Female Novel
Chapter 1379
Nadine glared at him. “What are you talking about? Look at you, all plump. How could you compare with Neera?Step aside and let me talk to Neera.”
Edward was speechless to be called plump.
“Fine, you really are my mom. I'm stepping away, Mom.”
Edward moved back, handing the phone back to Neera with a disgruntled expression.
“Ah, ever since my cousin arrived, it feels like I'm no longer loved by my father and mother. Neera, from now on,you're the closest person to me.”
Neera found their banter amusing.
After chatting with her uncle and aunt for a while, Neera inquired about Mariah's condition.
Hearing her question, Nadine glanced at something beyond the screen and suddenly lowered her voice. “It seemslike your grandma is showing some signs of recovery.”
Neera was puzzled for a moment, then instantly understood that the so-called recovery was not as straightforwardas it seemed.
“Did Grandma sense something?” she asked, her voice unintentionally laced with a hint of nervousness andcaution.
“I suppose so.” Nadine sighed.
“A few days ago, when I was coaxing her to sleep, she suddenly woke up, cried continuously, saying she missedyou. She muttered that you and Stacy are practically identical, and it was Stacy who sent you back to her. At thatmoment, I didn't realize it. Your grandmother held my hand, crying, telling me she knew we were trying tocomfort her, that she knew Stacy was no longer here, and now you were also gone. She asked when you wouldcome back to see her as she missed you.”
Neera hadn't expected this twist. She fell into silence, a complex expression on her face.
As Nadine spoke, her eyes began to moisten.
Taking a deep breath, she held back the tears welling up in her eyes and cleared her throat.
“Oh, let's stop talking about this. It's rare for you cousins to have time to dine together. Don't worry, for, we aretaking care of your grandmother. If she gradually recovers, that's good. It means she's no longer avoiding the truthand accepting reality. After all... sooner or later, she has to know the truth. It's much better for her to accept it onher own than us imposing it on her.”
Neera responded with soft grunt, her voice somewhat hoarse.
After ending the video call, Edward sat back across from her and comforted her, “It's a good thing that Grandmacan accept the truth. Once she fully recovers, everything will get better. Although it will sadden her that AuntStacy is no longer here, having you around will provide her comfort.
Neera nodded slightly. “I understand.”
The two skipped over this topic and chatted about other things. The atmosphere gradually warmed up again.
At that moment, an uncertain voice rang out. “Ms. Garcia?”
Neera turned around and saw the well-dressed Leopold.
“Mr. Leopold, what a coincidence.” She raised her eyebrows slightly as she stood up to greet him, her demeanorlukewarm.
Leopold responded, “What a coincidence.” His gaze shifted between her and Edward.
Neera introduced, “This is my cousin, Edward Park.”
After that, she looked at Edward. “Leopold Meyer, the gentleman who helped find the heart.”
Edward extended his hand politely. “Mr. Leopold, nice to meet you for the first time.”
Leopold couldn't quite describe his feelings. He reached out and shook hands with him, responding warmly,“Hello, Mr. Park. I've heard a lot about you.” novelbin
Edward smiled faintly. “You flatter me, Mr. Leopold.”
After exchanging pleasantries, Neera then asked, “Mr. Leopold, do you have an appointment? If not, why not joinus?”
Out of courtesy, she extended the invitation. Leopold shook his head, politely declining her offer.
“I do have an appointment, so I won't disturb you any longer. I'll take my leave now.”
This little episode quickly passed, and Neera didn't think much about it.
However, Edward sensed something unusual.
“Why do I feel that Mr. Leopold seems to have some interest in you?”
Neera hadn't even considered this possibility. With a piece of beef halfway to her mouth, she stared blankly athim.
“Huh?”
Seeing her reaction, Edward understood.
“Except for Jean, you really don't take other men seriously. Even if someone has feelings for you, you can't seeit.”
Neera awkwardly put the beef into her mouth, suddenly losing her appetite.
“Come on, stop making things up. He and I have only met a few times. We haven't said as much as we did at thedinner table tonight. How can he be interested in me? You're just making things up.”
Edward raised an eyebrow. “Although he is trying to hide it, I can see it. The way he looks at you is far fromsimple.”
Neera was speechless. “Will you just shut up?”
Edward laughed. “Okay, if you don't want to hear it, then I won't say it. After all, you know your own limits.”
He added, “But you're quite popular with men, huh?”
Neera was speechless.
Thank you for the compliment?
After dinner, Jean came to pick her up.
At the entrance of the restaurant, Edward greeted Jean cheerfully with a hand in his pocket.
“Mr. Beauvort, long time no see.”
As he spoke, he suddenly seemed to remember something, looking at Neera with a meaningful expression.
He blurted out, “On second thought, since we're already family, so there's no need to stand on formalities. I'mNeera's cousin, and now that you're married, you're my cousin-in-law, right?”
He wore a sly grin, giving off a somewhat fox-like vibe, as he shot Jean a pointed look.
The latter understood his intention to take advantage. Smiling, he agreed readily, “Yes, from now on, I should callyour name just like Neera.”
As long as it was related to Neera, he always appeared particularly accommodating and unusually good-tempered.
After hearing this, Edward nodded in satisfaction.
“That's settled. I won't hold you lovebirds up any longer. I'll be on my way.”
He twirled the car keys at his fingertips, waved casually, and left.
Neera couldn't help but laugh. “Seriously? He's younger than you, but you played along. He's intentionallyteasing you.”
Jean habitually held her hand, his thin lips curving into a pleasing smile. “Never mind, it doesn't matter. After all,he is my elder cousin.”
The two got into the car, and Neera said cheerfully, “I think you're becoming more approachable now. My cousinprobably never dreamed that he would one day become the elder cousin of the mighty, cold, and ruthless Mr.Beauvort.”
Jean leaned over to help her fasten the seatbelt and seized the opportunity to kiss her lips.
“There's no helping it. When it comes to you, even the coldest heart has to melt. But it's only for you.”
These sweet nothings made Neera's heart bloom with joy. Her eyes sparkled, and suddenly, she leaned in andreturned his kiss.
“This is my approval, Mr. Beauvort. You're doing well, so keep it up.”