Ch. 681..690
Chapter 681 Making Sure Arissa Takes Her Medicine
Amidst Benjamin’s deep breathing in his sleep, sleepiness gradually descended upon Arissa. Before she knew it, she, too, was in dreamland.
When she woke up the next day and didn’t see Benjamin, she had a sudden realization. She grabbed the alarm clock beside her and saw that it was nine o’clock.
“Argh!” Arissa exclaimed as she jumped out of bed. She hurried into the bathroom before dashing out in the blink of an eye.
She ran down the stairs, only to be greeted by silence. It was quiet, with nary a soul in sight. “Grandaunt? Sweethearts?”
Have they gone to the hospital?
Hearing the sound outside, Edwin rushed out of the kitchen.
When he saw Arissa looking around, he informed her at once, “Ms. York, Mr. Graham has brought everyone to the hospital.”
Arissa was annoyed. “Why didn’t they wake me up?”
Why did I oversleep? How could I have not heard anything in the morning?
She had slept through the entire night uninterrupted.
Edwin smiled. “Mr. Graham said that you were sleeping soundly and told us not to wake you up. Ms. York, Mdm. Mary will be staying at the hospital for a while now. You should wash up while I reheat your breakfast.”
Arissa was embarrassed because of Edwin’s nosy gaze. “What time did they leave?”
“A little past six.”
That’s early!
Arissa pursed her lips before heading back upstairs to brush her teeth.
In ten minutes, she got herself dressed and came back down with her handbag.
“Mrs. Graham, come over and have your breakfast. I’ll take you to the hospital after that.”
Edwin was waiting by the staircase with a smile.
Arissa felt nonplussed. “Edwin, you’re teasing me again by addressing me as Mrs. Graham.”
Edwin chuckled. “William told me that you promised to register your marriage with Mr. Graham. Are you going back on your word?”
Arissa cleared her throat awkwardly and murmured, “I did that to pacify Old Mr. Graham.”
Edwin’s eyes widened. He said in a serious tone, “Mrs. Graham, Old Mr. Graham will be saddened if you change your mind.”
Arissa’s lips twitched. She went to the dining room to grab something to eat along the way.
“Mrs. Graham, you should have your meal here at home. Mr. Graham has instructed me to boil the medicinal soup for you. It’s ready. You can have it once you finish your breakfast.”
Arissa was stunned. “What medicine is that?”
Edwin answered, “The one you have been taking prior to this. It’s good for regulating your health.”
“Okay.”
Arissa settled down for breakfast. She could already taste the bitterness on her tongue.
Edwin was amused when he saw how Arissa was grimacing in fear of the medicine.
“Mrs. Graham, Mr. Graham has already gotten Mr. Bailey to adjust the composition of the medicine. It’s not going to be bitter.”
Touched by the gesture, Arissa looked at Edwin. “It’s not?”
Edwin nodded. “That’s right. It’s not. Mr. Bailey assured us of it. If you still feel that it is, we’ll get him to further adjust the formula.”
Arissa sighed in her heart as she resigned herself to drinking the medicine.
While they were eating, Edwin’s phone rang. It was Benjamin on the line.
“Mr. Graham!”
Arissa looked up.
“Okay. Mrs. Graham just got up and is having breakfast… All right.”
After exchanging a few words with Benjamin, Edwin handed the phone to Arissa. “Mrs. Graham, Mr. Graham wants to talk to you.”
Arissa felt simply embarrassed.
“Hello?” she answered.
“Are you having breakfast?” Benjamin’s deep voice rang out and traveled into her ears.
“Yeah.”
“Remember to take your medicine once you finish your breakfast,” Benjamin reminded in a tone that had no room for dissent.
“Okay.” She let out a cursory acknowledgment.
“Arissa, take your medicine!” Benjamin’s voice was deeper by a few octaves.
“I know,” she answered in resignation.
“Grandaunt has completed her checkup and has been put on a drip. There’s no need for you to hurry over. The kids are here too. You can come by later or even in the afternoon,” Benjamin said.
Arissa listened as she ate. “Has Grandaunt’s condition stabilized?”
Chapter 682 I Did Not Do Anything
“Well, according to the results of the examination, it’s the same as before and hasn’t worsened.” Arissa broke into a smile. She was relieved by the news.
“Why didn’t you wake me up in the morning? I overslept because of you!” Benjamin snorted. “How is it my fault? I didn’t do anything!”
Arissa’s ears burned. She quickly snuck a glance in Edwin’s direction and saw that the latter was tidying up the kitchen. Gosh, his words are so suggestive.
“All right. I want to continue with my breakfast.”
“Okay,” Benjamin grunted but didn’t end the call.
Arissa cocked a brow. “Have you and the children had your breakfast?”
“They’re having it with Grandaunt right now,” Benjamin answered casually.
“Aren’t you having anything?” Arissa sensed that something was amiss.
“Yeah,” Benjamin said. “I’m on my way to work.”
Arissa knitted her brows. “Work is important, but your health is even more so. You’d better get something to eat before starting work, or you may end up having gastric.”
Benjamin was delighted by the concern she showed him.
“Okay!”
Cognizant of Benjamin’s good mood, Ethen looked in the rearview mirror.
