Chapter 187 Chapter 187: Eileen said, "I understand what you meant, but it wouldn't be wise for others to know I've moved in here with my family." She recognized that Bryan was doing this for her own good, but she had to think about practical matters. Bryan had considered this as well. He said, "That's why the villa was purchased in your name, Eileen." Eileen was taken aback. Bryan continued, “The paperwork isn't finished yet. You'll need to bring your driver's license and birth certificate to the office. I've already paid, but if you don't complete the procedure... The money will go to waste." He knew Eileen well enough to anticipate her hesitation, which was why he had set up this little trick.
"How much did it cost you?" Eileen quickly estimated in her head and doubted she could afford it. Her entire savings might only cover the down payment.
Bryan smiled. "You're worth more than its price. Are you really thinking about payingback?" Eileen found herself at a loss for words. Judging by his look, she knew he wouldn't back down. Moreover, trying to settle debts between them might only lead to disputes. To Bryan, after all, the cost of the villa was nothing. Given that Ruby still had to remain in the hospital, Eileen decided it was best to move into the house and figure things out later.
She leaned closer to Bryan, her long hair cascading over her shoulders. Then, she wrapped her arms around his waist, resting her chin against his chest. “Did you mean it?" Bryan looked down, kissed her hair gently, and said, "Yes, you are priceless." He closed the door with one hand while still holding her close with the other. But he made no further moves. Since she had taken the initiative, he was content to let her lead.
Eileen gripped his shirt, her palms damp with sweat. As she looked up at his sexy Adam's apple, the slightly open collar, and the exposed collarbones, she felt overwhelmed by his presence. But then, she realized they had just entered the villa. This wasn't the right moment.
Raising an eyebrow, she let go of him. “Let's look around. We can wait until tonight." She quickly stepped away, her hair swaying behind her. A strand of her hair caressed his fingers. Bryan's eyes deepened with desire. He then followed her.
The villa was expansive. The first floor hosted the living room and kitchen, and there were four bedrooms. The study and bedrooms were on the second floor, while the third floor had the sstructure as the second.
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇtBryan had chosen their bedroom on the third floor and taken care of all the arrangements himself, including a small kitchen so they could cook on their own whenever needed.
"The third floor is too high. The second floor would be better." Eileen wasn't keen on the idea of climbing three flights of stairs daily to reach the bedroom.
"The third floor is perfect. It is quieter. We won't be disturbed there," Bryan said. As they entered the spacious room, Bryan opened the window to reveal a view of the mountain across. The villas in the neighborhood were spaced far apart. His point was that she wouldn't disturb others at night as well.
Though he didn't say it, Eileen could feel it. Bryan cornered her between his chest and the windowsill. His body radiated a comforting pine scent. His breathing quickened, and he gazed at her.
Eileen chose to pretend as if she didn't grasp his implication and seized the opportunity to slip away. They left the villa and set off for the apartment to pack up. Bryan was also planning to go back to Pianoforte Villas to collect his things.
On the way, Eileen informed Phoebe that she was moving out. Phoebe called her, insisting that Eileen treat her to a meal. Jacob wanted to join them as well. Eileen turned to Bryan to ask what he thought about it. "That sounds good. Let's invite Zola and her brother, too," Bryan said.
Bryan hadn't yet informed Zola about his plans to move out. Hearing Bryan mention Zola, Eileen asked, "Are you close to Zola?" "She grew up in the Dawson family," Bryan replied curtly. After a pause, he added, “It's hard to say. Zola has been around since my earliest memories. We're practically like siblings." Eileen was taken aback by the news. She had always believed Zola to be the adopted daughter of a prominent family in Onaland. It seemed Bryan's parents were fond of her and had even considered arranging a marriage between her and Bryan. Eileen remembered a comment from Bryan's mother, noting that Zola was waiting for Bryan.
"No matter what anyone else thinks, Zola and I see eye to eye. We grew up together. How could we possibly fall in love with each other? We've both opposed the idea since we were old enough to understand it. So, in college, I ignored the rumors linkingwith Vivian, while Zola went abroad," Bryan said.
He shared these details of his past with Eileen. Eileen was surprised. "Rumors about you and Vivian? Does that mean... you two weren't actually dating?" "To be exact, Vivian had feelings forthat I didn't reciprocate. I turned her down multiple times, but she didn't give up. My relationship with Kian keptfrom doing anything more," Bryan replied.
As a result, the rumor that he and Vivian were dating had spread widely across campus. After graduating from college, his parents had pressured him to marry Zola. At the stime, the Warren family had pushed for a marriage with Vivian. Perhaps because he had been young and rebellious, Bryan had chosen a defiant path against his parents' wishes. In an unexpected twist, he had decided to marry Vivian, only to have her run away. Eileen wasn't sure if she felt sympathy for Bryan or something more. Born into wealth and fame, Bryan was also burdened with responsibilities that others couldn't bear. Noticing Bryan's deep frown, Eileen shifted the conversation. “What shall we have tonight for dinner?" "I've had Raymond make the arrangements. Send the address to Phoebe. Tell her to bring Jacob along," Bryan replied.
