The Engagement Party

The next day, Primrose woke up in Joel's embrace. As soon as she opened her eyes, she met his gentle gaze, lost in admiration as he looked at her. Thinking about the events of the previous day, Primrose quickly regained her composure and pushed Joel aside with irritation. "Why are you staring at me like that? Don't scare me early in the morning," she said with a hint of annoyance. Primrose got up and stretched, feeling a sudden twinge in her waist. She gently massaged her waist while casting a harsh look at Joel, who remained unfazed by her anger. With a tender touch, he helped her soothe her discomfort, apologizing. "Are you still hurting? It's my fault, sweetie. I'm sorry." Joel's sincere and comfortable attitude disarmed Primrose's anger, and she could only roll her eyes at him, her icy demeanor unchanged. She lightly snorted, her attitude toward Joel still chilly. "No need to care about it. I'm not that fragile." Joel deliberately misunderstood Primrose's intentions and playfully brushed his fingers against her earlobe, speaking softly. "Oh, really? If you're not fragile, how about we do some morning exercises together?" Primrose shot Joel a disbelieving look, her anger flaring as she stomped on his foot from behind before walking away. Joel, unperturbed, watched her go with a smile and then proceeded to the kitchen to prepare breakfast for both of them. Once Primrose came downstairs, Joel had already finished making breakfast—a portion of a grilled chicken sandwich and a nutritious salad. He also prepared a glass of fresh orange juice for Primrose, combining its natural flavor with a refreshing chill. Primrose sat down to enjoy her breakfast, still slightly annoyed and ignoring Joel's presence. He didn't complain, focusing on his own meal. "Tonight, would you like to attend a party with me? It's Alex and Marry's engagement party. Do you have the time?" Joel initiated the conversation. Since their upper-class circle was closely connected, the names Alex and Marry didn't sound unfamiliar to Primrose. She nodded in understanding, keeping her responses minimal and portraying the role of a reserved girl. Joel sensed Primrose's lingering resentment from the previous day and chose not to provoke her further. After she finished eating, he obediently drove her to the company. Once at the office, Primrose spent a few minutes in her own workspace before receiving a call from Joel, summoning her to his office as usual. Primrose was used to this routine, so she stood up promptly, entering Joel's office without seeking permission. Joel recognized the sound of the door opening and knew exactly who had arrived. He placed his documents on the table and leaned against his chin, watching Primrose's every step until she stood a short distance away from him. Standing up, he walked over to Primrose's side, his hand lightly stroking her hair. The soft sensation made him reluctant to let go. "Feeling tired? Still sleepy? Or would you like to rest in the lounge for a while? You couldn't sleep much last night," he asked with a concerned tone. Despite his caring tone, Primrose's memories of the previous day's incident fueled her frustration. She clenched her lips and spoke in a raised voice. "And whose fault was that? I told you to stop, but you continued until dawn. Only then could I finally get some rest?" Primrose's gaze was filled with a mixture of interrogation and submission. Joel embraced her gently, patting her back. "Alright, it's all on me. I'll make it up to you. How about we take a short nap together? Too little rest can leave you exhausted." Primrose didn't say anything, implying her agreement through silence. Joel led her to the spacious lounge within his office. This area was designed for relaxation, equipped with a large bed, a TV for watching movies, and a light gray sofa. Although meant for the CEO's use, Primrose entered without hesitation, lying down on the bed. She pulled the covers over herself and buried her head in the soft pillow, taking a deep breath of contentment. Joel had guessed right—after sleeping late the previous night, what Primrose needed most now was a peaceful nap. Seeing Primrose lie down comfortably, Joel took off his vest and lay down beside her. Their bodies were close, and the familiarity of their proximity put Primrose at ease. She shifted slightly and looked at Joel with caution, but he only gently stroked her cheek, comforting her. "It's alright. I'm tired too. I just want to sleep next to you for a while." After speaking, Joel closed his eyes, breathing evenly. Primrose observed him for a while before feeling reassured enough to fall asleep. She didn't have the energy to remain angry with Joel anymore. As Primrose drifted off to sleep, she didn't know what time it was when she woke up. In a dazed state, she looked around and coincidentally met Joel's eyes, brimming with a playful smile. "It's lunchtime now. Are you hungry? Shall I take you out to eat?" Primrose nodded with a dreamy expression, allowing Joel to help her sit up before slowly getting out of bed. After the refreshing nap, her body felt invigorated, and she wasn't as exhausted as before. Noticing Primrose's improved condition, Joel relaxed as well. He carefully adjusted her hair and clothes before tidying up the bed. Then he gently held her hand and led her out for lunch. Today, just as before, Joel took Primrose to their usual restaurant—one that catered to her taste and had private dining areas, ensuring they wouldn't run into any colleagues that might complicate matters. Joel was skilled at taking care of Primrose, making it convenient for her to enjoy her meal with his careful assistance. After finishing their meal, the two returned to the company, entering separately and making their way back to Joel's office. Primrose, now more awake, sat down in the chair across from Joel, picking up a book to read. Joel took his place beside her, getting back to work on his documents. The atmosphere between them was harmonious; their movements synchronized as they focused on their tasks. As the day progressed, the two continued their work in a serene environment, each immersed in their own world. In the evening, as planned, Primrose selected an elegant cocktail dress and applied her makeup meticulously. She accompanied Joel to the engagement party, where the spotlight would primarily be on Alex and Marry. Today, Primrose didn't want to draw too much attention to herself. Joel also dressed accordingly, donning a specially tailored, simple black suit. The two of them arrived at the engagement party together, looking like a perfectly matched couple. The attendees were all part of the upper class, with families that were either wealthy or successful in their own right. Primrose linked her arm with Joel's, and they greeted a few familiar faces before engaging in conversations in the grand hall of the five-star restaurant. The restaurant was lavishly decorated, radiating opulence and beauty. Primrose couldn't help but be captivated by the grandeur of the setting. It reminded her of the luxurious scene from her wedding day with Joel, which was equally splendid. Looking back, she realized she hadn't been particularly enthusiastic about their marriage back then. She had felt constrained, not paying much attention to the perfection of the ceremony. Joel must have put a lot of effort and resources into designing such a dreamy and beautiful wedding scene. As the evening progressed, Primrose found herself lost in thought. Joel put his arm around her shoulders, and they moved through the party together. They greeted more guests, engaged in conversations, and enjoyed the elegant and opulent setting of the event. The evening passed in a peaceful and harmonious atmosphere, as if time had momentarily paused for the two of them.