Chapter 39
Chapter 39
K 8.37% 4
Among the three male contestants, Simon held the top spot in the “Love Nest Whisper” votes. If his lead remained intact until the final tally, he’d earn the privilege of choosing his female partner for the second episode of the dating show.
Tiana had a hunch that if Simon maintained his lead, he might pick her to be his partner. Over the past few days, she hadn’t had the time to listen to their recordings.
But today, curiosity got the best of her–especially about Enoch’s entry. She clicked on his recording, and Enoch’s deep. velvety voice filled her ears, tinged with an unmistakable allure. “Ms. Schneider, stop sleeping. Get up and work out with
me.”
The flirtatious tone sent a shiver down her spine, goosebumps rising along her arms. Online, trending hashtags were flooded with frenzied reactions and screaming GIFs
Tiana found herself recalling a moment when they were playing hide the sausage. His faintly crimson lips had parted slightly, and his breath, warm and uneven, had tickled her skin.
The memory brought a blush to her cheeks and ears. She smacked her forehead, wondering. What am I even thinking?
“Enoch! Have you completely lost it? Who told you to record such a shameless Love Nest Whisper?” she demanded. Beneath his frosty exterior, this man was secretly flirtatious
When she played the recording, Enoch, seated across from her, remained unfazed, his expression unreadable. His lips–still that soft crimson–curved ever so slightly. “I was talking about jogging and working out. Where did your mind wander?” he said smoothly.
Tiana shot him an exasperated look, her voice teasing. “Stop pretending, Enoch! You’re such a closet flirt!”
Her beautiful eyes sparkled with annoyance, framed by her tanned skin and soft red lips. Even flustered, she was stunning. like a vibrant red rose. Unaware of her own allure, she glared at him, an irresistible combination of charm and frustration.
Without a word, Enoch leaned forward, his fingers gently tilting her chin. Closing the distance, he pressed his lips to hers. Tiana’s eyes widened in shock, and she instinctively pushed at his chest. “You can’t kiss me without asking first!” she protested.
Enoch cupped her face, his gaze steady. “I’ll listen to you about most things, Ms. Schneider. But not this.” Before she could argue further, he kissed her again.
Tiana didn’t resist his kiss. His crisp cedar–like scent was intoxicatingly masculine, and his kisses stirred a strange thrill deep inside her.
“He’s too good at this, she thought reluctantly, her cheeks warming to a deep pink. Her breathing grew uneven as his dark eyes locked onto hers with growing intensity.
Sensing the shift, Tiana panicked and nudged him lightly with her foot. “I barely slept last night–just two hours before my dad barged in! Don’t mess with me right now!”
Hearing her words, Enoch chuckled softly, his voice low and teasing “All right, I won’t mess with you,” he replied, though his tone dripped with desire.
Tiana glanced at the strikingly handsome man in front of her, whose icy exterior held a mischievous edge, and couldn’t resist giving him another kick. “Stay away from me! she warned.
With that, her mind quickly returned to “Love Nest Whisper.” Tiana wasn’t about to let Simon dominate the votes.
1/5
Dreame–Read Romance…
44 FREE
Open
1/24 Sat, 15 FeD
Chapter 29
Determined, she announced, “I’ll find someone to help promote yours”
Enoch’s eyes narrowed slightly. “You don’t want Simon to come in fir
“Of course not! I have no interest in being paired with him, not even for the show Her candid response brought a fe smile to Enoch’s lips, his blue eyes softening with amusement.
Meanwhile, Martha, who had cared for Enoch since he was eight, observed the scene from a distance, stunned Martiatore that in Enoch’s heart, she was like family. Yet, over the years, she’d rarely seen har smile, les alone lock so tenderly
anyone.
For years, he had maintained an icy exterior, his thoughts unfathomable. Victoria was the only woman present in his lide and Martha had always assumed only Victoria held a special place in Enoch’s heart
Noticing her lingering gaze, Enoch signaled for Martha to follow him to the backyard. As she joined him, be it a cigarette the smoke curling around his sharp features. His expression turned cold and unreadable
Though uneasy, Martha summoned her courage and asked, “Mr. Gaston, why did you bring her here? Want this house meant for Ms. Quinn after your wedding?”
Enoch exhaled a slow puff of smoke, his deep blue eyes locking onto hers. “Who told you this house was for her?” Frowning, Martha replied, “Ms. Quinn went missing in Novavista, and I overheard you talking to Mr. Yarrow back in Jadewick. You said you came to Novavista to find someone. Wasn’t it her?”
