One night stand with president(chapter 431)

 

Chapter 431: Joyce, I Like You

The gloom in Harrison's eyes softened the moment he saw her.

He walked quickly to the bedside, gently avoiding Adeline's injured shoulder as he leaned in for a hug.

After pulling away, he tried to sound casual, asking, "So... what did you and he talk about?"

Adeline couldn't help but let out a laugh.

"Oh, you," she teased, tapping his forehead with a smile. "If you want to ask, just ask. Why pretend you don't care? You think I don't know when you do?"

Harrison cleared his throat, slightly embarrassed.

"I'm not trying to call you out," Adeline continued. "I just want you to know-when you re with me, you don't have to pretend. If you're jealous, just say it. I'm not hiding anything from you."

Harrison's Adam's apple bobbed once, then twice.

He leaned in again and kissed her-deep,

lingering, filled with everything he couldn't put into words.

And then, the door swung epen.

"Adeline, are you..." Joyce stepped in and immediately spun around, gliding right back out like a well-practiced move. As she exited, she brought her phone to her ear and said loudly, "Oh hey! Yes, I'm on my way right now!"

Harrison and Adeline exchanged a silent look, watching her retreat and gently close the door behind her.

"Miss Monroe was holding her phone upside down," Harrison remarked.

"I saw that too," Adeline replied, trying not to laugh.

Outside, Joyce gave her own forehead a light smack.

She and Adeline were close enough that knocking hadn't even crossed her mind.

She couldn't have expected that she'd barge in on a makeout session.

Clearly, things had changed. Adeline wasn't single anymore, and Joyce would have to be cautious.

Just then, Sam appeared.

"I knew I'd find you here," he said. "Dinner together?"

Joyce hesitated, then gave a small nod. It was time.

She thought, "Time to finally talk things through with Sam."

He smiled -just a flicker, but unmistakably happy.

He said, "I'll go check on Miss Hensley first."

They were already outside Adeline's ward, and it would've felt odd not to at least say hello, especially since Adeline was Joyce's best friend.

And lately, Sam had been going out of his way to win her over.

But before he could reach for the doorknob, Joyce quickly stopped him. "Don't go in there right now..."

She'd already interrupted once-if Sam barged in too, that'd be just cruel.

Sam glanced at the faint flush on her ears, and suddenly, he understood.

He nodded. "Alright, let's go. I've already booked the restaurant. It's one of the most popular places in town-supposed to be amazing."

"Okay."

They left the hospital together.

The restaurant was a bit of a drive, and a car with a driver was already waiting at the entrance.

Once they got in, Sam started chatting with her-nothing serious, just light talk, easy and comfortable.

"Once Miss Hensley is discharged and back in Orianto, what will you do?" he asked.

"Haven't really decided yet," Joyce said. 

"But I've always wanted to see the aurora in Frostheim. I think I'll go there next."

Sam's eyes flickered. He wanted to say, "Then let me come with you."

But it didn't feel like the right time-she might not even agree.

He figured he'd wait until later tonight.

Half an hour later, the car pulled up to a tall building.

The restaurant occupied the top three floors.

Sam had reserved a table by the window on the very top floor-perfect for a panoramic view of the city lights.

The manager had already sent the menu to Sam earlier, so the food was pre-ordered and came not long after they were seated.

The lighting upstairs was dim and romantic. 

A single candle flickered softly on their table, surrounded by the subtle scent of aromatics-nothing overpowering, just enough to soothe.

Despite the dinner hour, the top floor was completely empty.

Joyce glanced around, puzzled. "Didn't you say this place is popular? Why is no one else here?"

"I booked the whole floor," Sam replied.

Joyce stared at him, speechless.

She thought, "Of course. Wealthy and reckless. Even in a foreign country, he could rent out an entire restaurant like it was nothing."

They didn't talk much while eating, but Joyce could feel it-tonight, Sam had something important to say.

He kept looking at her, and in those eyes were words just waiting to be spoken.

Once they finished and the waitstaff cleared the table, Sam started getting nervous.

He used to flirt and sweet-talk without missing a beat, but in front of Joyce, every word suddenly felt precious, and he weighed each one with care.

"Shall we go?" Joyce asked softly.

"Wait... "

He took a deep breath, met her eyes, and said with quiet intensity, "Joyce, there's something need to tell you."

His tone made her heart skip

"Go on," she said gently.

Those two words gave him just enough courage.

Staring into her eyes, he said, "Joyce, I like you." And at that very moment, fireworks burst across the sky outside the window.

The candlelight danced. So did her heart.

She had suspected this would come. But hearing the words out loud, from him still made her heart race uncontrollably.

Sam steadied himself, then went on. "I know... I know I was an asshole before. I didn't deserve you. But now, I know exactly what I want. And that's you. I had to tell you how I feel."

He'd planned so much-flowers, cake, gifts, a violinist...

But right before coming here, he canceled all of it.

He realized all he wanted was this moment, just the two of them, quiet and sincere.

So Sam pressed on. "Yes, l've had girlfriends before. I won't make excuses about my past. I was a playboy, I admit it. But I swear-those days are over. I only want to be with you."

It took everything he had to say that.

He drew another breath, his voice earnest and low. "If you want, I'll tell you everything about my past-no secrets. Joyce... I really hope you'll give me a chance."