Leilani and Trevor stood hand in hand, patiently waiting for Nelson as he made payment. As Trevor spoke quietly to Leilani, her gaze shifted to the entrance, widening in surprise at the sight of her best friend and Herbert, appearing at the venue.
“Hannah!” Leilani exclaimed, drawing the attention of those nearby. Hannah’s surprise was equally evident, not expecting to see her best friend there.
“Lani?” They both ran towards each other, elated at the unexpected reunion.
“What a pleasant surprise, Lani. What brings you here?” Hannah beamed, overjoyed to see her friend.
“The same could be asked of you, Hannah,” Leilani replied with a glance behind her, noticing Nelson and Herbert walking away.
“Is it what I think it is? You two are together now?” Hannah inquired with a knowing wink.
A slight blush crept onto Hannah’s cheeks as she smiled brightly. “Oh, is this Trevor?” she asked, her eyes locking onto the little boy’s.
“Yes, Hannah. Trevor, this is my best friend, Hannah,” Leilani introduced with a smile.
“Hi, Trevor. I’m Hannah, Lani’s only friend. We’ve been like sisters for over fifteen years now,” she added, crouching down to his level.
Trevor reciprocated the introduction with a smile, “I’m Trevor, Lani’s son. She may not be my birth mother, but she means everything to me.”
Hannah was amazed by the boy’s maturity and composure. Although she had heard much about him from Leilani, she couldn’t help but feel impressed by his intelligence.
“You are just as Lani described you, Trevor. You’re extraordinary. I already like you. Can I adopt you?” Hannah asked jokingly, but Trevor shook his head and replied politely.
“If you don’t mind, may I call you my aunt instead? I already have a mother,” he said with a small smile.
Hannah stood tall, her head shaking in amazement. “This young boy has a way with words, Lani,” she remarked.
Leilani smiled and shrugged. “Didn’t I tell you? And how’s Ethan doing?” she inquired.
“No, don’t even ask about that little brat. He’s been distant ever since he started boarding school. Honestly, I wish I could hate him,” Hannah grumbled with an irritated eye roll and a twitch in her mouth.
Leilani chuckled and teased, “You don’t mean that, darling.”
And with that, they all made their way outside to join the men.
Nelson couldn’t help but continue to stare at Herbert as they stepped outside.
Meanwhile, Herbert kept his gaze fixed on his feet, completely unaware of what his boss may be thinking.
God, things did not go according to plan. He had intended to confess his love for Hannah to his boss before now. But with Nelson’s son’s sudden arrival, Herbert hadn’t found the right opportunity to discuss anything. And now, it had all come out in the open.
“Believe me, Mr. Carter, this was not my intention,” Herbert finally mustered up the courage to speak.
Nelson nonchalantly slipped his hands into his pockets, still studying his assistant.
“I don’t know what you’re thinking, but I truly love Hannah, sir. And please, don’t assume that I took advantage of the situation. I’ve always had feelings for her since the first time I laid eyes on her,” Herbert explained, his voice unwavering.
Nelson scoffed and shook his head in disbelief. “So, now you’re dating my wife’s best friend? And our dynamic will change from boss and employee to what? Friends?” he inquired, raising an eyebrow in surprise.
Herbert giggled and waved his hand dismissively at Nelson. “That’s impossible, sir. Your contract with Leilani will eventually come to an end one day, but I wish to be by Hannah’s side forever. You need not worry about that,” he said with a sly grin.
Anger surged within Nelson’s heart and his jaw clenched tightly.
Herbert opened his mouth to speak but closed it again, taking a step back in fear of his boss’s intense gaze.
“Our contract is never ending, you imbecile! I love Leilani and she loves me too,” Nelson gritted out through clenched teeth.
“My sincere apologies, Mr. Carter. I had no idea you had finally admitted your feelings for Miss Hernandez. Forgive me,” Herbert said with forced sincerity. The sarcasm in his tone was as sharp as a gunshot.
“Are you mocking me?” Nelson’s brow creased in anger.
Herbert tried to contain his smile, but it was a futile effort.
“I do not approve of your relationship with my wife’s best friend. Put an end to it,” Nelson’s tone was stern, causing Herbert’s smile to instantly fade.
“Why do you not approve, Mr. Carter?” Hannah’s voice echoed behind them, causing both men to turn around and see them approaching.
At first, Nelson was reluctant to respond, but upon seeing the curiosity on Leilani’s face, he cleared his throat.
“Hannah, you are Leilani’s best friend. How can my assistant be courting you? It’s highly inappropriate, if you understand what I mean,” he said with a disapproving tone.
Leilani wanted to interject, but Hannah beat her to it.
“It doesn’t matter, Mr. Carter. If you cannot bear the thought of your assistant being with me, then let my friend go,” Hannah tried to keep her voice calm, but her anger was palpable.
“Hannah-” Leilani tried to soothe her by touching her arm, but Hannah had lost control.
“Let me speak, Lani. My goodness, he is the leader of an entire group and yet he has such foolish thoughts. I am utterly disappointed,” Hannah’s voice was laced with venom.
Immediately after her harsh words, Hannah snatched Herbert’s car key and stormed off, leaving the rest behind. She climbed into the car and waited for him, seething in anger.
“I deeply apologize, sir. Please forgive me,” Herbert quickly expressed with a lowered head.
Nelson let out a soft sigh and nodded in understanding. “It is fine. You may go,” he replied gently, but Herbert’s fear escalated.
“No, sir. I will not leave until you ask me to,”
“And did I not just instruct you to leave?” Nelson raised a quizzical brow.
Herbert wanted to retort once more, but Leilani interjected.
“Do not keep my best friend waiting. Please take your leave,” she chimed in with a charming smile.
“Okay,” Herbert muttered, bowing slightly once again before turning on his heels and leaving.
Even though Herbert’s vehicle had departed the premises minutes ago, Nelson’s gaze remained fixated on its absence.
It seemed he was unsure how to face Leilani.
“Shall we make our way home, Mr. Carter?” Leilani inquired teasingly.
Upon hearing the humor in her voice, Nelson finally shifted his gaze to her, taken aback to see her smiling.
He then cautiously asked, “You are not angry with me?”
Leilani’s smile widened as she released Trevor’s hand, approaching Nelson and enveloping his neck with her arms, drawing his face closer to hers.
“Can we talk at home?”