Chapter 198

“Why are you covered in sweat?” Shanley took the backpack from her shoulder and gently wiped her brow with a tissue. “Take your time next time, no need to rush.”
“Okay,” Juniper mumbled, relaxing as he fussed over her.
“Here, eat something.” Shanley had Felton lower the car’s temperature and unwrapped a rice ball for her. “I might need you to come with me to take care of something in a bit.”
“Mhm.” Juniper took the rice ball and ate absentmindedly. She was starving, and her head felt fuzzy, making it hard to think.
“Go on, eat,” Shanley said with a soft smile. He uncapped a bottle of water, ready to hand it to her as soon as she was finished.
“Get some sleep. I’ll wake you when we get there,” he said, noticing the weariness in her eyes. He draped a soft blanket over her.
The car fell silent. Shanley was focused on his laptop when he felt Juniper’s body slowly lean towards him. Frowning slightly, he quickly steadied her head. Then, he grabbed a throw pillow, placed it on his lap, and gently guided her head to rest upon it.
Perhaps it was the familiar, comforting scent, but Juniper only stirred for a moment before settling into a deep sleep.
Staring at the beautiful, radiant girl so close to him, Shanley’s heart began to beat erratically. His fingers rose, as if of their own accord, but stopped just shy of touching her cheek. He let out a slow breath and turned to look out the window, trying to calm the storm inside him.
He had to remind himself. She was still so young. He couldn’t be a monster. He just had to wait a little longer. At least until she understood her own heart, and the nature of love between a man and a woman.
Half an hour later, the car pulled up in front of the J-Five Studio.
“Juniper,” Shanley said softly, gently tapping her hand, afraid of startling her.
Juniper had a bit of a temper when woken up, especially if she hadn’t slept well, But as her eyes fluttered open to meet Shanley’s handsome face and his fond smile, the irritation. that had been building in her chest instantly dissipated.
“We’re here. Time to get out,” he teased with a devilish grin, seeing her staring at him, transfixed.
It was only then that Juniper realized she had, at some point, ended up sleeping on Shanley. On his lap, to be precise. The position was far too intimate.
“Oh.” She shot upright, and to cover her embarrassment, she quickly looked out the window, The next second, she froze. Her eyes
widened, and her expression turned
to one of pure shock.
J-Five Studio? The place Shanley had to ‘take care of something’ was her own headquarters?! Was it too late to run?
“Juniper, what’s wrong?” Shanley asked, a faint smile playing on his lips as he watched her every reaction. His deep eyes were fixed on her.
“Nothing,” she said, blinking rapidly. She feigned calmness and followed him out of the car.
“Let’s go,” Shanley said, his smile widening. He was curious to see how long she could keep up this act.
The director of J-Five Studio had
been waiting anxiously at the entrance ever since he heard that
the president of the Schwartz Group himself the renowned Shanley, was coming to pick up the jewelry.
Hearing footsteps, he plastered on his most welcoming smile and rushed forward. “Mr. Schw-”
He stopped mid-word, his smile frozen on his face. The young lady standing next to Shanley… looked exactly like his boss.