Chapter 476 Go to Bed?
Even though Francis looked chill, Harper could still spot the tiredness in his eyes.
While she was still kinda out of it, he leaned in and hugged her, his chin resting gently on her shoulder. His voice was all heavy and worn out as he said, "Harper, I missed you."
Francis pressed against her, but he was careful, making sure he didn't squish her. No matter what, Francis always had her on his mind, like it was second nature.
Harper suddenly felt a sharp pang in her chest. She'd heard from Jasper that in the afternoon, Ryan, Keith, Audrey, and even Abigail had all ganged up on him.
None of Francis's so-called family or old friends had his back; they all turned on him. That must've hurt like hell.
The word "stray" didn't mean he was literally houseless, but that he didn't have a real home anymore.
Harper hugged him tight, her voice soft as she said, "You still got me, and Agnes. We're here for you."
Francis's body tensed up a bit. Harper was always so sweet, always making his heart race. His low voice whispered in her ear, "That's why I came here."
Harper, buried in his embrace, responded with a heavy sniffle.
Moments later, his long fingers lifted her face, his forehead pressed against hers, his voice low and raspy as he said, "Will you stay by my side forever?"
Francis's eyes were like stars, deep and dark, but shining. Harper's heart pounded like crazy, and without thinking, she nodded.
Instantly, Francis felt like his heart, which had been frozen that afternoon, was now wrapped in soft cotton candy, filling him with warmth and sweetness. He pinched her chin with his delicate fingers, lowered his head, and kissed her, gently and slowly, sharing his breath with her bit by bit.
After a passionate, lingering kiss, Francis bit her lip lightly, his voice a bit hoarse as he said, "Harper, why are you so good?"
Harper leaned against his chest, still panting, and said softly, "Because you deserve it, Francis, you really do."
He treated her so well, both in words and actions, that she felt she should support him no matter what.
The two walked into the house, and Francis looked around and asked, "Where's Agnes?"
Harper responded, "Agnes went to summer camp for a week."
A hint of disappointment flickered across Francis's face.
Harper thought, Francis had such a rough day, and even when he wanted to see Agnes, she wasn't there. She thought for a moment and asked, "Do you want to go to bed?"
As soon as she said it, she met Francis's deep, dark eyes. Harper panicked and quickly explained, "I just meant that when you're feeling down, a nap can make you feel a lot better."
Harper waved her hands frantically and explained, "Don't get the wrong idea. I didn't mean I wanted to sleep with you."
Francis laughed, "Yeah, that's a good suggestion. I'll take a shower and then hit the sack."
When Francis came out of the shower, his hair was almost dry, and he was only wearing a towel around his waist. Harper had made the guest bed for him and didn't dare to look up at him, whispering, "Have a nice sleep."
Just as she was about to leave, her wrist was suddenly grabbed, and the next second, she was pulled onto the soft bed.
"Francis," Harper exclaimed, like a startled kitten, trying to get up.
Francis hugged her from behind, his voice all low and raspy, "Only when I hold you do I feel better."
They crashed until it was pitch black outside. Zoey knew Francis was around and didn't bother them.
Harper had a surprisingly good nap too. Francis's warm body pressed against hers made it super cozy.
She saw Francis still frowning in his sleep and checked the time before sneaking out of bed. She headed to the kitchen, opened the fridge, and found some ingredients, so she started whipping up some oatmeal porridge.
As everything was simmering on the stove, Harper's phone buzzed. It was a video call from Jasper, who was overseas. Harper wiped her hands and answered, "Jasper."
Jasper saw her in the kitchen and frowned, "It's so late, and you haven't had dinner yet?"
Harper replied, "Yeah, I took a nap in the afternoon."
Jasper explained, "I was in a meeting then. Sorry about that."
"Alright, I know." Harper cut to the chase, "Jasper, do we have any projects we can team up on with the Getty Group?"
Jasper exclaimed, "Wow, I haven't been home this month, and all your thoughts are on Francis."
Jasper teased, "Looks like I'll have to set you straight when I get back."
"Jasper!" Harper said playfully. She knew Jasper was just messing around.
Harper had told Jasper the day she decided to patch things up with Francis. Jasper had only said, "If he dares to hurt you, I'll take him down, even if it costs me everything."
"Alright, I know you've changed your mind." Jasper clutched his chest dramatically, "My heart hurts so much."
Harper said, "Stop joking, Jasper. Can you help him or not?"
Jasper raised an eyebrow, "I do want to help."
He had already sized up the situation in the afternoon and felt something was off. Francis had been a business legend for years. How could he be taken down by someone like Ryan, who had no real achievements, and a newbie like Keith?
It wasn't Jasper's place to worry about this, but to comfort Harper, he said, "I'll talk to him."
Mainly, Jasper was also curious about how Francis would fight back and wanted to learn from him.
"Okay, thank you." Harper smiled sweetly.
Jasper also smiled, "You look best when you smile."
After hanging up, Harper went back to making the oatmeal porridge.
Francis didn't know how long he'd been watching from behind, the warm yellow light, Harper's slender back, and the steaming pot. After the betrayal that afternoon, this scene was so warm he didn't dare make a sound, afraid of shattering the peace.
Over the past five years, Ryan had done a lot of shady stuff, and it all came to a head that afternoon. In the office, facing Ryan's fake concern, Francis coldly replied, "How long are you gonna keep pretending?"
Ryan had this ridiculous act of fatherly love and respect for him.
Ryan immediately turned nasty, maybe thinking he had the upper hand. He didn't hide his disgust for Francis, saying, "My biggest regret is having you."
Each word cut deep.
Francis wasn't a robot. In his youth, he had also longed for a happy family, but it was all just a dream.
Even Abigail, whom Francis had always protected, chose to stand against him at the most critical moment. How could his heart not hurt? The family ties were ultimately severed at that moment. He realized he had hoped for too much.
"Ah..." A scream made Francis rush over in an instant. He asked worriedly, "What happened?"
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