“I’ll have breakfast if you bring it over,” Benjamin requested in a gentle tone, causing Arissa’s cheeks to burn.
Oh my!
“I still need to go to the hospital.”
“You can go there after bringing me breakfast,” Benjamin asserted in a deep and domineering voice.
Just as Arissa was pondering upon the route to take between the hospital and Benjamin’s office, he ended the call before she could reply.
“Edwin, you can have your phone back.”
Edwin came over and took back his phone.
“Mrs. Graham, what did Mr. Graham tell you?”
Faced with Edwin’s gleaming eyes, Arissa frowned. “He told me to send him breakfast.”
Edwin chuckled under his breath and said gleefully, “Mr. Graham must be missing you already. In that case, you should bring him breakfast to cheer him up.”
Arissa blushed.
“Edwin, why don’t you send it to him?”
Edwin declined, “I can’t. If I do so, Mr. Graham will definitely dock my pay. Since he has specifically requested you to do it, you should just go since it’s not going to take much time. You can head to the hospital to visit Mdm. Mary once you’re done.”
Arissa felt embarrassed if her colleagues were to see her.
After all, she had already missed work for a few days.
How am I going to explain myself if I suddenly turn up with breakfast for Benjamin? No one knows about our relationship.
Arissa was frustrated with the issue.
Edwin, however, ignored her concerns, as he was confident about her.
He went off to prepare and pack Benjamin’s breakfast, which consisted of a bunch of pastries that were good for the stomach.
After finishing her food, Arissa drank the medicinal soup under Edwin’s watchful eye.
Even though it wasn’t as bitter as before, it was impossible for something that was boiled from a combination of tens of herbs to taste nice. Just the smell alone was enough to make her feel nauseous.
“Mrs. Graham, slow down.” Edwin furrowed his brows, worried that she would puke.
With a bitter expression on her face, Arissa pinched her nose and downed it in one gulp.
Edwin handed her a cup of water and a sweet to cleanse her palate.
“Mrs. Graham, here’s a sweet.”
Arissa threw it into her mouth without any hesitation.
The next moment, a sweet sensation burst into her mouth and washed away the bitter aftertaste.
“Edwin, the medicine tastes horrible! It was no longer bitter, but it ended up tasting worse.”
“Is it still bitter?” Edwin glanced at her.
Arissa shook her head. “No, it’s not, but it’s more horrible than before.”
“Huh?” Edwin was shocked.
Heaving a sigh, Arissa turned around and left the dining room.
“Edwin, we’ll leave once I get myself changed.” She then ran upstairs.
Edwin stretched his head to take a look. Is she making an excuse to throw up the medicine?
Feeling concerned, Edwin went after her.
Nevertheless, he stopped outside the bedroom door and listened for any movements.
Chapter 683 Covered Herself Fully Before Delivering Breakfast
Seeing that Arissa seemed to have entered the bathroom, Edwin pressed his ear against the wall but could not hear anything. The only conclusion he got was that the house had outstanding soundproofing.
Since he failed to hear anything, he went back downstairs. Arissa was unaware that Edwin secretly observed whether she threw up her medication as she was preoccupied with changing into a set of clothes that was different from her usual style.
Then, she grabbed a straw hat and a pair of sunglasses before heading downstairs.
“Mrs. Graham, the car is ready.”
Edwin was all smiles as he waited for her to arrive downstairs. In his hand was the food container.
Arissa glanced at him and felt he was much friendlier compared to before.
Reciprocating the smile, she replied, “Edwin, I’m ready too. Let’s go!”
“All right!”
Edwin followed her and closed the car door for her after she got into the car.
He then sat in the front passenger seat and asked the driver to drop them off at the company.
Gazing at Edwin, Arissa asked, “Edwin, do you want to deliver the food container to Mr. Graham?”
He turned around and replied smilingly, “Mrs. Graham, it’s more sincere if you deliver the breakfast to him. If Mr. Graham is in a good mood, everything is negotiable!”
She raised her eyebrows and said, “I have nothing to talk to him!”
With a broad smile on his face, he began analyzing the situation. “Well, there must be a time when you wish to request something, right? For example, aren’t you planning to take a leave to keep your grandaunt company? Your request will likely be granted if Mr. Graham is in a good mood. Besides, our company staff will be grateful to you!”
The corners of Arissa’s lips twitched once she heard it.
Am I that powerful? I mean, Benjamin still blows his top whenever he’s angry!
When the car pulled over at Graham Group’s entrance, she stared at the door, feeling hesitant.
“Mrs. Graham, we’ve arrived,” Edwin said.
His deliberate reminder caused Arissa to smile at him awkwardly. Left with no choice, she put on her hat and sunglasses before getting out of the car.
Edwin chuckled as he took in her attire.
The curvy Arissa became the center of attention as soon as she appeared in everyone’s line of sight.
At that time, even the security guards at the entrance failed to recognize her.
Everyone was shocked upon seeing Edwin hand the lunch box to Arissa in a respectful manner.
Who is this beautiful lady? Moreover, the butler of the Graham residence was the one who brought her here.
They recognized her only after hearing Edwin address her as “Mrs. Graham.”
