Spoiled by the President novel Chapter 110

Ten minutes flew by.

Gideon was already finished with the phone call. He was sitting by the dining table, waiting patiently for her return.

Nell inhaled deeply to regain her composure before heading outside.

“You took a while. Is everything alright?”

Nell shook her head. “It’s fine.”

The firework show had not commenced yet. A cellist was playing a beautiful melody in the dining hall.

The ambiance was illuminated by romantic candle lights.

Gideon regarded her intently in the eyes. “Mrs. Leith, may I have a dance with you?”

Nell was stunned.

The man had already risen to his feet. He walked across the table to her and leaned forward.

She felt like crying and laughing at the same time while looking at the palm extended in front of her.

“Gideon, I’m not wearing a formal dress.”

“I’m not wearing my suit either.”

He took no care of their attire. Taking her hand into his, he slowly helped her out of the seat.

The melody soothed their ears. They began dancing in the empty space in front of the dining hall, both dressed in down jackets. It seemed like the entire floor of the restaurant had been reserved thus there were no other customers present. It was surprisingly pleasant and relaxing to see the way those glass windows blocked the harsh wind of the twelfth month from breaking in.

Nell allowed him to hold her hand and their bodies swayed alongside one another to the melody. A powerful strength was felt beneath the man’s warm palm.

She was feeling slightly agitated earlier because of that note but somehow, being in that moment steadied her heart.

“A penny for your thoughts?”

Gideon enquired out of the blue.

Nell recollected herself and shook her head immediately.

“It’s nothing.”

Gideon lowered his gaze to watch her in silence.

Nell felt rather uneasy under his watchful stare. She turned her head sideways a little and asked in a near whisper, “What’s the matter?”

“I don’t like it when your attention wanders.”

This caught Nell by surprise.

The man continued on without missing a beat. “It makes me feel like I’m not attractive enough.”

“…”

Nell was at a loss for words.

She could not hold it any longer and a bubble of laughter escaped her mouth. She pursed her lips slightly before replying with a smile. “That’s not true. You’re very attractive.”

The man’s eyes twinkled with brilliance.

“I’m just not used to this. I haven’t celebrated Chinese New Year for many years. I used to stay in my room with the TV on or just go to bed early. This sudden change feels a little strange to me.”

The light went out of the man’s eyes.

A complicated emotion that she could not quite decipher flashed across his deep-set eyes.

“Don’t worry. I’ll be with you on this day for the rest of your life. You don’t have to stay home alone with the TV anymore.”

Nell was dumbfounded. She lifted her head to meet his gaze, only to find a solemn expression on the man’s face.

His words pulled on her heartstrings. “Thank you,” she replied with a smile.

“Bang!”

A loud noise filled the air and suddenly a show of fireworks exploded in the night sky. The melody stopped abruptly. The cellist put away the cello and headed toward the couple. “Sir, Madam, the firework show has begun.”

Gideon nodded and waved his hand dismissively. Then, he led Nell toward the windows.

Not far away, the fireworks exploded in the night sky like multicolor flames.

Blue, yellow, white, purple, green… Glorious colors bloomed on top of one another to decorate the night sky with a display of unique patterns.

Even Nell, who normally found solace in peaceful rather than lively scenes, was astonished by the bustling backdrop. “Wow.” Her eyes widened as she leaned nearer toward the glass window.

Gideon embraced her from behind and rested his chin on her shoulder.

“Beautiful?”

“Yes, too beautiful.”

“I can arrange this for you every year if you like.”

Nell was dumbfounded.

She turned to face him in disbelief.

“You arranged this just for me?”

A beam flashed across Gideon’s face as he nodded.

Nell grinned. “It’s late. I need to check on Jan.”

“She already left.”

This surprised Nell.

Gideon finally opened his eyes. A hint of laziness still lingered in those deep and unfathomable eyes. He rested one arm over the pillow as he explained flatly, “She left last night. I didn’t tell you because you were sound asleep.”

“Where did she go?”

Gideon remained silent.

Although his eyes clearly revealed a frustration that screamed why would he know?

Janet was not his wife so why should he care?

Nell finally recollected herself. Realizing that he was not the most suited person to be asked this question, she scrambled out of bed to reach for her phone.

She waited for a while before the call was answered.

Janet’s voice entered the phone loud and clear.

“Nelly, you’re awake?”

“Where did you go?”

“Home.”

“Home?”

“Of course. My father and I never carry a dispute overnight. Today’s the first day of Chinese New Year, after all. There’s no doubt I would come home to spend time with my father.”

“…”

Nell was speechless.

“Alright then! As long as you’re fine.”

“Oh, come on! Don’t worry about me. I couldn’t be better. Happy Chinese New Year! We'll speak soon.”

Nell flashed a grin. “Okay, Happy Chinese New Year.”

She finally released the breath she had been holding and proceeded to freshen up in the bathroom.

On the other side, Janet placed down her cell phone. A shadow veiled her features as she glanced at the man sitting on the couch opposite her.

“Father, I’ll never marry him. Forget about it!”