Love Her to No End

Chapter 39

Chapter 39 Into The Den Of A Lion

Jonathan turned to Michaela again after hanging up the call.

Michaela had just washed her face, so wet strands of hair clung to her forehead. Her bare face was fair and smooth like porcelain, and her cheeks flushed like peach blossoms.

Even though she tried her best to hide it, Jonathan could see that her eyes were red and knew she had just cried.

It pained him to know that Michaela had cried. Since Michaela did not say anything, Jonathan decided not to expose her. Instead, he caressed her hair and asked softly, “Are you hungry?”

“Why did my mom call you, Mr. Jonathan?” Michaela asked.

Jonathan regarded her quietly. His eyes were dark and gloomy, but his tone sounded gentle. “Do you want Mdm. Simmons to hear your voice hoarse from crying? Or, do you wish to pour your sorrow onto her?”

Michaela was stunned by his response. She looked down quickly and did not reply.

Is he helping me because he knows I don’t want my mother to worry?

Jonathan noticed a subtle change in her expression and smiled. He pulled her by her wrist and walked out of the bedroom. “Let me show you your room!”

It worked as Jonathan expected. He easily distracted Michaela from the topic with just a few words.

He would never tell Michaela that he was working hard to please her mother and fight for the chance to be with Michaela.

Meanwhile, Michaela was stunned as she followed Jonathan. She could not resist looking down at their tightly held hands.

It looked like an adult holding a child’s hand. She felt warmed by the gesture and was aware of how her heart was racing.

They had only taken a few steps when Jonathan suddenly stopped. Michaela quickly withdrew her hand and shook her head in a refusal. “You don’t have to trouble yourself. I think I will stay in Grandpa’s house.”

Jonathan did not say anything but opened the door to the opposite room. Then, he looked at her with dark eyes and said, “Didn’t you hear it just now? Mdm. Simmons said you should stay here with me while she is away. You don’t want Mdm. Simmons to worry about you, right?”

Jonathan pushed Michaela into the room as he spoke.

Michaela glanced around and realized the room had the same design as Jonathan’s room across the corridor. Even the furnishings were the same.

It felt like she and Jonathan were living in the same room. Somehow, it seemed improper.

That thought prompted Michaela’s heart to skip a beat.

“The servants frequently cleaned this room, so the bedsheets and other things are clean. Feel free to use everything here, and let me know if you need anything else. I will tell someone to prepare it for you!” Jonathan said.

So, does this mean I have to stay in this mansion with him while Mom is away? Although this place is beautiful, and I like it, it feels awkward to live with him.

As Michaela was still considering, Jonathan suddenly came over and leveled his gaze with her. He seemed to be studying her expression. “You seem focused. What are you thinking?”

They were so close that Michaela could feel his breath. She instinctively took a step back. Then, she pondered for a moment before answering, “Wayne mentioned the guestrooms are in the east and west wings. I should stay there.”

Jonathan curved his lips into a smile. “As you said, they are guestrooms and are thus for guests. However, you are under my care. Therefore, it is natural that we should stay together.”

His gaze seemed to see through her and made her feel like she had nowhere to hide.

Furthermore, his low but soothing voice sent tremors through her heart. Michaela suddenly felt nervous and tightened the grip on her shirt. Then, she heard his voice saying, “Perhaps… Do you want me to live with you in the guest rooms near the front yard?”

“No, that’s not necessary!” Michaela replied.

Jonathan took in Michaela’s panicking expression and fought the intense urge to hug her. He did not come any closer to her.

After all, he had achieved his goal. Since Michaela was now by his side, he had plenty of opportunities.

“Good girl! Let’s go downstairs to have dinner!” Jonathan said.

Seeing Jonathan turning around to leave the bedroom, Michaela finally breathed a sigh of relief. She leaned against the wall and panted for breath.

Michaela looked troubled as she realized this was only their first day living together.

No, this won’t do. I must find a chance to convince Mom to let me stay at Grandpa’s home!

Then, Michaela calmed her emotions and left the bedroom. However, she realized that Jonathan had not left. He was standing at the corner of the staircase, waiting for her to head downstairs with him.

Jonathan smiled the instant he saw her coming out of the room. He watched Michaela keeping her gaze to the floor as she hurried past him and walked down the stairs.

Jonathan arched his eyebrows and followed behind Michaela. They had just reached the stairwell when they saw Wayne smiling at them and saying, “Mr. Xander, Ms. Michaela, dinner is ready.”

“Thank you, Wayne,” Jonathan replied.

Wayne smiled when he saw that Jonathan was in a good mood. It seems Shappiray Mansion shall become a more lively place from now on.

Jonathan reached the dining room and sat at one end of the long dining table. Michaela was about to head to the other end, but Jonathan quickly grabbed her hand. “Where are you going? Sit here!”

Michaela glanced at the empty seat beside Jonathan and felt her heart skip. However, before she could refuse Jonathan, he looked at her with a kind smile.

Although Michaela did not wish to sit next to him, she had no choice but to sit there.

Jonathan did not say anything but observed the changes in Michaela’s expression. He had a barely noticeable smile on his face.

This place finally feels like home.

Their dinner was a four-course meal with soup. The food was simple but tasty.

Michaela felt famished after everything she had gone through in the afternoon. She smelled the aroma of food in the air when she came downstairs. Then, she tasted the food and found them even tastier than the food in restaurants.

However, Michaela did not know a chef from a Michelin restaurant prepared their dinner.

The chef was adept at cooking all kinds of ingredients and well versed in various types of cuisines.

Jonathan had made a lot of effort to hire this chef. He felt his effort was worth it when he saw how much Michaela enjoyed the food.

Michaela had a good appetite and was not picky with food. Her enjoyment of the food influenced Jonathan. Even as he kept serving Michaela more food, he realized he had eaten a lot too.

After dinner, Michaela felt she should do something to thank him for the meal. She stood up to clear the plates, but Jonathan dragged her out of the dining room.

He brought her to the living room. Wayne stood there and directed people to bring in various packages. Then, Wayne saw Jonathan and immediately came to him. “Mr. Xander, they have sent everything here!”

“Bring everything to Ms. Lingard’s room,” Jonathan instructed.

“These are…” Michaela was confused.

Jonathan smiled at her and said, “I don’t have any clothes suitable for a lady, so I asked a department store to send some over. If I missed out anything, you can let me know, and I’ll instruct someone to get it for you.”

At this moment, Jonathan’s face looked warm and gentle under the warm light. His thoughtfulness touched Michaela, so she looked down and said, “Thank you, Mr. Jonathan.”

“There is no need to thank me!” Jonathan responded.

He had just finished speaking when Walter’s voice came from outside the mansion. “Mr. Jonathan, Mr. Zack has arrived in the foyer!”