32

“So she fell down the stairs and sprained it, and then you didn't throw her out and instead took care of her?” Aamber almost screamed on the other end, causing Aaron slightly push his phone away.

“Yes, she agreed to go and was about to pack up, when the accident happened.”

“Sounds like intentional to me!” Aamber's tone was reproachful. “Are you sure she really went through that? Maybe she's just acting hurt.”

“Her leg was really swollen and my doctor looked at her, so she really did have a sprain.” Aaron sighed. “Though I can't guess whether she dropped herself on purpose or not.”

“Given Clarissa's nature, she might as well do.” Aamber looked worried. “Then what about you and Laurel?”

Aaron smiled reminiscing when Laurel's name was mentioned.

Laurel, his Laurel.

The woman said she loved him so tenderly. Laurel loves him, for the sake of the angels! It felt like all his weight was lifted and his body became light. This is how it feels when you love someone with all your heart. When the love is reciprocated, his whole body feels floating.

“We can deal with it.” Aaron was still smiling as he spoke, reminiscing about their hot and passionate love after the confession. “And she said she loved me.”

“Oh.” Aamber sounded stunned. “Congratulations, Brother, though I doubt any woman can resist your love if you've put all your charms into it.”

Aamber chuckled. “You must be very happy.”

“Very.” Aaron smiled. “I've been thinking of a way to deal with Clarissa, but you had to come here.”

“Me?” Aamber let out a protesting tone. “How can I get there? You left the responsibility for the company in my hands when you left.”

“I will hold it back. I will take Laurel home.”

“And leaving Clarissa on the island alone and sick?”

Aaron shrugged. “That's why you had to come here, pretending to say that there was an urgent matter at the company that I had to take care of. Then you stay here until Clarissa recovers, out of courtesy.”

“You're going to leave me on the island with a bad girl like Clarissa?” Aamber raised her voice. “You are never half-hearted when you take advantage of your sister's affection, huh!”

Aaron chuckled. “One day, if you are involved in a complicated love problem, I promise to help you as hard as I can.”

“I'm going to find a partner who isn't quirky!” said Aamber immediately, then take a deep breath and sighed. “I'm leaving tomorrow.”

“Thank you, my lil' sister.”

They were having dinner when the sound of a boat approaching. Laurel frowned.

Another guest again?

She glanced at Aaron, but the man seemed calm.

The three of them had dinner; Aaron, Laurel and Clarissa, who have started to walk although she still has to wear braces. The atmosphere at dinner was cold and stiff, and Clarissa did not talk as much as usual. Although Laurel had seen the woman repeatedly touch Aaron as if by accident.

A maid entered, ushering in the newly arrived guest.

“Amber!” Aaron exclaimed and put down his food. “What an unexpected surprise! Why did you come here?” the man stood up, took Laurel and hugged his sister.

Aamber tossed her slightly messy hair. She hugged Laurel warmly, then glanced at Clarissa casually and stepped into the chair at the dining table. Aaron and Laurel sat back down. The servants swiftly delivered the dishes for their additional guests.

Aamber glanced at Clarissa and smiled stiffly. They do know each other, but not very well.

“Hi, Clarissa. I heard from Brother that you have been here a few days and had an accident. How's your leg?”

Clarissa raised her eyebrows and smiled sweetly. “It's still sore and swollen. I can't walk without a brace.”

“Wow, looks like your healing will take a long time.” Aamber did her best to hide the cynicism in her voice.

Clarissa nodded, glancing at Aaron, as if wanting to guess what Aaron's plans were with Aamber's sudden arrival. Did he have Aamber come to protect Laurel from her attacks?

“Yeah, my leg seems to take a long time to heal.” Clarissa touched Aaron's arm gently and smiled meaningfully. “Sorry, Aaron, looks like I have to stay in this house a little longer. I can't go anywhere.”

“No problem,” Aaron answered flatly.

Laurel, who was observing Aaron, furrowed her brows. He seemed to be trying his hardest to focus on his food and refrained from laughing. Why did her husband look so amused? What is on his mind?

Aamber herself seemed to be holding back a smile; she scooped up a mouthful of thick asparagus cream of soup with crab in it. She rolled her eyes happily.

“Wow, Chris' cooking is amazing! I miss this! I think it's worth staying here for a while while Aaron is away.”

“What do you mean?” Clarissa interrupted immediately, feeling wary.

Aamber glanced at Clarissa indifferently, and then looked at Aaron. “Oh, I haven't told you what I'm coming for, have I? Aaron, I am having trouble negotiating with the Japanese side. They don't believe me and want the execution of the negotiations to be represented by you directly.”

Aamber took a deep breath. “It was a big tender and they held it until you got home. We will lose a lot if the project is delayed for a long time. Therefore, I kindly offer to take your place as host in this house for our guest.”

Aamber glanced at Clarissa sarcastically. “In the meantime, you and Laurel can go home to take care of the tender.”

“What?” Clarissa almost screamed, forgetting the flatness and restraint she maintained. “No, you can’t do that, can you, Aaron? Would you have the heart to leave the sick me alone here?”

Aamber winked mischievously at her. “You're not alone, Clarissa, I'm here to accompany you.”

Clarissa glanced at Aamber angrily, and then turned her gaze to Aaron. “Aaron, I—!”

“I have to go, Clare, and while you're still sick, then Aamber will be waiting here, making sure all your needs are met and you're okay.”

“I-I'm going home with you, I'm feeling a bit better.”

“You said you couldn't go anywhere and had to stay here for a long time!” Aamber interrupted exasperatedly. “Cut the crap, Clarissa, you'll be staying here with me for a while. The servants and I will make sure you recover well before leaving here.”

“Aamber's right, Clare,” Aaron continued before she could argue. “Laurel and I will be packing to leave tonight. I am sorry for this situation. I wish you a speedy recovery and good health.”

Soon after, the conversation finally ended. This time, it was Laurel who traced her plate in amusement. She suddenly understood why Aaron seemed to be holding back a laugh. The man was on purpose; he must have planned all of this with Aamber, so that Clarissa would not be able to move anymore.

They left the island at noon. After landing on the Island of the Gods, Bali, they continued by plane to return home.

“You must be happy.” Aaron grabbed Laurel's hand who was sitting next to him, smiling mischievously.

She looked at him and laughed. “You are very cunning, Aaron Silverwhite.”

Aaron laughed along with her and kissed her forehead affectionately.