Isn’t she the mother of Mr. Graham’s children, our future boss lady?
Meanwhile, Arissa took the food container and said, “Edwin, please wait for me here. I’ll come down very soon.”
“Sure, Mrs. Graham!” Edwin responded without hesitation, for he did not intend to follow her to Benjamin’s office anyway.
Arissa ignored the bright smile on his face and turned around to head toward the building.
“Good morning, Mrs. Graham!”
When the bodyguards at the entrance greeted her with a grin, the security guards followed suit respectfully.
Arissa was a little taken aback upon hearing it. In an instant, she turned around and said, “Just call me Ms. York!”
The bodyguards beamed at her.
Thus, she ignored them and quickened her pace.
At the sight of Arissa, the receptionist was startled and could not look away.
Who is this beautiful lady? She’s so pretty that even Ms. Adams is no match for her. Apart from her beauty, she also has a regal bearing.
With a quirk of her red lips, Arissa nodded at the receptionist as a greeting before continuing toward the elevator.
By the time the latter came to their senses and wanted to stop her, Arissa had entered the elevator.
“Hey! Miss…”
Edwin came up to the receptionist and instructed sternly, “Don’t try to stop her when you see her come here in the future!”
The receptionist recognized him as Benjamin’s butler, so they asked, “Who is she?”
It was impossible for them to suppress their curiosity.
“Don’t stick your nose into other people’s business. An announcement will be made when the time is ripe. Before that happens, you’re not allowed to tell others about it,” Edwin warned.
After all, he knew Arissa did not want the employees at the company to know her identity, so he issued a warning in her stead.
“Understood!” The receptionist made a mental note.
With that, Edwin turned around and headed back to the car to wait for Arissa.
The top floor was dead silent when Arissa arrived.
After straightening her clothes, she stealthily walked toward the CEO’s office.
Then, she craned her neck to peek around the office and even checked out the corners, yet Benjamin was nowhere in sight.
Is he in the middle of a meeting?
Little did she know that someone was observing her every action.
Chapter 684 Your Wish Is My Command
When Benjamin noticed her snooping around, he went over and stood behind her. “What are you looking for?” he asked, leaning forward.
“Ah!”
Arissa was entirely focused on figuring out what was happening inside the room, so the sudden voice startled her so much that she dropped the food container in her hand.
Benjamin was quick to catch the falling item.
Upon noticing it was him, she patted herself on the chest in relief. “Why are you here? You gave me a terrible fright!”
Her face was tinged pink in embarrassment when she realized he must have seen her sneaking around earlier.
“This is my company. Isn’t it normal for me to be here?”
Benjamin straightened his back and looked down at the woman with a teasing look in his eyes.
Arissa was stumped for words.
“I brought you breakfast. Hurry up and eat it. I’m going to the hospital now!” she said hurriedly and turned around to leave.
Benjamin grabbed her hand and dragged her into the office.
He even closed the door behind them.
At that, Arissa widened her eyes. “Why did you close the door?”
A mischievous look fleeted across his eyes.
In a suggestive tone, he said, “I can do whatever you wish to do. Your wish is my command.”
Her face flushed in response, forming an enticing sight.
Benjamin’s eyes darkened as he transfixed his gaze on her.
That was when he noticed that she was dressed differently that day.
When she was not in her usual professional-looking office attire, she looked extra bubbly and sweet, as if she was about to go on a holiday.
Her exquisite little face made it difficult for him to avert his gaze.
“You look quite nice today.”
Benjamin was thrilled as he thought that she had dolled up to send him breakfast.
The man was silently cheering the fact that she was making an effort to look pretty to him.
Arissa’s face blushed an even deeper hue of red when she noticed the smug smile on his face. Has he misunderstood my intention? I only wore clothes of a different style because I was worried people might recognize me.
“I just threw them on!” she hurriedly explained.
“You may dress like this every day from now on.”
Benjamin dragged her to the side of his office desk and put down the food container in his hand.
Then, he reached out to remove her sunglasses and propped them on her straw hat.
The hint of affection within his gestures caused Arissa’s heart to skip a beat.
He eyed her with a burning look in his eyes.
Arissa avoided his gaze as his look was too intense to hold.
Benjamin’s lips quirked into a small smile when he noticed her crimson face.
A second later, he dragged her to his chair, sat down on it, and made her sit on his lap.
Their posture was intimate beyond words.
Arissa’s heart pounded. Even her neck had turned red.
She quickly stole a glance at Benjamin and was met with his fervent gaze.
Arissa instinctively wanted to flee.
Sensing her intention, Benjamin held her waist with one hand and the back of her head with the other.
The man pulled him closer and sealed her soft lips with his thin ones.
As if he had found an oasis in a desert, he could not stop savoring her.
In a domineering manner, he tasted the warmth inside her mouth.
Arissa was unable to resist him. Soon, she slumped in his embrace and let him do whatever he wanted to her.
Benjamin was not too pleased with the straw hat being in his way. Hence, he took it off her head and hurled it at his desk while deepening the kiss at the same time.
Steamy sounds that would make one blush reverberated in the silent office.
Arissa’s face was tinged red, her breath ragged from his intense kiss.
Her alluring eyes were intoxicating to him.