His jaw tightened, his tone frosty. “I came to find Tiana’s mother. This has nothing to do with Victoria”
Martha stared at him, her eyes wide in disbelief. “So all this time, the woman you’ve loved it wasn’t Ms. Quinn?”
Enoch turned his gaze toward the mansion, his hardened features softening slightly. “The woman I’ve always loved is Tiana I’ve had a crush on her for over ten years.
Martha’s blood ran cold. In her mind, Victoria was the only woman worthy of Enoch. With that, she questioned. “Mr. Gaston, what’s so special about that woman? She looks like a vixen. Even if you like her, your family will never approve-
Enoch cut her off coldly, “My marriage is my decision.”
Martha’s face grew pale, her head shaking in disbelief. “You say you don’t care for Ms. Quinn, but the locked room on the third floor–where no one’s allowed–has walls covered in portraits of women. I accidentally saw inside once wasn’t that Ms. Quinn?”
Enoch’s expression darkened. His irritation was palpable, and the command in his presence was unmistakable. “Martha, I won’t tolerate this kind of disrespect. You’re returning to Jadewick immediately. I don’t need you here anymore.”
“Mr. Gaston…” Martha’s voice trembled, her panic plain as she pleaded, “I want to stay and take care of you.”
Enoch’s voice was sharp, his gaze unyielding. “There’s no need. You’ve left a bad impression on my wife, and I won’t let her suffer because of you. Leave. Now. “The finality in his tone left no room for argument.
Martha’s heart felt like it had shattered. She never expected Enoch to treat her like this, all for Tiana’s sake. Tve taken care of him for over a decade. Haven’t I earned more importance than Tiana? she wondered.
“Mr. Gaston, I can tell that woman doesn’t even like you. You’ll regret this decision!” Martha declared. Tears filled her eyes as
she left.
After she was gone, Enoch summoned Ronald. “Fire the maid who spoke badly about Tiana earlier.”
2/5
Dreame–Read Romance…
Open
17:24 Sat, 15 Feb
Chapter 39
* 37% 2
From that moment, the mansion’s staff dared not say a word against Tiana. But Tiana herself remained oblivious to Enoch’s
actions.
Later, she reached out to Eric over WhatsApp. Eric Hughes, a rising singer–dancer in the music industry, was someone the had collaborated with often. She’d written several of his hit songs, and they’d developed a good friendship.
When Eric saw her message, he was abroad at a music festival, but he immediately video–called her. On the screen. Eric appeared as stylish as ever, his diamond earring catching the light, his soft gray hair perfectly styled to complement his trendy outfit.
“Tiana, you heartless woman,” he teased with a grin. “You finally remembered I exist?”
Eric had been a rebellious, carefree rich kid before his family went bankrupt. Despite his rocky start, his stunning looks and angelic voice propelled him to fame in the entertainment industry. His personality, however, hadn’t changed much.
“Stop joking,” Tiana said quickly. “I need your help. You’ve seen Tristan the Fox’s dating show, right? He started ‘Love Nest Whisper, and Simon’s downloads are way ahead of my bodyguard’s. I need you to help promote his recording and get to the top.”
him
Eric gritted his teeth, feigning outrage. “You heartless woman! Don’t tell me you’ve actually fallen for your bodyguard. Didn’t I sign up as your backup option? Shouldn’t I be the one moving up after your fallout with Simon?”
“Just stop it. Tiana rolled her eyes. “You’re like a little brother to me.”
“Mine’s not little,” Eric shot back, his voice teasing.
Tiana didn’t have a chance to respond before a stern, handsome face suddenly appeared on the screen. Enoch’s deep, icy voice cut through the conversation. “It’s not bigger than mine.”
Tiana was speechless. Without another thought, she ended the call abruptly and glared at Enoch. “What nonsense are you saying?”
Enoch’s hand moved gently to touch her reddened ear. “I meant I’m older than him. What were you thinking?”
Flustered and unsure how to respond, Tiana turned away in embarrassment. She sent Eric the download link to Enoch’s “Love Nest Whisper, and then stomped upstairs.
As Enoch trailed behind her, Tiana announced over her shoulder, “I’m sleeping in the guest room tonight.”
He arched an eyebrow. “Why?”
“There are women’s clothes in the master bedroom. I’m assuming they belong to your girlfriend. It doesn’t feel right for me to stay there,” she explained.
