Chapter 136

I couldn't help but look at him helplessly. "Royce, how come I never noticed how shameless you are before?"

His eyes sparkled. "Guess you just haven't spent enough time with me. Stick around, you'll see."

I shut my mouth, realizing that no matter what I said, I couldn't win against him. I decided to drop the matter altogether.

When we got to the underground parking garage, I opened the car door and got in. The next second, Royce opened the passenger door and plopped down.

He gave me an address, indicating that he wanted me to drop him off there. "Thanks!"

With that, he waved at me lightly.

I rolled my eyes at him and stepped on the gas.

When we arrived at Royce's place, he didn't get out of the car but instead looked at me. "Want to come in for a bit?"

I hesitated. "Nah, I was planning to head home."

To my surprise, he said, "It won't take long. I have tea and coffee at home. I can offer you a drink."

His deep eyes stared straight at me, and somehow, I was bewitched by them. I nodded lightly. "Alright."

After getting out of the car, we left the underground parking and took the elevator up.

The narrow space with just the two of us made me a bit nervous, and I took a deep breath.

Unfortunately, the elevator was made of metal on all sides, so no matter where I turned, I could see Royce's face.

I suddenly felt that coming to his place was a bad decision.

But since I was already here, it didn't matter anymore.

As the elevator ascended slowly, my nerves gradually tightened, perhaps because we were getting higher.

Royce looked at me and chuckled. "Why are you nervous?"

I was taken aback and stubbornly said, "I'm not nervous. Why would I be?"

He laughed. "Your eyes say otherwise. What's there to be nervous about coming to my place?"

"Yeah, what's there to be nervous about? I'm just having a cup of coffee," I said, as if trying to reassure myself.

When the elevator stopped, Royce and I walked out and arrived at his apartment door.

The mailbox at the door was covered in dust, which made me curious. "You don't come back here often?"

Royce nodded lightly. "I only stay here when I'm in Suncrest City."

"But don't worry, I've had the place cleaned. It's not dirty inside."

Royce entered the code and opened the door. As I walked in, I noticed the entire apartment was decorated in black, white, and gray.

It suited Royce's personality perfectly. This was exactly how I imagined his place would look.

Royce reached out to touch me, and I instinctively dodged, asking in alarm, "What are you doing?"

Royce laughed. "Why are you so jumpy? I just wanted to help you take off your coat."

"Aren't you hot?"

I swallowed, thinking my reaction was over the top. "No, no, it's fine. I'll do it myself."

I put down my bag and hung my coat on the rack by the door.

Royce had me sit at the bar while he went to make coffee.

I had to admit, Royce looked particularly attractive in his casual clothes, with his sleeves rolled up to reveal his strong forearms.

He made coffee with smooth, practiced movements, clearly accustomed to doing this.

In no time, he brought a cup of coffee and placed it in front of me. "Give it a try."

I picked up the cup and took a sip. The bitterness and acidity hit my taste buds, followed by a rich aroma. Upon closer inspection, there was even a hint of fruity flavor, which was a pleasant surprise, like receiving an unexpected gift.

"These are the best coffee beans of the year. I bought them especially."

I nodded. "It's really good. You seem to know your way around making coffee."

Royce smiled. "Not just coffee. There are other things too."

I was puzzled and looked at him, not understanding what he meant.

He didn't elaborate, instead turning to make himself a cup and sitting across from me.

We drank our coffee in silence, but it wasn't awkward. In fact, I found the quiet atmosphere quite peaceful. I felt a sense of tranquility, making me want to abandon everything and hide in this environment.

I must be crazy.

After finishing my coffee, I checked the time. "I've finished my coffee. I should go."

Royce nodded and didn't try to stop me. Instead, he suddenly stepped forward.

Remembering the kiss in the hotel suite last time, I instinctively stepped back, watching him warily. "What are you doing?"

To my surprise, Royce just reached out and gently wiped my upper lip with his warm thumb.

"How did you manage to get coffee on your lips?"

My face turned red instantly, and I stepped back, wiping my lips myself. "Thanks, I'll be going now."

Royce offered to walk me out, but I declined, feeling that the atmosphere might become dangerous if we continued.

Fortunately, Royce didn't insist and watched me leave from inside.

Back in my car, I let out a deep breath. I didn't know what I was feeling, but there was a strange sense of loss. Maybe deep down, I didn't want to escape this feeling. I didn't want to go back to the scheming and deceit with Brandon, which made me feel lost. Or maybe it was something else. I couldn't quite put my finger on it.

After leaving Royce's place, I drove around Suncrest City for a while. I hadn't been back in years and hadn't seen the city's scenery in a long time. Suncrest City, known for its rich culture, had done a great job in tourism over the years. There were many tourists, and the old city had become quite commercialized.

I bought some snacks I loved as a kid and headed home.

Brett and the others hadn't returned yet, probably still at the amusement park.

Kathy had just woken up, looking sleepy. "You're back?"

I nodded. The next second, I saw Eugene come out of the kitchen. He glanced at me and then looked away. I figured he must have tried to follow me but lost track, so he came back home.

I smiled faintly and asked Eugene, "Where's Brandon?"

"Mr. Jordan is busy. He should be back soon. Do you need anything?"

I shook my head. "No, I was just wondering when dinner will be ready. I'm a bit hungry."

Eugene nodded. "Mrs. Sharp called and said they'll be back soon. I'll call Mr. Jordan, and we can start dinner."

I nodded and went to my room, shedding some of the heavy burdens, and lay on the bed, taking a deep breath.