Chapter 15 Rose Picks Up Houston, A Heartfelt Moment
Owen immediately switched to flattery. “Houston, don’t hold a grudge. Think about all the running around I did for Madam Linda today. Can’t you let me off the hook just this once?”
Houston ignored Owen’s attempt to butter him up, focusing on his call with Rose. “Rose, Owen is my cousin. He can be a bit reckless, so I hope you’ll be patient with him.”
Rose felt immense gratitude towards Owen for stepping in to support her today. His boldness, instead of irritating her, felt refreshingly honest and even appealing.
“Houston, Owen helped me a lot today. Rose said sincerely. “I’d like to invite him and Dr. Jason to dinner. Will you join us?
Houston hesitated. Dr. Jason had already charged him a fortune for Linda’s treatment, and Owen’s monthly allowance was extravagant enough. Did these two really need a dinner invitation?
But Rose’s gratitude and thoughtfulness were priceless to him. He didn’t want to discourage her kind intentions.
“You’re very thoughtful. Dr. Jason does deserve our thanks. I’ll be in Crestview at 4 p.m. this afternoon. I’ll meet you at the hotel afterward”
“Okay Rose replied.
After hanging up, she handed Owen’s phone back to him and said, “Tonight at 6 p.m. at Starlit Savory. Don’t forget to come.” Then she hurried away.
“Rose, where are you off to?”
“I’m going to the airport,” she called back without turning around.
“Seriously, Houston’s a full–grown adult. Does he really need you to pick him up?” Owen stood there, stunned.
Then, an idea struck him, and he quickly sent Houston a text. “Rose is coming to pick you up. Make sure you keep your identity under wraps.”
When Houston read the message, a warm smile spread across his face, his heart filled with happiness?
By 4 p.m., Rose was at the airport. During her lunch break, she had gone home to tidy up, take a shower, and change into a clean outfit before heading out
When Houston emerged from the terminal, his tall figure and commanding presence stood out immediately. Rose spotted. him right away.
She stood gracefully among the crowd of people waiting for arrivals.
Houston quickened his steps towards her. “Rose”
Ruse moved towards him in return.
Before they could meet, a couple nearby rushed past them, hugging each other enthusiastically. The girl held a bouquet of bright red roses.
Rose saw this and stopped in her tracks. She glanced around and noticed that most people waiting for arrivals were holding llowers, chocolates, or other gifts. She looked down at her empty hands, suddenly feeling embarrassed. When Houston reached her, she gave him an awkward smile.
sorry, I didn’t think to bring a gift for you”
Houston reached out, gently ruffled her hair, and handed her a gitt instead. “It’s okay. I brought something for you.”
His thoughtful gesture left Rose feeling both touched and guilty.
In that moment, she suddenly realized that she hadn’t been a good wile.
She had gone two or three days without her phone, not thinking about how worried Houston must have been when he couldn’t reach her.
She also realized her heart was still entangled in her past relationship, preventing her from fully committing to her marriage with Houston,
This moment of self–reflection awakened in Rose a sense of responsibility and commitment to her role as Houston’s wife.
She received Houston’s gift, not particularly curious about what was inside, but hugged it to her chest as though it were priceless.
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