Chapter 411: Paige, My Head Hurts Again
“Cut back?”
Enrico’s expression turned ice-cold as he swept the globe and documents off the desk, “Paige, do I even matter to you? I won’t be your pastime after you finish work!”
His voice was heavy.
Carrie, startled, silently hid behind the corner, peeking at Enrico and Paige, her hand tightly covering her mouth.
Why are Paige and her brother-in-law fighting? What’s wrong with him? How could he be so harsh to Paige?
“I’ve been waiting three months for that custom globe…”
A bitter voice spoke behind her.
Carrie turned and saw Rafael standing behind her, his eyes glaring straight at the scene, his usual calm demeanor replaced by a teeth-gritting madness beneath his gold-rimmed glasses. “Let them fight, the best outcome would be if they break up.”
Carrie silently stared at him. *President, isn’t that a bit too cruel?*
Both of them eavesdropped.
Paige wasn’t intimidated by Enrico’s anger; she kept her face calm and gently pushed a cup of tea towards him. “Have some tea to cool off.”
“I don’t want any!”
Enrico’s face was incredibly grim.
After being refused multiple times, Paige’s expression soured, and she coldly replied, “Fine, don’t drink it. Do you think I’m begging you to?”
With that, Paige tilted her head back and downed the tea in one gulp.
“Paige!”
Enrico was furious, glaring at her. “That was meant for me! Why did you take it back? Give it to me!”
He reached for the teacup, but Paige swiftly pulled it behind her, and then, in a quick motion, stood on tiptoe and pressed her tea-stained lips directly to his.
Soft contact froze Enrico.
Paige kissed him, her tongue lightly slipping between his lips, transferring the sip of tea into his mouth.Property of Nô)(velDr(a)ma.Org.
The rich aroma of the tea bloomed across her tongue, and Enrico felt as if his very soul had been swept away by the kiss. By the time he regained his senses, his hand was already wrapped around her waist, pinning her against the desk as he returned the kiss, passionately claiming all the lingering flavor in her mouth.
As the kiss deepened, Paige placed her hands on his chest, pushing gently, and looked up at him with warm, serious eyes. “Enrico, I never planned to take back anything I gave you.”
Enrico stared at her, unmoving.
“And you are not just my pastime after work.”
Paige gazed into his eyes. “I really want to bring the people from the slums out soon. It’s not just that-I want to finish this and marry you, to start our life together as soon as possible.”
It’s not only what he wants; it’s what she wants, too.
“Do you really mean that?” Enrico, half-skeptical, fixed his gaze on her.
“Do you think I’m lying?” Paige asked, her eyes clear and sincere. She stood on her toes and whispered in his ear, “Tonight, I’ll come to your place. Is that okay?”
Enrico was thoroughly satisfied now. His hand caressed her waist, and in a low, husky voice, he whispered in her ear, “Of course, I’m happy, but will your back be okay? I’m not so sure.”
Paige sighed inwardly. *This man is getting harder and harder to appease.*
Carrie, glued to the wall watching, was utterly confused. A moment ago, Enrico had been furious, but now he was smiling, affectionately patting Paige’s head. *So, my brother-in-law is actually this easy to placate? Guess the news stories really can’t be trusted.*
Rafael was equally dumbfounded. *In the end, only my globe suffered…*
After pacifying Enrico, the two were back to being affectionate.
Enrico led Paige to the stables in the presidential palace. The place was well-kept, practically odorless.
A tall white horse was brought out, and Enrico, holding the reins, effortlessly mounted it, riding circles around Paige before extending his hand. “Paige, come up. Let’s take a few laps together.”
“Alright.” Paige happily agreed, placing her hand in his as he pulled her up to sit in front of him.
Enrico’s long arms circled her, lightly tugging the reins as the horse began a gentle trot.
Leaning against his chest, Paige gazed at the distant sky. Every moment seemed more leisurely with the rhythm of the horse’s steps.
In truth, she didn’t enjoy being so busy. She preferred these quiet moments.
There was no need for many words. As long as he was by her side, it was enough.
“Enrico,” after a while, Paige called his name.
“Hm?” Enrico glanced down at her and steered the horse toward the riverbank.
“Do you think my previous desire to leave left a shadow on you?” Paige asked softly.
“Why bring that up all of a sudden?” Enrico’s voice was deep and magnetic.
“Nothing, it’s just… your anger today seemed strange.”
Thinking about what happened earlier, Paige asked quietly, “I know you don’t like it when I break promises, but I didn’t expect you’d be so angry that you’d think I’m using you as a pastime. Is it that I haven’t done enough, or said enough?”
His anger today made her feel like, in his eyes, she had never truly loved him. She didn’t like that feeling.
Hearing this, Enrico’s hand froze on the reins, his fingers tightening one by one until his knuckles turned white.
The white horse strolled leisurely along the riverbank, but Paige still hadn’t received an answer from Enrico. The arms holding her tightened, as if wanting to engulf her completely.
Sensing Enrico’s growing emotions, Paige straightened her body and was about to ask when his low voice came from above her head. “You’ve done very well.”
She had done everything she could. Even the proposal had been from her. What more could he ask?
“Then why-”
“Paige.”
He called her name.
“I’m here.”
But his tone made her heart sink.
Her instincts were right-Enrico’s anger today wasn’t just about her breaking a promise.
“What kind of person do you think I am?” he asked her.
Paige didn’t expect this question from him. She froze, leaning against his chest, ready to answer when Enrico asked again, “What kind of life do you think I deserve? What should my future be like?”
Paige was silent.
Enrico dismounted, setting her down, and began walking toward the river.
She followed him, taking a step. “Enrico, has something happened?”
Enrico stood bathed in sunlight, his sharply defined face glowing softly in the light. He bent down, picked up a stone, and skipped it across the water, breaking the surface’s calm.
After a long pause, he turned to her, his gaze deep and penetrating.
“Paige, my head… it’s starting to hurt again.”
At those words, Paige froze, her entire body turning cold, from her fingertips to her toes, until there was no warmth left. Even her face paled.