Benjamin could not help but drown in them as he showered her with another round of passionate kisses.
It was not until Arissa almost went out of breath that he reluctantly let go of her.
His eyes traced her swollen red lips as he focused on the corner of her lips where she was injured the day before.
The wound had cracked open once again, and blood seeped through it.
It was such a seductive scene that Benjamin could feel hot blood coursing through his veins, pooling somewhere deep within him.
His eyes darkened as his breathing turned heavy.
If it were not for the upcoming international conference call… At that thought, Benjamin furrowed his brows and tried to suppress the burning urge in his body.
All of a sudden, Arissa was left on the chair while he rose to his feet and strode toward the lounge.
Puzzled by his action, she looked at the man who had gone into the other room in confusion.
It took her some time to regain her composure and steady her breathing.
Arissa cupped her cheeks and felt the burning sensation on her palms.
My goodness. That was too wild, wasn’t it? I wasn’t expecting myself to lose myself in the kiss.
At that moment, the sound of footsteps could be heard in the doorway.
That gave her a jolt, and she hurriedly adjusted her posture on the seat.
Chapter 685 I Cannot Help It
Arissa straightened out her clothes and checked if her clothes were disheveled in any way. By the time she lifted her head again, Ethen had carried a few documents into the office.
The assistant was stunned at the sight of Arissa sitting in his superior’s chair. Ignoring the awkwardness in the air, she tried to act normal and greeted him, “Mr. Frank!”
Gah, this is so embarrassing. It’s as if I was caught red-handed for doing something wrong. Ethen returned to his senses and nodded in response.
“Ms. York, you’re here!”
“Yes, I’m here to deliver Benjamin’s breakfast.”
She gestured at the food container on the desk and got up to open it.
“I brought a lot of food. Would you like to have some?”
Noticing that Benjamin had not yet taken a bite of it, Ethen smiled and said, “Ms. York, I’ve already had my breakfast. Is Mr. Graham not around?”
Didn’t he come into the office just now?
“Oh, he’s in there!”
Arissa pointed at the lounge.
Ethen sneaked a glance at her, secretly observing her.
Her face is bright red. Could they have done something naughty in here?
At that thought, he dared not stay around any longer.
After placing the documents on the desk, he said to Arissa, “Ms. York, could you please tell Mr. Graham to sign these when he comes out later? I will be back shortly to retrieve them.”
Then, he scurried out of the office.
He knew his days would be numbered if he had ruined it for Benjamin.
Arissa was befuddled when she noticed how fast Ethen had left the office. Why did he run out? Is he afraid that a tiger will devour him?
She turned to look at the lounge. Well, Mr. Graham is just as close.
Upon recalling how the man almost took her right then and there, Arissa took her straw hat and hurriedly headed for the door.
I’d better scram before he comes out.
Just when she was about to step out of the door, a warning uttered by a deep voice sounded from behind her. “Just you try and step out of the door.”
Arissa paused right in her tracks, feeling deflated.
Does he have an eagle’s eye or what?
Then, she turned around and looked at the man who was standing by the lounge’s door.
Arissa pointed out the window and stated, “I have to go to the hospital now.”
“Come over here!”
Benjamin’s brows were deeply knitted as he walked over to his desk.
After taking his seat, he cast his gaze on her. His presence was so overbearing that she had no choice but to comply.
In the end, Arissa gulped and made her way over to his side.
“Is there anything else that you need from me?”
Benjamin gestured for her to come to his side, but she did not do as instructed. Instead, she took a seat right opposite him.
“What is it?” she asked as she sneaked a glance at him, avoiding his eyes the whole time.
“Wait for me to finish my breakfast!”
Benjamin suddenly took the food container and started to eat.
He did not utter a word as he ate his breakfast gracefully.
Arissa could not resist the urge to admire his perfect features.
The man before her was such a beauty to behold, especially his thick and long lashes.
They were so perfectly curled that she felt an inevitable sense of jealousy.
Perceiving her gaze on him, Benjamin lifted his head and was met with her fervent stare.
He would have lost his temper if he had caught any other woman staring at him like that.
However, the person was Arissa, so he was delighted.
Benjamin did not say anything and let her continue gawking at him. His jubilant mood had induced a great appetite.
It was not until he finished his food and walked toward her did she snap out of her daze.
He lifted her chin and looked down at her. His regal bearing made her heart race.
Again, she crimsoned.
“Ethen!” Benjamin said aloud.
Arissa hurriedly moved her chin away from his grip and avoided his eyes.
She could feel the butterflies in her stomach and the flutters in her heart.
Ethen came into the office not long after. However, he dared not look around carelessly.
“Mr. Graham!”
“Go and fetch some ointment.”
“Sure,” Ethen answered before running off once again.
Arissa was shocked.
“Why did you ask for ointment?”
The only response she received was Benjamin’s gaze on the corner of her lips.
Arissa then realized that she was still in pain. It completely slipped her mind earlier.
Instinctively, she lifted her hand to touch her wound, but Benjamin stopped her and scolded, “Don’t touch it! You have a lot of germs on your hand!”
Arissa shot him a sideways glare.
“Don’t touch it if you want it to heal!” he warned.
The woman let out a chuckle from the overwhelming fury.
