The Apple of My Eye
Chapter 103 A Seaside Villa

"We are just friends. It just so happens that I have come to visit Z City, while he is here on business. Our meeting is totally coincidental, "Autumn explained. "By the way, my husband is also here to see me because of the accident. Let me introduce you to him later."

Her eyes twinkled with pleasure when she spoke about Charles. It was too obvious that the couple were very devoted to each other.

Just as Abby was about to open her mouth, Andy secretly grabbed her arm and stopped her from saying anything. He said to Autumn, "With pleasure. It's a pity that we will be leaving tomorrow, but I have booked a room at Hong Fu Restaurant for tonight. We will be waiting for you two."

"That's very kind of you, but please don't bother, "Autumn promptly refused. Although she was a bit upset about their leaving so soon, she managed to hold it back and said, "Cindy is injured, you better take care of her first and make sure to have good rest tonight."

"That's alright. We will take an afternoon flight, there is no hurry." While Andy was insisting on arranging dinner, Charles pushed the door open and came in. Everyone inside saw a man, over 6 feet tall, holding two marshmallows awkwardly. It was very amusing.

"Here you are, kiddo." Charles passed a marshmallow to Cindy as casually as possible, and gave the other to Autumn.

"So is this your husband?" Andy let out a smile and asked Autumn. Holding her marshmallow with embarrassment, Autumn shyly nodded her head and said, "This is my husband Charles. We got married a month ago."

She then turned to Charles, "And they are Cindy's parents as I have mentioned to you earlier." Looking up at him, she then asked playfully, "Take a look, don't you think that Abby and I look very much alike?" "Sorry, but no." Charles shook his head seriously. In his opinion, Autumn was unique and nobody could compare to her in any way.

"How come...I think we are almost like twins, "Autumn muttered. When comparing Autumn with Abby, Andy fully understood and agreed with Charles. He had to admit that Autumn and his wife resembled each other, but only physically. However, Andy knew that Abby was the one for him. He was sure that he could easily pick out his loved one, even if they looked exactly the same.

He assumed that Charles might have been thinking in the same way.

"Charles, your wife has helped us a lot to look after Cindy these past few days. To show our gratitude, Abby and I have booked a table at Hong Fu Restaurant tonight. We would be very happy if both of you could come," Andy warmly invited Charles.

From what she knew of Charles, Autumn was expecting him to decline. So she was caught by surprise when he agreed with no hesitation.

"She has not recovered yet and will still need some rest, but we will see you tonight," Charles replied as he was taking Autumn back.

Autumn glanced at Cindy, who was on the bed enjoying her marshmallow, and reluctantly left with Charles.

After they had left, Abby sighed and murmured, "Sam is such an eligible young man, why didn't she choose him?"

"Why did you choose me from your many suitors then?" Andy asked her back.

"Because you are nice to me, "Abby replied without any hesitation. "I did have many suitors before marriage. But they were either after my family status, or my beauty. You were the only one who really cared for me. I was wise enough to choose you of course."

Abby blushed and said, "Moreover, even after all these years of marriage, you still love me and are devoted to me. Isn't that a hard evidence of my wise decision?"

"You see..." Putting his arm around her shoulders, Andy said, "You don't know what has happened between her and Sam, so you can't make those decisions for them. Besides, I think that Charles is a fine figure of a man, and he treats her very well. Don't you think they make a good couple?"

"Well...I agree." Abby nodded lightly, "All right, since they are already married, I'd better not meddle in their affairs."

She sighed and continued, "Thankfully, I found out just in time, that she got married. Otherwise, I was about to encourage Sam to propose to her."

"Come on, my dear..." Sometimes Andy felt that he just couldn't take his wife too seriously.

After coming out of the ward, Charles went to see the doctor. He was informed that there was nothing serious with Autumn, so he accompanied her back to the hotel.

When he saw the makeshift room arranged for Autumn, he packed up immediately and decided to take her away. Autumn refused at first. Although this single room was relatively cramped compared to the previous sea-view room, she thought it was sufficient enough for a rest. But Charles was quite unhappy about it, and said that it would be impossible for her to have a good rest in such an environment. "Charles, actually I'm OK with it, "Autumn said with a frown, "The room is quite clean anyway, I think it's enough."

"No way." Charles replied softly, "Just forget about it and follow me."

He helped her pack the luggage, and brought her all the way to a seaside villa. Before Autumn could ask any questions, Charles walked to a nearby flowerpot, where he conjured a key out of the soil. Autumn was astonished by this.

"So... is this one of your houses?" she asked with astonishment.

"No, it's Eric's villa." Charles answered while opening the door, "He hardly has any hobbies, except buying houses across the country. This villa is his favorite. Speaking of which, he once invited us here to show it off. We grew up together, and I must say that the way he hides the keys hasn't changed in ages! I was only trying my luck today, and it's just where I have expected it to be."

"Are you sure this isn't inappropriate?" Autumn asked shamefully. After all, they were breaking into a private house, uninvited and unannounced. It didn't sound like a good idea to her.

"There is nothing to worry about," Charles said affirmatively. Growing up together, they had treated each other like brothers. It could be said that they felt free to share almost everything except their wives. As far as Charles was concerned, it was no big deal to share Eric's villa.

"Take it easy. I bet he won't mind at all," Charles comforted, "He has just taken one of my cars recently. What does he have to lose since I'm only borrowing one of his houses."

"I'm a bit tired from driving the car all night. I'm going to take a bath and freshen up. Just make yourself at home." Charles then made his way upstairs without the slightest trouble.

Autumn dropped her complaints. She suddenly realized that Charles had driven here throughout the night just for her. He wouldn't be able to get enough rest huddling up in that tiny single room. So she decided to say nothing against staying here.

Charles and Eric were about the same size. Thus, Charles was easily able to pick out a brand-new suit from Eric's closet after his bath. He checked it out carefully before going down stairs. When he came down, he found Autumn sitting awkwardly on the sofa, not knowing what to do.

"Since we are here, let me show you around and do some shopping. What do you say?" But before Autumn could give her answer, he took her hand and went out the door.

It was the first time they went shopping together.