Chapter 680 Sheryl''s Humble Abode
Anthony''s use of endearing words toward Sheryl left Charles greatly annoyed and jealous.
However, he had to hold it in and address Anthony politely.
Both of them maintained a respectful tone around each other while in the presence of Sheryl.
Sheryl casually ate about a quarter of her veggie sd and then decided to leave.
"Why not have more?" Anthony asked in surprise. He could not understand Sheryl''s haste.
"I need to hurry; I wouldn''t want to bete again," exined Sheryl. She could not afford another tardy
arrival at work.
So Anthony offered to give her a ride to her workce.
Seeing an opportunity, Charles intervened,"Anthony, I know you need to go back to work as well.
Sheryl''s workce is actually on my way back. I can drive her for you; it''s no problem." As if certain
about it, Charles rose up from his chair and put on his coat, ready to drive Sheryl.
Anthony''s eyes narrowed at that gesture. His fists tightened but he decided to keep hisposure.
With a smirk, he kindly declined,"Thank you for offering, Mr. Lu, but I can take her myself." Charles was
definitely stepping on his toes, and he wasn''t just going to back off.
He straightened up and went over to Sheryl''s side, almost as if in an attempt to im his territory.
Looking at her lovingly, Anthony added,"Sheryl is my girlfriend and I am responsible for her safety. She
would never be a burden for me."
Sheryl, however, thought it would be best if she went with Charles. Smiling at Anthony, she refused his
offer politely,"I think Charles is right. My workce is on his way. It would take you more than one hour
to get back to work if you drop me off first, not to mention all the traffic you''d run into. Don''t worry about
it, really. Charles can take me there this time." Perhaps, unbeknownst to her even, time management
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was not the only reason she was intent on going with Charles. She was starting to appreciate his
Disappointed, Anthony tried to protest her decision. However, only a simple "But..." came out of his
mouth. Charles''s joyful look left him quite upset but he didn''t want to give him the satisfaction of seeing
him argue with Sheryl. So he didn''t continue his train of thought.
In an effort tofort him, Sheryl grabbed his hand and, with a squeeze, assured him that she would
be okay. Smiling, she thanked him once more and immediately turned her face to Charles asking him
to hurry.
"Okay," replied Charles nodding. He was immensely pleased with her decision. He didn''t care to
specte about the real reason for it. He was just happy to be leaving with her.
"Mr. Lu," Anthony added before allowing them to leave,"please take good care of her." His face was
serious, almost threatening.
"You can put your mind at rest. Nothing will happen to Sheryl while she''s with me," replied Charles
confidently. He sensed Anthony''s hostility but did not care much for it.
What he really wanted to reply was ''You have no idea what I am willing to do for her!''
Anthony also could sense that there was more in Charles'' mind but decided against investigating into it
at that time. So he settled for watching his girlfriend walk away with Charles.
In the car, Charles took advantage of the situation and asked Sheryl to allow him to drive her back
home once she was off work. Sheryl agreed and Charles followed through with his request.
Once dropped off in front of her apartment, Sheryl thought it courteous to invite Charles in for dinner.
Charles was not sure how to proceed. He didn''t want to miss such an opportunity but was also afraid
that moving too far too soon would scare her away.
So he hesitantly answered,"I wouldn''t want to bother you." Sheryl appreciated his reply.
She smiled and encouraged him in saying,"It''s no bother at all! You''re wee to my humble abode,
although it may not offer theforts you are used to."
"I wouldn''t think anything of it," Charles stated reassuringly. He wanted to go buy some fruits from a
vendor down the street as a first-time visitor gift. However, Sheryl refused. So he promised to instead
send her a few toys for Shirleyter on.
Once inside, Charles wondered about Shirley''s safety during Sheryl''s working hours.
"She has a great babysitter," exined Sheryl. She could not stop praising the babysitter, exining
how she had been working for them for a long time. Sheryl couldn''t be happier about the extraordinary
job Nancy did, not only with Shirley but also around the house.
"Really?" Charlesmented rhetorically. He was relieved by Sheryl''s answer and decided not to
inquire any further. Nancy was keeping herself busy cooking in the kitchen, while Shirley was ying
on the ground. Upon seeing Charles, she jumped into his arms. Charles reciprocated the embrace
tightly, in a fatherly manner.
Noticing a slight disappointment in her eyes, he asked her if she was expecting to see Charlie with him.
"Yes, I did," Shirley replied shyly. Her sadness was obvious from her tone as well.
Charles proceeded to justify himself right away,"Charlie is at home. I wasn''t expecting to stay over for
dinner so I didn''t bring him with me." He then looked deeply into her eyes and realized his justifications
were not helping much.
So he decided tofort her by promising to bring Charlie over the next day.
That way he would hit two birds with one stone: make Shirley happy and get to see Sheryl again.
Shirley''s disappointment turned into excitement immediately. "You promise?" she asked.
"Of course!" Charles answered firmly. "I give you my word," he added.
Sheryl put away Shirley''s toys and then addressed Charles,"Shirley''s bond with Charlie is quite unique.
You don''t have to bring him over, though, if it''s too much trouble."
Sheryl didn''t want Charles to feel obligated to listen to Shirley.
"It''s no trouble at all! I never make promises I can''t keep. Besides, Charlie also enjoys ying with her,"
insisted Charles excitedly. He was also set on having Sheryl grow fonder of Charlie and strengthen
their bond.
So he decided to emphasize,"Charlie really enjoys spending time with you too, by the way. He would
be very happy to see you again, as long as you are okay with it as well." Charles'' expression seemed
honest; so Sheryl agreed for him toe over the following day.
She then walked toward the kitchen to see if Nancy needed any help.
"No thanks. I can manage it," she replied bluntly. Sheryl noticed that something was not right about her.
She was right, in fact. Nancy had heard Charles'' voice from the kitchen. Even though it had been three
years since thest time she heard it, she could still recognize it. She wasn''t really sure what to do
about it.
Thus, she decided to retreat herself to the kitchen.
After a few seconds of hesitation, Sheryl finally inquired about the her well-being. Nancy was surprised
by how perceptive she was.
In an attempt to dissipate her worries, she smiled and answered,"I am well; don''t worry." Given how
well Sheryl knew her, Nancy realized she had to do better than that; so she added,"I may have caught
a coldst night but it''s nothing to worry about."
She then quickly urged Sheryl to leave the kitchen to avoid getting the smell into her clothes. She also
mentioned wanting to prepare some extra dishes for her guest.
Even though still skeptical, Sheryl didn''t want to pry any longer. So shemented
affectionately,"Okay, take your time, Nancy. Just let me know if you need anything." With a smile, she
turned around and left the kitchen.
At a loss as to how to handle the situation, Nancy took a few seconds to contemte. She went ahead
and prepared two dishes that she remembered Charles liked. She then waited for the opportune
moment, when Charles wasn''t around, toe out of the kitchen and set up the dining table.
"These dishes are delicious!" remarked Charles. From the moment he smelled them, he was pleasantly
impressed. So Sheryl encouraged him to eat more.