“I wouldn’t have gotten hurt if you hadn’t bitten me.”
Benjamin’s thin lips quirked into a grin when he noticed the anger in her eyes.
“I couldn’t help it. Your lips were too enticing.”
Arissa’s face turned bright red.
Chapter 686 No Need To Sneak Around
When Ethen walked in and heard those words, he was unsure if he was supposed to leave or stay. What secret did I just hear? Will Mr. Graham kill me because I heard it?
A glint flashed across Benjamin’s eyes, and he shot him a side-eye. “Hand me the medicine!” he ordered coldly. “Yes!” Ethen quickly went over to him and uttered fearfully, “Here you go, Mr. Graham.”
Benjamin took the items from him. “Get out!”
“Yes!” Ethen got out of there as fast as he could.
As he was walking out, he glanced at Arissa from the corners of his eyes and saw her swollen lips. Excitement welled up in his heart.
So the wound on Ms. York was actually caused by Mr. Graham’s bite? What a shocker!
Meanwhile, Arissa did not know whether to feel grateful to Benjamin when she saw that he intended to apply the ointment to her wound for her.
After all, he was the one who caused it.
Benjamin took a cotton swab and dipped it inside a bottle of antiseptic solution before lifting her chin. “Don’t move!”
Arissa cast him a glance and let him dress her wound.
When the antiseptic came into contact with her wound, she could not help but inhale sharply because it was quite painful.
Benjamin’s eyes flickered in response. “Bear with it!”
He tightened his grip on her chin so that she could not move. The pain lasted for quite a while, causing her face to scrunch up.
When he saw her reaction, his eyes glinted with amusement.
“It’ll be all right after this.”
His remark infuriated her. “It was already getting better, but you just had to bite it again!”
Benjamin chuckled and appeased her in a gentle voice. “I’ll be more careful next time.”
Arissa felt embarrassed when she met his eyes, which crinkled with joy.
“You’re crazy!” she murmured.
Upon receiving a warning look from him, she pursed her lips.
Benjamin proceeded to apply the ointment to her wound.
“All done!” he announced a few seconds later.
Arissa tilted her head and stood up. “I’m leaving now.”
That time around, he did not say anything.
Instead, he took her straw hat and put it on for her. After that, he put on her sunglasses for her and pulled her hat lower.
“You don’t have to sneak around when you come to see me,” he said.
With her sunglasses on, Arissa glared at him and retorted, “Well, it doesn’t matter to you, does it? If the others see me here, they’ll get curious for sure.”
“I’m giving you another day off,” Benjamin declared, putting his hands in his pockets while fixing her with an intent gaze.
At that, the corners of Arissa’s mouth twitched.
One day? I’ll take that. I’ll make the arrangements for Grandaunt at the hospital today, and the kids are going to school tomorrow.
With that thought in mind, she turned to face him and said, “Do we have to deal with Tim’s enrollment in the afternoon?”
“There’s no need for that. Just send him to school tomorrow morning!” Benjamin replied.
He was going to have Ethen take care of that in the afternoon.
Arissa nodded. “Bye!”
With that, she left without looking back.
Benjamin’s gaze remained locked on her until she was out of his line of sight. Only then did he head back to his seat and continue working.
Arissa got into his private elevator, so she did not have to worry about seeing anyone on the way down.
However, she bumped into a few of her colleagues from her department when she got out of the elevator. Coincidentally, they were coming in from outside.
She felt somewhat guilty but reckoned no one would recognize her with the hat on, so she walked out confidently.
Right then, one of the colleagues thought she looked familiar. “Could that be Ms. York?”
“How could that be? Ms. York is on leave, no? Wouldn’t we know if she had returned? Besides, she would’ve greeted us!”
“Well, her looks are comparable to Ms. York’s, though I wonder what she’s doing here!”
While chatting with each other, they walked toward the elevator.
Arissa overheard parts of their conversation and felt bad. Although I won’t be working today, I’ll definitely return and work hard with them tomorrow.
After getting out of the building, the bodyguard saw her and opened the car door for her.
A few employees, who were passing by, could not help but glance at her a few times.
“Is she a celebrity? Was she here to see Mr. Graham?”
“She’s even using Mr. Graham’s car! It seems like there’s something going on between them!”
The edge of Arissa’s mouth twitched, and she did not even dare to take off her sunglasses after the car door was shut.
There’s something going on, all right. I have six children with him!
“Mrs. Graham, why are your lips swollen?” Edwin asked suddenly.
His voice had her return to her senses, and she flashed him a sheepish smile.
“Maybe I bit on them just now. Are they very swollen?”
Chapter 687 Their Relationship Is Getting Better
“Yeah! I think they’re inflamed. When we get to the hospital later, we ought to have Mr. Bailey take a look at it. Let him treat it!” Edwin looked concerned.
“When I was upstairs just now, Benjamin had already applied some medication for me. It’s just a minor wound. Don’t worry about it!” Arissa reassured.
His eyes lit up. “Mrs. Graham, did you accompany Mr. Graham to have breakfast before you came down?”
For a moment there, Arissa was stunned by his question. That was because she was not paying attention earlier on.
Benjamin was already eating breakfast before that, so he should’ve finished it.
