217 Take Care of the Hearts

"Nyelle?" Edward asked when he saw the lady standing stiff in disbelief with her back facing him.

"You're early as to what Slayne had predicted." Nyelle said without turning her head.

"Yes. Ever since Vince got married, his schedules end earlier than before. We only have late schedules if Yve will also have one." Edward explained.

"Ahh.. okay. Then enjoy your dinner." Nyelle said and was about to run away when Edward stopped her.

"Aren't you going to ask me how the food tastes?" He asked.

Continuously avoiding eye contact, she answered, "I think there's no need for that. The chefs already said that they taste fine."

"Hmm… so you let them eat this food before giving it to me?" Edward pouted a little.

"Of course! I need to know first if this food is tasty or not before giving it you." Nyelle's mouth was faster than her brain and before she can fully recall what she just said, it was already too late.

"Aha! And why is that?" Edward continued to ask her even though he sees the redness on her face.

'I might need to push her further.' Edward thought.

'Nyelle, you said that you will give your feelings a chance. Why are you being so shy?' Nyelle scolded herself.

"I…" Nyelle began and bravely look at Edward's face.

"I wanted to give you an answer tonight but Slayne said that now might not be a good timing because you're tired from work." She continued.

Instead of saying anything, Edward remained quiet to allow Nyelle to speak. He just removed his arm that blocked her way and stood properly in front of her.

"Then I come up with the idea of cooking for you. It has always worked for Yve and Vince so I thought it might do the trick as well." Nyelle explained and looked down once more.

"Hmm… that's true. But why aren't you sneaking inside my room. It also looked like you don't have any plans to let me see you?" Edward finally asked understanding that Nyelle finished her explanation with her last sentence.

"I thought that I would postpone my revelation and I will just wait until you're not that busy with work."

"You know that my boss is also my cousin. I can always ask for leave and he won't mind." Edward responded.

"…" However, Nyelle never thought of it and was now shy to admit it so she kept her mouth shut.

"Have you eaten dinner?" Edward asked.

Nyelle turned her head from side to side.

"Then join me for dinner. We both know that food tastes better when eaten together." Edward invited him for dinner and pulled her to the desk.

Nyelle was left without any choice and decided to join him.

As they sat across each other and eat the food she cooked, Nyelle was indeed curious if Edward would continue to push his way into asking on her real feelings. However, the man hasn't shown any sign of doing it. Her curiosity got the best of her so she asked a question first.

"Aren't you going to ask me about my feelings?"

Edward smiled and briefly looked at her lips before staring at her eyes. "Do you want me to?"

"…"

"Are you ready to answer my questions if I dare to ask?" Edward continued his assault.

"…" Nyelle got caught and wasn't able to say anything.

"It's okay, Nyelle. You don't have to push yourself to give an answer. I can definitely wait. All I'm asking from you is to stop avoiding me."

Then Edward stood up and began arranging the dishes to be brought back to the kitchen. When he was about to walk away with it, Nyelle spoke.

"But I'm not pushing myself. I'm not sure if you will believe me but it's the truth." Nyelle stood up and it was now her turn to block Edward's way.

"I'm just not sure if I'm really worthy of your feelings. I'm also indecisive whether these feelings are enough…" Nyelle answered truthfully.

"Feelings? You have feelings for me?" Edward asked as he slowly placed the plates on the table beside him.

Nyelle only nodded in response before saying, "But.."

"No more buts!" Edward hugged her and preventing her from saying anything else.

"Even if you're unsure on what are your feelings for me? Whether it's like, or admiration, I'll gladly accept it. Everything has to start from something." Edward happily said as he continues to embrace her.

"You're okay with it?" Nyelle finally asked.

"Of course! That's for now. I'll work harder to make sure that whatever feelings you have the moment will turn into love in the future." Edward released her from his embrace and kissed her forehead.

"Edward, I honestly don't know where our feelings will lead us. It will not be an easy road that's for sure. Please take care of my heart as I try my best to do the same to you." Nyelle finally put her thoughts into words and let Edward listen to it.

"I will." Edward said before giving her a kiss, their first kiss.

The kiss was totally sweet yet full of indescribable emotions – uncertainty, gratitude, love and respect. When Edward pulled away from Nyelle, it took a lot of his control. He wanted to take things farther but knowing that it's not the best course of action at the moment, he decided to be patient.

'Besides, Edward if you accidentally hurt her in any way, Yve will probably take the revenge and your cousin might also execute a dangerous plan just because you emotionally hurt his wife.' He thought as he gulped a non-existing saliva.

Now that everything is out between the two, they both head down to the kitchen with the equally distributed plates. Different agents saw this act but decided not to say a word as it involves their second boss. It will not be wise to do so.

On the other hand, the kitchen personnel who witnessed how Nyelle carefully prepared the dinner was happy to see them together.

'Somehow the two of them are releasing a different aura, an aura which made everyone else feel the emotions they have for each other.' They all thought as they continue their respective works while stealing glances at the new couple.