After a short pause, Dave replied quietly, “Keep it.”
After leaving the Waterfront Apartments, Bianca took a taxi to her brother’s temporary place since their mother’s apartment had burned down.
His apartment was in a residential area with a beautiful garden in the center of Edenfield.
She had called Leonel earlier, and when she stepped out of the taxi, he was already waiting at the gates.
Seeing her covered in dirt with her hair a bit messy, Leonel raised an eyebrow and asked, “Were you mining coal or crawling through tunnels?”
She just pressed her lips together, deciding not to answer.
Leonel already knew about her situation from Madison. He knew she had truly ended things with Dave this time.
Madison kept Dave’s real identity a secret, thinking it was better to avoid more problems.
Bianca moving in also confirmed what he suspected.
Feeling relieved, Leonel understood she was probably still dealing with the breakup, so he didn’t ask her for more details. He reached for her suitcase.
Bianca snapped out of her thoughts and quickly said, “Leonel, I can manage it myself…”
He glanced at her and said, “Even though you’ve lost your boyfriend, you still have me.”
He grabbed her suitcase and led the way.
Watching his tall, strong figure, a warmth spread through Bianca’s chest. She hurried to catch up and walked beside him.
“The new medication is launching in a few days. Don’t forget our deal,” he added, reminding her of their agreement.
Bianca realized that Reese had agreed to endorse the medication and would be part of several promotional events after its release.
With everything that had happened recently, Bianca had neglected some of her professional duties, especially concerning her artists and agency. She decided to refocus and push thoughts of Dave aside.
“I’m aware. We have the contract, and I’ll make sure Reese attends your events. You don’t have to worry,” she told him.
Leonel nodded in acknowledgment.
Then, it hit Bianca that the next filming session for Star Search was on Thursday. She quickly added, “Thursday is the final shoot for Star Search, and Reese is scheduled to join. Let’s plan around that to avoid any conflicts.”
Leonel frowned slightly. “The research center sets the event schedule, so I can’t change it. But I’ll let the marketing team know and try to adjust the times.”
“Thanks, I appreciate it,” Bianca replied.
Leonel paused, then said, “After the event, let’s take Reese out for a meal. I’ll cover it.”
Bianca looked at her brother’s calm face, noticing how he tried to act casual.
A small smile appeared on her lips as she agreed, “Sure, that sounds good.”
Leonel pressed his lips together and changed the subject. “By the way, make sure you visit Blake.”
She nodded. “I will.”
Bianca appreciated Blake’s help, which had allowed her to attend the Evans Group’s celebration. She also needed to talk to him about the upcoming filming.
On top of that, she had to deal with legal issues from partners trying to break their contracts with her company. The days ahead would be busy.
Diana had been handling a lot for the company lately and facing many challenges.
Bianca decided to give Diana a few days off to rest when she returned.
As for herself, Bianca planned to dive into the work.
Staying busy might help her forget the pain in her heart.
****
The next day, Bianca went to the hospital to see Blake.
As she walked down the stairs to the inpatient department, she saw Paige carefully pushing Blake in a wheelchair through a quiet park.
Blake looked much better.
When he saw her, he called out softly, “Bianca.”
Paige stopped, following Blake’s stares. She brightly smiled when she saw Bianca.
“Bianca, you made it!” Paige said excitedly.
Bianca smiled warmly and strode towards them. “You must be tired after all these days. Let me take over. Go and rest.”
Paige, glad to give them some privacy, smiled back. “Perfect timing. I’m a little tired. Please take care of him, Bianca.”
She handed the wheelchair to Bianca, exchanged a few words with Blake, and walked away.
Bianca pushed Blake’s wheelchair through the park.
“Bianca, how’s the Evans Group’s celebration? Have you met that mysterious CEO?” Blake asked softly.
Bianca felt a sharp pain in her chest when the cruise incident came up.
She struggled to hold her emotions and replied calmly, “Yes, he agreed to return Cherish to my mom. Everything’s almost sorted.”
“That’s good,” Blake said, but his tone turned concerned. “Something seems off. Are you sure you’re okay?”
Bianca felt flustered and quickly said, “Yeah, I’m glad it’s resolved. Blake, I’m really grateful for your help. I couldn’t have done it without that invitation. Seriously, thank you.”
Blake chuckled softly. “I’m happy I could help. It makes me feel like I’m actually doing something instead of just sitting around.”
His words touched Bianca, and she felt a wave of sympathy.
She stopped the wheelchair under a tree and bent down to look directly into his eyes.
“Blake, don’t underestimate yourself. You’re really special.”
Blake looked into Bianca’s eyes, feeling a rush of emotion. If he weren’t disabled, he would have hugged her tightly.
“Bianca, can you stay with me forever? With you here, I’ll keep hoping,” he said, gripping his pants with his words full of longing.
She looked down, lost in thought. Her relationship with Dave was over. Now, all she wanted was for Blake to get better.
After breaking up with Dave, she felt relieved, and her mind finally felt a bit calmer.
Taking a deep breath, she smiled at Blake. “I’ll stay with you until you’re back on your feet.”
But what would happen after that? Would she leave once he recovered?
Blake hesitated to ask and chose to stay silent. Having her around, even for a short time, brought him comfort.
For now, Bianca would be there for him.
Blake smiled with gratitude. “Thanks, Bianca.”
“No need to thank me,” she said, giving his shoulder a gentle pat. “By the way, the final shoot for Star Search is on Thursday. You said you wanted to join. Are you still interested?”
Blake nodded firmly. “Absolutely, count me in.”
He was determined to show her his courage.
“Blake, I’ve always believed in you. It’s good to see you feeling better,” Bianca said in relief. “Just focus on preparing for the final and leave the rest to me. Don’t worry about what’s going on outside; I’ll take care of it.”
Blake smiled and agreed. “Sure thing.”
He trusted her completely and was ready to do whatever she asked.
His love for her meant more than anything, even more than himself.