“Yes!” she answered.
Sensing her discomfiture, Edwin did not press on that matter.
However, he was elated. Mr. Graham asked Mrs. Graham to send him food. It seems like their relationship is getting better.
Due to Edwin’s question, Arissa was too embarrassed to take off her sunglasses and only did so when they arrived at the hospital.
She also left her straw hat in the car.
“Wait up, Mrs. Graham!”
Edwin got out of the car first and helped her open the door. At that moment, he was holding something in his hands.
Arissa did not notice it prior to that, so she asked, “Edwin, what did you bring?”
“Oh! This is the soup Mr. Graham got me to make for Mdm. Mary. She should drink this before her meal!” he explained.
Arissa was touched. Benjamin is thoughtful, isn’t he?
“Let me bring it upstairs for you!”
“That’s all right. I can manage!” Edwin shied away and walked into the building with her.
“Edwin, do you know which floor Grandaunt is staying on?”
Only then did it strike her that she had forgotten to ask Benjamin about it when she saw him at the office.
“I do! Mr. Graham had already informed me earlier. I’ll bring you there!” Edwin answered with a smile.
When the two of them got into the elevator, he pressed the button for the correct floor.
Upon arriving at the ward, they saw the six children sitting outside and teaching Tim how to use a phone.
Arissa tiptoed her way over to the kids.
Right before she could scare them, Zachary raised his head and saw her.
“Mommy!” The boy was thrilled to see her.
Gavin, Oliver, Jasper, Tim, and Jesse raised their heads as well.
Their eyes lit up when they saw her, and they cheered.
“Mommy!”
“Mommy!”
“Ms. York!”
“Mommy!”
“Mommy!”
Elated, Arissa hugged the six of them.
“Did you guys miss me?”
The six children nodded in unison, each wearing a bright grin on their face. Even Tim crinkled his eyes in a smile.
“I’ve missed you guys too!” Arissa leaned over and kissed them. “Why didn’t you guys wake me up in the morning?”
“Mommy, we wanted to let you sleep in!” Gavin answered. “Daddy told us not to disturb you, so we followed him and brought Great-grandaunt here.”
“Yes! We wanted you to sleep in.” Zachary nodded in agreement.
Arissa smiled. “How is Great-grandaunt doing?”
Oliver adjusted his glasses and informed, “Mommy, Great-grandaunt is asleep, so we came out to play!”
His mother inclined her head in acknowledgment.
“Great-grandaunt’s test results came back with usual readings this morning, Mommy. Don’t worry!” Jasper uttered.
Tim’s eyes were sparkling when he chimed in, “Ms. York, don’t worry. Great-grandaunt looks energetic today!”
Jesse nodded. “Great-grandaunt’s appetite was great this morning.”
“Okay! You guys carry on, okay? I’m going in to check on her.”
Arissa ruffled their hair and went into the ward.
Only then did the kids notice Edwin’s presence. “Hi, Mr. Whitley!” they chorused.
“Hello!” Edwin responded warmly. “Carry on, okay? I’m going in as well!”
The kids smiled and followed him in.
Since Mary was asleep, Arissa approached her silently and checked on her.
Then, she pulled the covers around her before retreating to the side and gesturing for Edwin to leave the soup there and leave the room together with her.
Edwin nodded, left the soup on the coffee table, and followed Arissa out.
When Arissa saw the kids had followed them in, she beckoned them over.
The six children glanced at Mary, then turned to leave the room.
“How long has Great-grandaunt been asleep for?” Arissa asked.
Chapter 688 Slept Well
“I think she has been asleep for less than half an hour!” Zachary checked his watch and glanced at Gavin and the rest.
“You’re right! It’s been less than half an hour!” Gavin nodded. Arissa sat with them for a while outside the ward. “Sweethearts, do you guys know where Mr. Bailey is?”
“I think Mr. Bailey is over there!” Jesse pointed in a direction.
Oliver glanced at her and asked, “Mommy, are you looking for Mr. Bailey? I can call him!”
“I’m looking for him, but you don’t have to call him because he might be busy. I’m sure he’ll come over in a while,” Arissa replied and stayed with the kids.
“Mrs. Graham, I can go look for Mr. Bailey!” Edwin suggested.
“Do you know where he is?” Arissa looked at him.
Edwin nodded. “This is Mr. Graham’s hospital, so I know where Mr. Bailey is.”
How did I forget about that? Arissa smiled.
“Go on, then. If he’s busy now, I’ll go and look for him later,” she voiced.
The butler nodded before leaving to find Shaun.
At that moment, Gavin looked up at her and asked in concern, “Mommy, have you eaten?”
Arissa nodded. “I have! In fact, I had a lot of food!”
Jesse giggled and uttered, “Mommy, we ate a lot with Great-grandaunt at the hospital as well.”
“How about you guys? Have you guys eaten?”
Arissa glanced at the five older kids.
“Mommy, I’ve eaten!” Gavin answered.
“Mommy, I’ve eaten as well!” Zachary replied.
“Ms. York, me too,” Tim chimed in shyly.
Oliver adjusted his glasses again and smiled. “Mommy, we were still eating before you arrived!”
