Dinner at Elsa’s place

"Work for him!" Abigail exclaimed, shell-shocked. All her confidence vanished straight away, and she even began to regret agreeing to help him.

"This is a terrible idea. He won't let me work and will cancel the contract the moment I walk into his office. Furthermore, I am a trainee who began training only a week ago. I'm not yet qualified to work for a client. I'm afraid I can't assist you. I am sorry."

Abigail said all this rapidly in one breath.

"Please help me this time," Jasper said in a pleading tone. "I will always be grateful to you and will do anything for you. I swear."

Abigail's shoulders stooped, and her back hunched a little. How could she say no when he was pleading like that?

At last, she nodded and said, "I will try."

"Thank you so much, Abi…" Jasper was relieved and excitedly took her hands in his. "I promise I will always be there for you whenever you need it."

Abigail was stiff in her place, looking at him in surprise. What he did was something she had never expected. However, someone was extremely delighted to see the scene. Her pretty face lit up with a bright smile, and her eyes glittered with hope.

Jasper gradually realized that he had been holding her hands… her soft hands… felt warm against his palms. His heart suddenly started racing. It was the first time he had held her hands, and he subconsciously squeezed them gently.

This sensation warmed his heart. Joy and excitement erupted within him. It was the most beautiful moment of his life, and he would never forget it.

He wished he could hold her hand all the time and keep her close to him. He would fight Christopher and marry her if she just gave him a hint. But Abigail seemed to be shocked. Although she didn't make an attempt to pull her hands back, she didn't appear to be comfortable.

It was distressing.

He didn't want to leave her hands, but he drew his hands back and turned away, feeling hot on the cheeks. His ears turned bright red. He was unsure whether it was embarrassment or nervousness that made him unable to look at her. He always controlled his emotions and couldn't understand how he had gotten so carried away.

What would she be thinking about him?

'Does she think I'm a vile man who takes advantage of her?'

Jasper was extremely embarrassed. He was also afraid that she would stop talking to him. He wanted to say sorry, but no sound came out of his throat.

Abigail moved to the far end of the sofa, increasing the distance between herself and him. She felt awkward. She had known this man for more than twenty years and had never seen him act like this.

She reasoned that the excitement had caused him to hold her hands.

Her actions aggravated his feelings, and a pang of guilt pierced his heart. He chided himself inwardly for his careless behavior.

Elsa's cheerful disposition began to deteriorate. Her smile had also faded by this time. She wanted to slam her forehead into the wall.

Her brother had previously failed to confess his feelings for Abigail. Even after two years, he hadn't forgotten her or moved on with his life.

Elsa had noticed him staring in loneliness at Abigail's photo. It bothered her that he was missing his beloved. She felt he owed it to Abigail to express his feelings for her and acknowledge the things he had done for her.

Abigail would make her decision later, after learning everything.

She would stay with her husband if she loved him. But if she had hidden feelings for Jasper, as Elsa suspected, she could return to him.

Elsa felt helpless as she watched them act like strangers. She had gone to the kitchen to give them some space to talk. When she noticed them holding hands, she realized her attempt had been successful. But then they drew back and stopped talking to each other.

She had not heard their conversation. So, she couldn't tell why they were acting so weirdly.

Elsa walked up to them. "Uh? Why are you two so quiet?" She scowled at Jasper, showing her dissatisfaction. "Abi…" she turned to her and added, "Does he scare you?"

Abigail shook her head and parted her lips as if she were about to say something.

"Then why are you not talking to him?" Elsa asked, not allowing her to speak. "I thought you two would find a common topic to discuss since you joined his company. But it appears that you are afraid of him. Is he a strict boss at work?"

Elsa was aggressive. Her tone was sharp as well.

She, however, quieted down when she met Jasper's warning glare. She immediately remembered what he had warned her about earlier. Despite her eagerness to see them together, she couldn't force any of them. She regretted her uncontrolled actions.

"No, he doesn't," replied Abigail slowly.

"Hahaha…" Elsa laughed. "Don't take my words seriously. I was just kidding. The dinner is ready. Let's go and eat."

She pulled her up and led her to the dining hall.

The food was served quickly, and they started eating.

Elsa cut a large piece of chicken pot pie and put it on Abigail's plate. "I remember how much you enjoy eating it. I'm not as good at making this as your mother is, but I tried. Tell me how it is."

Abigail put a small piece of chicken pot pie into her mouth and ate it. She liked the taste.

"It's good."

"Is it?" Elsa exclaimed joyfully. "Next time, I'll have Aunt make some for me."

"Yes, we can spend the entire day with Mamma," Abigail said.

Her agitation and uneasiness gradually subsided, and she enjoyed the meal.

They chatted happily after dinner, reminiscing about the past. Jasper, on the other hand, remained silent. Abigail didn't think it was strange because she was used to him being quiet and serious.

Elsa drove her back to her house. She got out of the car and hugged her longingly.

"Oh, Abi… It was an awesome evening."

"I enjoyed it as well." Abigail hugged her back.

She had no idea a pair of prying eyes were watching her from the terrace.