too!"

Elvis glanced at Lil’ Nathan. He didn't know who had vomited after eating eggs. Olive cooked exceptionally well. Tonight, she’d prepared three simple dishes and chicken soup. Father and son ate two bowls of rice each. Some rice remained.

Olive looked at them. "There's more food. What would you like?"

Elvis and Lil’ Nathan both pushed their bowls forward simultaneously, wanting more. Olive looked at the rice cooker, slightly embarrassed. "There's only enough for one person."

Elvis quietly nudged his bowl forward a little. Lil’ Nathan, unhappy, pouted and silently said, "Dad, I'm growing up. Feed me!"

Elvis sneered. "Your dad works hard every day to support you so you can live comfortably, yet you don't care about me?"

Olive quickly divided the remaining rice, giving Elvis slightly more than Nathan. "President Augustine, Lil’ Nathan, is this alright?"

Father and son nodded and finished eating. There was no food left. Dinner ended harmoniously and happily.

Olive washed the dishes. When she came out, Elvis was gone. "Nathan, where's your dad?"

"Teacher," Lil' Nathan said expectantly, "My dad just went out. Maybe he's going to work. Can I sleep here tonight?"

Olive readily agreed. She'd bought Lil’ Nathan new clothes at the mall two days prior. "Okay, Nathan. You can sleep with me tonight, and your dad can pick you up tomorrow morning." She led him to the bedroom.

Night fell. Olive bathed Lil’ Nathan and told him a story. With his regular schedule and daily exercise, he fell asleep quickly. After covering him with a blanket, Olive showered. Feeling thirsty after her shower, she went to the dining room for water. Reaching the living room, she stopped. Elvis was asleep on the sofa, documents in his hand, a luxury watch covering his eyes. He was exhausted. She and Nathan hadn't heard him return. He must have come back some time ago.

Asleep, Elvis was free of his usual gloom and coldness. The soft living room light softened his handsome features, revealing the fatigue etched on his face. Olive gently gathered the scattered documents, then returned to the bedroom, fetched a blanket, and carefully covered him.

She turned to leave, but a large hand shot out, grasping her wrist and pulling her forcefully. Her slender body fell against his strong, warm chest.

She raised her head, meeting Elvis's long, narrow eyes. She didn't know when he'd awakened. His eyes were bloodshot, dark and flickering. He stared at her. Olive struggled. "What are you doing? Let go of me!"

Elvis refused to release her. Lying down, she was forced onto him, her wet hair falling on his face, its scent intoxicating him. His throat bobbed, and he said hoarsely, "Did you take a shower?"