“Mommy! Mommy! Did you get scared when you woke up and couldn’t find us this morning?” Jasper asked.
Arissa pinched his cheek. “I did! I only realized I had overslept when I woke up. When I came out, you guys were all gone.”
The six children grinned from ear to ear.
“Mommy, did you sleep well last night?” Gavin asked, staring at her with sparkly eyes.
“I did!” Arissa stroked his hair and asked the kids, “Did you guys sleep well?”
The kids nodded. “We did!”
Arissa then looked at Tim and asked, “Tim, did you sleep well?”
The boy nodded. “I did! I had a good night’s sleep as well!”
Gavin and the others smiled. “We all slept well!”
“Mommy, did Daddy call you?” Gavin inquired.
“He did. I went to the office before I came here,” Arissa answered.
When she was talking, the kids were all staring at her.
Jasper then noticed the worsening wound on the corner of her lips.
“Mommy, it seems that your wound has worsened! It’s swollen now!”
The other five kids instantly placed their attention on her lips.
Arissa felt awkward. “It’s all right. I’ve already applied some medication.”
“Mommy, how did you injure your lips?” Zachary asked because he forgot to ask her the night before.
Arissa looked at the kids and answered, “I bit on them accidentally.”
The kids stared at her with widened eyes. None of them was convinced.
Jasper then giggled. “Mommy, could it be that Mr. Graham bit you?”
Arissa blushed and flicked his forehead lightly. “Nonsense!”
The boy stuck his tongue out in response.
Coincidentally, Shaun came over with Edwin at that time, so he heard the conversation.
With a smile, the former asked, “Arissa, Edwin said your lips are swollen. Let me have a look!”
“That’s not necessary. I’ve already applied medication, so it’ll heal soon,” Arissa answered awkwardly.
My lips aren’t even swollen because of the wound.
“Mrs. Graham, let Mr. Bailey have a look! He can make it heal faster!” Edwin urged.
There was a hint of amusement in Shaun’s eyes as he scrutinized Arissa’s lips.
Then, he tilted his head to look at Edwin and asked, “Edwin, were Arissa’s lips that swollen before she went to look for Benjamin at the office?”
The latter froze momentarily before shaking his head. “I don’t think so. Besides, the wound wasn’t as apparent at that time.”
Chapter 689 His Concern For Her
Shaun smiled because his suspicion had just been confirmed. “If it hurts a lot, I can disinfect your wound again.” “That’s not necessary. It doesn’t hurt that much,” Arissa replied.
His remark brought a faint blush to her cheeks. He seems to have found out about something. This is all that jerk’s fault!
Edwin glanced at her and perceived the hint of embarrassment in her expression. Suddenly, the truth dawned upon him, and his eyes widened in surprise.
“Mrs. Graham, don’t be shy. It’s better to let Mr. Bailey have a look if it hurts,” he advised.
Then, he urged Shaun, “Mr. Bailey, please give Mrs. Graham a more effective ointment!”
The latter nodded. “I’ll go and get one. It’ll fasten the healing process once she applies some to her wound from time to time!”
“Thanks!” Arissa was eager to end that topic.
Right then, her phone rang. The caller was Benjamin.
She picked up the phone and put it to her ear.
“Have you arrived at the hospital?” The man’s voice traveled from the speakers and into her ear.
“Yes,” Arissa answered in a low voice.
“Why is it so quiet there?” Benjamin sounded puzzled.
Arissa looked over and saw that the kids and Edwin were trying to listen to her conversation with Benjamin. It amused her.
“It’s quiet because the kids aren’t talking,” she replied.
“Are they with you?”
“Yes!”
“Does the wound on your lips still hurt? If it does, get Shaun to prescribe you another ointment.”
Arissa was embarrassed when Benjamin mentioned her wound again.
“I got it. Get back to work. I’ll hang up if there’s nothing else! Edwin and the kids are all here.”
“All right!” Benjamin answered.
He actually had nothing to talk to her about. All he wanted was to hear her voice.
Shaun then came back with the ointment and passed it to Arissa.
“Mommy, apply it to your wound! Let’s see if it helps!” Gavin urged. “Let me help you!”
After saying that, he wanted to take the ointment from her.
“It’s okay. I can do it myself!”
Arissa uncapped the tube of ointment and applied some to her wound by using her phone as a mirror.
At that sight, Shaun chuckled and went into the ward to fetch her a cotton bud.
“Arissa, use this. It works better.”
“Okay!” Arissa took it and spread the ointment over her wound with the cotton bud.
She did it lighter than Benjamin, so she did not feel any pain. Instead, the only sensation she experienced was the coolness brought about by the ointment.
“This is much better than the one Benjamin has!” she commented.
Shaun chuckled. “The one he has was from me as well. Perhaps it has expired!”
“I guess.”
Realizing that everyone was looking at her, Arissa endured the embarrassment, turned around, and threw the cotton bud away.
“Get some rest, Ms. York!” Tim tugged at the hem of her shirt.
Delighted, Arissa stroked his head and replied, “Sweetheart, I’m fine. The only difficulty I have is when I have to eat.”
The boy frowned and exhorted seriously, “You should eat slower, then, Ms. York!”