After getting Eileen's belongings, they headed to Pianoforte Villas. Zola and Milford were not at home. By the tBryan and Eileen got back to Lakeside Villa, it was almost evening. At seven, the doorbell echoed.
Along with Jacob, Phoebe, Zola, and Milford, two more people arrived unexpectedly. They were Kian and Vivian. Bryan and Eileen hadn't seen Vivian in a year. She looked haggard, and despite being well-dressed, her face was marred by evident distress. Kian maintained his usual dignified and relaxed demeanor. Even as he glanced at Eileen standing beside Bryan, his expression was unchanged.
"Aren't you happy to see us?" Kian asked Bryan.
Bryan offered a smile and, with his arm around Eileen's shoulders, stepped aside to let them in. "How could that be? Please, cinside." Kian entered first, followed by the others. As Vivian walked past Eileen, her eyes betrayed deep resentment toward Eileen. It was clear she still harbored feelings for Bryan. Noticing this, Eileen couldn't help but feel amused. The event that had unfolded in the hospital a year ago had exhausted her patience with Vivian. She decided she wouldn't react unless Vivian stepped out of line. Otherwise, she wouldn't show Vivian any mercy.
"Good evening, Bryan." Zola approached Bryan and Eileen, offering Eileen a friendly nod and a smile. She then leaned in to whisper to Bryan, "Let's keep the evening pleasant. We all grew up together. Remember when you were away in Wist Land and Apex Group was struggling? The Warren family has helped the company a lot." The ties between the two families were strong. Despite Stella's frustration over Vivian's decision to leave before, the families maintained their friendship.
"Got it," Bryan replied. He glanced at Eileen and added, “As long as there's no trouble from their side." Zola frowned, sighed, and walked inside with Milford. Milford seemed particularly cheerful, probably because he knew Eileen could continue to be his tutor. He casually put his hands in his pockets and gave Eileen a look. Eileen couldn't help but smile. As she turned, she was surprised to see Benjamin standing near Kian's car. She hadn't expected him to show up, too. Raymond and several bodyguards cinside, carrying ingredients and momentarily blocking Eileen's view.
Follow on Novᴇl-Onlinᴇ.cᴏmBryan led Eileen back inside. Everyone gathered around the dining table. The table was laden with dishes, and Bryan had Raymond place Eileen's favorites directly in front of her. Under the watchful eyes of everyone, Bryan handed Eileen a plate, a knife, and a fork, attending to her needs.
"I never imagined Bryan and Eileen would end up together," Kian said. No one could tell his emotions from his tone.
His probing eyes were fixed on Eileen. Eileen looked into his eyes fearlessly. "Mr. Warren, what did you expect then?" She was half-joking but full of confidence. Kian wasn't angry about her words. "It's too soon to make any judgments. I wouldn't dare draw any conclusions now."
"Then perhaps you should focus on eating instead of talking," Bryan interjected suddenly, his voice even. During the one year that Eifeen had the one not been with him, Bryan had seldom seen Kian. Now, Kian had hurried over from Onaland with Vivian just after Bryan announced his relationship with Eileen. It was clear to Bryan what Kian's intentions were. Bryan glanced at Eileen, who was now confidently enjoying her meal. He could see she had grown bolder. This change pleased him greatly.
"This dish is excellent. Try it." Jacob pointed at the dish in front of him, breaking the awkward atmosphere. This shifted the conversationo m towards the food and Milford's studies. Eileen was relatively quiet throughout the meal. She was well-versed in all the topics discussed, but Bryan kept serving her more food. Eventually, she was too full to eat anymore, and Bryan happily finished her leftovers. Phoebe observed them and commented that Eileen was skilled at dealing with Bryan. She followed Eileen to the bathroom, her expression one of admiration. Eileen herself was also taken aback, not having anticipated Bryan's attentive behavior.
"I look like I need to start saving money." Phoebe patted her pocket. "I severa should start putting money aside for your wedding gift. She had severed ties with the Burton family. Although she wasn't destitute, she wasn't wealthy, either. Accustomed to a life of luxury, she often spent more than she should. Eileen raised an eyebrow, her eyes returning to the dinner table. "There's no hurry." Following her gaze, Phoebe saw Vivian gazing at Eileen with hatred.
"That woman is unbearable," Phoebe muttered. “She's battling depression, right? What's she doing here? Has Kian lost his mind bringing her here? Doesn't he worry that such outings could worsen his sister's condition?" Rather than keeping Vivian in the hospital, Kian had brought her to witness Bryan and Eileen's public displays of affection. What was he trying to achieve? Eileen was also puzzled over Kian's intentions. She opened her mouth to speak, but just then, Vivian stood up and approached them.
Phoebe straightened up and stepped in front of Eileen, ready to intercept Vivian. Before Vivian could approach Eileen, Phoebe interjected, "My dear cousin, are you feeling better now?" Chapter 187 Tip: You can use left, right keyboard keys to browse between chapters.