“What’s our next move?” Michael asked, signaling his team to get back to work.
Dave leaned in, speaking quietly as he laid out his plan. Michael was surprised by how harsh it sounded. “You’re really going that hard on your own uncles?”
Dave’s expression hardened, and his voice grew cold. “Do you remember what they put me through when I was a kid?”
Michael knew exactly what he meant.
They had grown up together, and Michael had seen firsthand the contempt, neglect, and hostility Dave had faced from his uncles when he was young.
Michael made a casual remark without thinking about how Dave might feel. Realizing his mistake, he quickly apologized. “Sorry, sorry. They deserve what’s coming to them.”
Dave wasn’t really upset and ended the call.
With his plans moving forward, Dave felt a sense of relief.
He was close to getting the Evans Group’s shares, which would help him bring his uncles down. Then, nothing would stop him from marrying Bianca.
He had planned a joyful wedding for them, with everyone there to celebrate.
Dave hoped Bianca would forgive the secrets and schemes he’d made along the way, trusting she would understand his intentions.
As he thought of Bianca waiting for him at home, his heart softened. He gave Zane a few simple tasks to handle because all he wanted was to spend time with her.
Carrying the top-notch beef and tomatoes that Zane had picked out, Dave walked out of the office with a soft smile.
Being around Bianca made him feel alive, sparking a deep desire to start a family. Her presence filled him with happiness, allowing him to really embrace the joy of being with someone.
But when he got home, the house was empty.
The light was on in their cozy bedroom, but Bianca was nowhere to be found.
Her coats were still hanging there, so it seemed she hadn’t gone far.
Although Dave figured she might have stepped out to pick up something, he still felt a little worried and decided to give her a call.
As soon as she answered, he heard the beep of a mobile payment in the background, followed by Bianca’s cheerful voice. “You’re home? I’m just at the supermarket nearby, picking up a few things. I’ll be back soon!”
Hearing her voice, Dave chuckled, the stress from dealing with his grandfather melting away.
Dave teased her, his voice playful, “Weren’t you excited for my tomato beef stew tonight? I went out of my way to get the best beef and tomatoes, but it looks like someone isn’t here to enjoy it…”
“Is that so? And here I thought you had plans without me again tonight!” Bianca, juggling her shopping bags, couldn’t hide her excitement at hearing Dave was home. “Did you finish everything at work?”
Dave felt a warm feeling inside. Bianca was always so kind and thoughtful.
Leaning casually against the shoe rack by the entrance, he answered softly, “Well, the boss decided to head out early to spend time with his wife, and he suggested I do the same.”
Bianca’s cheeks turned pink, and she felt like she was floating, wrapped up in the sweetness of the moment.
“Last time, you said you’d show me how to cook. How about today? You relax, and I’ll run back to grab some extra veggies!” Bianca suggested, knowing how rare these moments were with Dave’s busy schedule.
Soon after, the door softly clicked open, and Bianca appeared, not in a coat but in a cozy yellow pajama top, looking as sweet as a dessert.
“I grabbed lots of veggies! You have to teach me all your cooking secrets today. That way, I can make dinner for you when I get home early!” she said, beaming.
Dave felt really touched by her gesture. He reached out to hug her, but before he could, Bianca dashed toward the kitchen, playfully calling, “Come on, I’ll start with the veggies!”
Dave stood there, shaking his head in amusement.
Dave slipped into a light gray, fluffy nightgown Bianca had just pulled from the dryer. It still smelled like fresh laundry soap, a scent that made him feel relaxed and at home.
When he walked into the kitchen, he saw that Bianca had already prepared the beef and washed and sliced the tomatoes. She turned to him with a sweet smile and said, “I’ve learned a few things recently. I’m not as clumsy in the kitchen as I used to be. But seasoning? Still not my strength.”
Dave rolled up his sleeves, took the knife from Bianca’s hand, and set it on the table. Gently moving her aside, he said, “Let me handle the beef. Stay back. I don’t want you to get hurt.”
Bianca pouted and teased her, “You said you’d teach me to cook today, but now you’re doing it all yourself again, treating me like a kid! I cut the tomatoes already, see?”
Dave glanced at the tomatoes and nodded. He knew cutting beef was more difficult, and he didn’t want Bianca to accidentally hurt herself.
In response, Bianca playfully pinched his waist. But Dave wasn’t going to let her get away with that. Using his height and strength, he grabbed her slender wrists with one hand and tickled her with the other. She squirmed, laughing, trying to escape, but eventually gave in and took refuge in his warm embrace.
Taking the opportunity, Dave wrapped his arms around her waist and leaned in closer, inhaling the scent of her skin, letting it fill his senses.
Bianca’s voice trembled as she tried to push him away, but her efforts were no match for his strength. Instead of letting go, he held her tighter, as if daring her to try and get free.
Realizing she couldn’t escape, Bianca stopped struggling, allowing him to plant soft kisses from her collarbone up to her chin. His cool fingers brushed her lips gently as he whispered in a rough voice, “I tried to hug you earlier, but you ran off like a little rabbit. You’re not getting away this time, are you?”
Bianca’s cheeks flushed, but she quickly pushed him back, standing her ground. “It’s time to start cooking,” she said firmly. “This isn’t the time to be thinking about such things!”
After looking at Bianca’s flushed face for a moment, Dave finally let her go, though a bit reluctantly.
“Okay, have it your way,” he said with a slight hint of disappointment, then turned to slice the beef, taking his time. The night was still young, after all.