His concern for her made her feel happy, and she nodded. “Okay. I will!”
She then hugged him dotingly before asking Shaun about Mary’s condition.
“Arissa, Mdm. Mary’s condition is under control. Since she has just arrived here, we’ll let her get used to her surroundings before starting the treatment course for her. Don’t worry,” Shaun explained.
He was worried that Mary had yet to adapt to the environment.
Arissa nodded. “Thank you very much!”
“It’s my job. Benjamin will withdraw my research fund if I don’t take care of Mdm. Mary well enough! Hence, don’t worry. Mdm. Mary will receive the best treatment here. Also, you don’t have to stay here and look after her all day long. We can manage,” he reassured.
Arissa was well aware of the quality of service the hospital offered.
Besides, Benjamin was the owner. As long as he gave the instructions, no one would dare to neglect Mary.
Furthermore, Shaun was in charge of Mary’s treatment, so she indeed had nothing to worry about.
“I’m free now, so I’ll keep Grandaunt company,” Arissa said.
Shaun flashed her a smile. “I’ll head inside to see if her IV drip has finished!”
Arissa, Edwin, and all the kids followed him in.
Shaun then waited for the IV drip to finish before replacing it with a new one.
Chapter 690 Arissa Was Not There
“Mdm. Mary’s asleep. Do you guys want to hang around at my office instead?” Shaun asked them. Arissa wanted to remain in the ward, and she requested Edwin to take the kids to the office since they would not be able to play freely there.
“Gavin, bring them to Mr. Bailey’s office. They haven’t been there before,” she said to Gavin too. “Okay, Mommy. I’ll be heading over with them now. If you get bored from staying here alone, you can come over too!” he replied.
The woman caressed her son’s head in response. Then, Gavin beckoned Tim, Zachary, and the others to head over to Shaun’s office to play.
The boy then began showing the kids around the hospital.
Tim, Zachary, Oliver, Jasper, and Jesse looked around curiously.
“Do you come here often, Gavin?” Zachary asked, puzzled.
Gavin nodded. “I came here for doctors’ appointments frequently when I was younger.”
In truth, the boy did not like hospitals.
However, that time around, he kept his aversion toward the place hidden because of Mary’s illness.
Both Edwin and Shaun knew that, and they were gratified to see how responsible Gavin was toward his younger siblings.
Gavin’s all grown up.
“It’d be best if you kids don’t come to the hospital often, but you’re always welcome to play with me in my office,” Shaun offered.
With a smile, he welcomed the six children into his personal space.
Gavin led his siblings to the couch as though he knew the place like the back of his hand.
There were also toys that he had forgotten to take home in the past.
Hence, he took them out and let the other children play with them.
Shaun and Edwin kept them company.
“If you have work to do, Mr. Bailey, please go ahead. We’ll be fine playing on our own,” said Gavin.
Hearing that, Shaun grew increasingly fond of the sensible boy.
He’s a lot more talkative now. Back then, he wouldn’t even look in my way.
“All right. I’ll get going now. Have fun, and help yourselves to whatever food there is here.”
The man had Edwin wash the fruits on the coffee table, which also had some snacks.
He had come over and prepared all the things beforehand.
“Don’t mind if we do, Mr. Bailey!”
Jasper, who was not shy, casually reached out for some food, distributing some to Jesse, followed by his four brothers.
“Here you go! And this is for you.”
Feeling awkward, Tim glanced at Shaun.
The latter noticed it and smiled at him dotingly. “I got all these ready for you kids. Help yourself with whatever you like! I’ll be off now.”
“Thanks, Mr. Bailey,” the boy remarked softly.
“You’re welcome!” Shaun grinned. He’s such a polite little kid.
Then, he spun on his heels and went on with his business while Edwin stayed behind to watch over the children.
Before walking away, the former took a picture of the six children eating and sent it to Benjamin, who was in the midst of reading a document.
Initially, the man paid no heed to his message notification, but after remembering that Arissa liked sending him texts, he checked his phone, only to see that Shaun had sent him an image.
Nevertheless, he clicked into the photo, and his gaze softened at the sight of the six children.
Then, he scrutinized the picture and even enlarged it. Still, Arissa was nowhere to be found.
Benjamin replied to the text: Arissa’s not there?
Shaun was shocked to receive a reply from him.
Oh my, Benjamin actually replied to my text?
Crinkling his eyes in a grin, he quickly responded to Benjamin.
Shaun: Arissa’s currently at Mdm. Mary’s ward.
Benjamin was not surprised to know that, and he glanced at the photo of his children again.
Jonathan so happened to walk over at that moment and grew curious when he noticed that the man was on his phone instead of being caught up with work.
“What are you looking at?”
Benjamin shot him a glance. “My kids.”
Jonathan raised an eyebrow. “Mind if I have a look?”
Truthfully, he wanted to interact with the children, but he was just too busy.
Benjamin handed his phone over.
Jonathan put down his briefcase and gazed at the picture.
Not even the stern lawyer could resist the children’s adorableness, and he smiled dotingly.
“They’re so adorable!”
Benjamin was pleased to hear that.
“Yeah.”
Then, Jonathan directed his gaze to him. “Did you call me over to talk about Danna Adams’ case?”