Fallen Into Place
The following day, Leilani immersed herself in the garden, happily tending to its needs with a smile on her lips. But, in reality, her joy stemmed from her recent conversation with her brother. They had confirmed the date for his surgery, which would take place next week.
Her smile disappeared, however, as the manual sliding gate beeped and Nelson’s SUV glided into the yard. She turned her attention back to the flowers, ignoring his presence.
Unfazed by her aloofness, Nelson strolled towards her, a small smile playing on his lips. He knew that she would eventually come running to him for help. With that thought in mind, he walked past her and headed towards the villa.
As Nelson disappeared into the house, Leilani’s phone began to ring on the nearby swing chair. She quickly dropped the watering can and rushed to answer it, seeing Jones’s name displayed on the screen.
“Hello, Jones,” she greeted him anxiously.
“I’m in trouble, Lani,” Jones’s urgency on the other end immediately put her on edge.
“What’s wrong, Jones? Tell me,” she asked, her voice full of concern.Text © owned by NôvelDrama.Org.
“Remember Gray Tech, the chairman I told you about who was interested in my art? I was supposed to meet him today and sign a contract, but when I got to the lobby, someone informed me that he had lost interest in my work,” Jones explained, his tone heavy with disappointment.
“What?!” Leilani exclaimed, shocked.
“Yes, Lani. I tried to plead for a meeting with Gray Brandon, but it was all in vain.”
Whilst departing the premises in a state of emotional distress, am elderly security guard approached me, inquiring if I had unwarily incurred the wrath of those in higher positions. Then your spouse instantaneously came to my mind,”
A disbelieving gasp escaped Leilani’s lips as she hastily covered her mouth, “Jones, surely you can’t think he would stoop to such a level? He’s much too preoccupied to engage in such petty games,” Leilani attempted to interject, but Jones cut her off.
“He was the sole individual I had met face-to-face prior to this, Lani. Not only that, he also insinuated that he could not be held accountable for his conduct during our previous encounter, which solidifies my suspicion that your husband is the culprit,” Jones asserted with conviction.
“Stop referring to him as my husband,” Leilani retorted with an exasperated eye roll.
“Please, Lani. You are the only person who can assist me in pleading for his forgiveness. I promise to never trouble you again, but I implore you to help me mend my relationship with Gray Brandon. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that I cannot afford to lose,” Jones pleaded earnestly, his voice breaking as tears threatened to spill over.
Leilani let out a deep sigh before speaking gently, “I cannot make any promises at the moment, Jones. As it stands, we have not spoken since his interruption during our previous date. However, I will approach him and plead on your behalf. Hopefully, he will be willing to listen.”
“If you can make this happen, Lani, I will be the happiest man alive. Thank you so much,” Jones expressed his sincere gratitude.
Without further ado, Leilani ended the call and turned her attention towards the window from her room upstairs, her eyes burning with wrath.
With determined strides, she made her way into the house and ascended the stairs towards their room.
“Nelson Carter!” she shouted out her spouse’s full name as she burst into the room.
Nelson, dressed in casual attire – a white polo shirt and grey sweatpants – had been reclining on the bed with his laptop resting on his lap.
Leilani’s fuming expression caught Nelson’s eye, but he couldn’t help but let the faint smirk play on his lips. He made no effort to hide it from her.
Noticing the smugness in his smirk, Leilani’s brow furrowed in bewilderment, and her eyes lost their usual brightness.
“Do you know why I’m here?” she asked in a low tone.
In an instant, Nelson put on a stern look and crossed his arms in front of his chest.
“How would I know the reason for your sudden intrusion when you haven’t said a word?”
“Stop pretending and tell me why you would stoop so low as to ruin my boyfriend’s career,” Leilani yelled in frustration, advancing towards him on the bed.
“And why would I do such a thing?” Nelson asked back, his tone deceptively calm.