Without a word, he grabbed her wrist and led her back into the room. Those clothes are for you. No one else has ever stayed here before.”
Tiana’s gaze fell on the closet, where rows of unworn outfits hung neatly. Most still had their tags attached. Even the undergarments in the drawers were meticulously arranged.
She pointed at one drawer, her voice incredulous. “Even these? Don’t tell me you bought all this for me?”
Enoch hummed in response.
“How do you even know my size?” she asked, her tone accusing.
3/5
Dreame–Read Romance…
Open
17:24 Sat, 15 Feb b..
Chapter 39
“I measured by hand, he replied smoothly, without missing a beat. “Measured by hand, he replied smoothly, without missing a beat.
Tiana’s face turned scarlet as she glared at him. Enoch moved closer, his arm wrapping around her waist as his eyes bore into hers. “When you refused the black card last time, I had these sent over. If you need anything else, let me know.”
Tiana pressed her lips together. “Enoch, we’re not really married. You don’t have to go to all this trouble for me”
For a moment, a shadow crossed his eyes, but then he smiled faintly. “You’ve given me your most precious gift. Naturally. I can’t neglect you.”
His hand brushed lightly against her waist, the touch sending a wave of ticklish warmth through her. She swatted his hand away, muttering, “Don’t make it sound like it’s some shady deal.”
Enoch caught her wrist effortlessly, placing her hand against his lean waist as he leaned closer. “What did you just say, Ms. Schneider?”
“Nothing,” she replied.
His lips hovered mere inches from hers, their breaths mingling. “So, Ms. Schneider, are you satisfied with my recent efforts?” His voice was low and velvety, a seductive undercurrent lacing each word. It made her toes curl
“I need to shower and sleep. I can barely keep my eyes open, Tiana protested.
He hummed softly. “The housekeeper has already washed the clothes and undergarments. You can use them without any
concern.”
Later, after Enoch left, Tiana took a long, calming shower. When she returned to the bedroom, she pulled on a white nightgown from the closet. The fit was unsettlingly perfect, hugging her curves as though custom–made.
‘His hands must be cursed to measure this accurately, she thought bitterly, her face flushing in annoyance.
Sliding into bed, she noticed the faint, familiar scent of her favorite laundry detergent on the sheets. The room, the bedding, and even the air felt tailored entirely to her preferences.
She couldn’t help comparing Enoch to Simon. Everything about Enoch’s actions seemed more considerate, more thoughtful. But the realization made her freeze. ‘Why am I even comparing them? I don’t even like Enoch” she thought.
Consequently, Tiana forced herself to close her eyes and sleep.
When she woke in the afternoon, the first thing she did was check the “Love Nest Whisper download rankings. Thanks to Eric’s promotion, Enoch had surged to the top. A wide smile broke across her face, and she jumped out of bed to find him.
“Enoch!” she exclaimed, bursting into the room where she’d heard his voice. “Look, your recording is number one!”
Enoch sat behind his desk, wearing a sharp, tailored black suit that exuded quiet authority. At her sudden entrance, his brows knitted together slightly.
Tiana, still in her white V–neck nightgown, had rushed so quickly that one thin strap had slipped off her shoulder, revealing a smooth expanse of skin. Her blonde hair cascaded freely, her naturally rosy cheeks glowing, and her bright eyes sparkled
with excitement.
Shrugging off his jacket, Enoch instinctively draped it over her shoulders. His voice was low and firm. “Why aren’t you wearing anything underneath?”
Tiana froze, suddenly feeling as if she was the center of attention. She turned around, and her heart sank
4/5
Dreame–Read Romance…
Open
5/5
Chapter 39
A large screen loomed on the wall, displaying a virtual conference room filled with formally dressed individuals. Some faces looked vaguely familiar. Her mind reeled as realization struck.
Tiana’s face turned crimson as she stammered. “I–I didn’t know you were on a video call…” “And with such a big group, too! she thought.
Enoch, noticing her beet–red face, pulled her protectively into his arms. His cold gaze swept over the people on the screen. “What did you all see?” he asked flatly.
Everyone shook their heads in unison. “W–We didn’t see anything” All they’d caught was her stunning face and graceful back as she turned.
“That’s all for today,” Enoch announced, ending the call abruptly.
He glanced down at her. Tiana, still hiding her burning face, felt his hands circle her slim waist. Before she could react, he lifted her effortlessly onto the desk.
Her trembling hands covered her cheeks, her lashes fluttering as she stared at him. “Enoch, who are you, really?”
E