“Because causing me pain gives you joy. You did it to try and tear us apart, but it won’t work, Nelson Carter. We’ll stay strong together and overcome your threats,” Leilani gritted her teeth, struggling to hold back the tears welling up in her eyes.
Nelson studied her face for a long moment before nodding in acknowledgment.
“I admire your determination, Lani. But are you certain your boyfriend shares the same unwavering resolve? Are you positive he would give up a major contract just for love?” he challenged her, causing her to hesitate for a few seconds.
She opened her mouth to respond, but no words came out.
She knew Jones had loved her deeply in the past, but he ended things because he couldn’t handle her anymore. But now, he was back and ready to make things right. Didn’t that mean he would do anything for her love?
“Yes, I am very sure. He would let go of the contract for me,” Leilani finally replied with conviction.
Nelson smiled and nodded in satisfaction.
“Then let’s proceed. I’m certain he will call you again before the day is over. Tell him you still haven’t been able to convince me, and leave the rest to me.”
After he finished speaking, he grabbed his PC and got back to work as if their conversation never happened.
Leilani was left speechless and lost, unsure of what actions to take. She stood immobile, fixated on Nelson lying on the bed for an additional span of two minutes before eventually departing the room.
In the midst of night, while Leilani was arranging her bedding, her mobile device began to chime. As expected, it was Jones calling, as predicted by Nelson.
“Hi, Lani. Were you able to persuade your husband?” Jones initiated the conversation with impatience edging his voice.
Leilani locked her gaze with Nelson’s on the bed as she replied, “I have told you numerous times to cease referring to him as my husband.”
Nelson could not conceal a smile as he continued typing away on his laptop.
“And no, he has yet to heed my plea, but fret not, I will handle it,” Leilani reassured Jones.
After a few statements, he emitted an exasperated sigh and terminated the call.
Once the call had ended, Leilani redirected her focus to Nelson and inquired, “What are your intentions, sir?”
“Why not adhere to one? You must choose to either maintain an air of formality or informality,” Nelson remarked without shifting his attention from the screen.
Leilani remained silent and lowered herself to the makeshift bedding on the floor, anticipating his utterances.
“What do you intend to do with my boyfriend and I, sir?” she dared to question.
Nelson shot her a fleeting glance and flashed a smile, revealing his pearly whites.
Leilani was transfixed by his smile and could not deny its allure, however fleeting it may be.
“Did you just smile?” she inquired.
“Why? You are admiring my smile? Your boyfriend’s smile does not captivate you as mine does?” Nelson taunted, setting his laptop on the bed and preparing to vex Leilani for his own amusement.
“Keep dreaming! My boyfriend possesses the most charming smile,” Leilani retorted dreamily before sticking out her tongue at him and settling onto the bedding with haste.
Nelson’s smile instantly vanished, inciting such rage within him that he may have been able to breathe fire, had he been a dragon.
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“Jones Brook, is that correct?” Nelson inquired, taking a seat facing Jones.
“Yes, sir,” Jones replied hastily, bowing his head intermittently.
“Do you honestly believe I would attempt to sabotage your career like your girlfriend accused me of yesterday?” Nelson inquired casually, crossing his legs and reclining in his swivel chair.
Catching Nelson offguard, Jones fell to his knees and spoke with agitation, “She didn’t intend to accuse you, sir. I tried to explain that to her, but I didn’t listen because you had warned me before.”
“Please, sir. As much as I care for Leilani, I cannot sacrifice my dreams for her. My career means everything to me,” Jones pleaded.
“I assure you, sir. I will stay away from Leilani from now on. I will delete her number from my phone and erase our memories, but I need your help,” he continued.
A slow smile spread across Nelson’s face as it seemed everything had fallen into place.
“So you’re giving up on Leilani for your dreams?” Nelson asked slowly, emphasizing each word.
Jones nodded vigorously and replied, “Yes, sir. She isn’t worth it anyway.”