The Apple of My Eye
Chapter 1411 Lesson Learned

"I agree, Mom isn't a fool. I believe she has learned her lesson this time. Apparently, Leila isn't a family member. Since she kidnapped Shirley, she might do something to Mom too to get what she wants. I guess Mom can figure it out herself that we can't let Leila stay in our house anymore. Charles, I'm afraid that Mom will sympathize with Leila, or that she'll refuse to believe that Leila would hurt her. You must do your best to convince her," Sheryl said to Charles after a while.

After all, it was possible that Melissa might stop them from kicking Leila out of the family.

That was also Charles' biggest concern. He wondered if Melissa had really learned her lesson after the kidnapping.

The sheets rustled as Sheryl and Charles cuddled and chatted for a few more minutes. A moment later, the phone rang.

"Mr. Lu, Shirley is awake. She is crying for you, and I can't calm her. Could you please come home?" Nancy said anxiously. Charles was startled and cast a pointed look at Sheryl.

"Try to calm her down again. I'll be right back."

"Is something wrong with Shirley?" Sheryl asked worriedly after Charles hung up.

"She's awake and crying for us. Nancy can't calm her down. I need to head back home," Charles said. "You should go back now then. Shirley just got back home from the kidnap. I'm sure she must be quite insecure. I'm doing fine here, and she needs you now. Don't worry about me. Go home and give Shirley a kiss for me," Sheryl urged.

Charles looked lovingly at Sheryl and planted a kiss on her forehead, then proceeded to gather his things. "Uh-huh. Call me if you need something," Charles reminded her.

After another goodbye, Charles left. Meanwhile, Cassie walked along the hallway to Sheryl's ward. When she got nearer, someone approached her and asked her to go to the medical room.

It turned out that they were shorthanded since a new patient had arrived, and they needed her help.

When she got there, Cassie glanced at the medical room and hoped that Nick wasn't there yet. After a while of hesitation, she turned around and went inside.

After Charles left, Sheryl lay down in the bed. She tried to take a nap, but she couldn't fall asleep. Nancy's call and Shirley were stuck on her mind.

She was worried about Shirley, but her worry turned into excitement when she thought that she would see her soon when she would be discharged from the hospital.

A knock on the door interrupted her nap. "Who is it?" Sheryl asked.

The door opened to reveal Nick, who wore a grin from ear to ear.

"Nick? Come on in."

Sheryl greeted Nick and invited him in.

"Sher, how are you doing? I brought you some fruits. Tell me if you want anything else. I will go and buy for you."

Nick was concerned about Sheryl.

"I've got everything here. Thanks, Nick. Come and have a seat. Are you too busy to have meals? You look thinner," Sheryl commented. Nick pulled a chair and sat down next to Sheryl, then grabbed an apple. "Sher, I eat on time but there's nothing I can do about my weight," he said while he peeled the apple's skin.

On the other hand, Sheryl watched Nick carefully from head to toe as he peeled the apple. Nick was much thinner than before.

Was he having a tough time lately? Was it because of Cassie? Did he look so withered because his relationship bothered him?

Sheryl thought if she should mention Cassie, but a relationship was between two people and she didn't exactly know what their problem was. Even if she tried to ask, Nick would unlikely tell her the truth. Not to mention, it was inappropriate for her to get involved.

Instead, she decided to ask about other things. "Nick, how's your business trip?" Sheryl asked.

"Everything is fine. My schedule's pretty busy though, but it's worth it. I've already convinced someone to invest in my company."

"Congrats Nick. I'm so happy for you. You'll be less stressed if everything goes well in your company." Sheryl was truly happy for Nick and his new venture. She hoped that with the investment, everything would go smoothly for him.

"Mm-hmm. I'm gonna start the project's production at the end of this year, since I hope to release it into the public market in the next year. By that time, Lansh Technology would be thriving."

"When there is a will, there is a way. I'm sure you'll achieve something great, Nick. You work so hard. You will succeed soon. Don't forget me when you become famous and successful," Sheryl teased. "I will never forget you, Sher. You saved my life and I owe you a lot."

Nick looked at Sheryl sincerely and continued, "Without you and Isla, I wouldn't have achieved what I have done today." "Maybe this is what they call fate," Sheryl said with a nod.

"The first time I saw you, I knew that you were an excellent businessman. A hardworking and devoted man like you deserves a better woman, so I..."

Sheryl paused on purpose. She noticed that Nick's eyes narrowed into slits, but she continued and pretended that she knew nothing about their problems. "So I introduced Cassie to you. I think you two are a perfect match because you're both quite serious about relationships. Once you start a relationship, you won't regret or betray your partner."

When Nick heard Sheryl's words, he was silent all the time. The happiness on his face was gone, and he even stopped peeling the apple. He just absent-mindedly lowered his head.

Nick's frustration showed Sheryl that something must have happened between him and Cassie. Otherwise, he wouldn't be so upset.

"So, tell me. What do you think of Cassie? Aren't you two dating since a few weeks ago? How come I haven't heard any good news from you? Is there anything wrong?" Sheryl asked. She thought that now was a good time to ask him about it.

However, Nick didn't want to talk about it with Sheryl. He continued to peel the apple and changed the topic. "Sher, let's stop talking about me. What about you? How are you and your husband doing? Everything okay with you two?"

Upon hearing Nick's question, Sheryl realized that Nick distracted her attention. She understood that he didn't want to talk about his personal life, so she let it go. "Charles and I are doing good. Although something did happen a few weeks ago, everything's better now. Problem solved," she said with a smile.

Shirley was safe back home. Charles was now suspicious of Leila, and Melissa and Leila were only friends on the surface. As for Sheryl, things had gotten much better.

But Nick didn't say anything in response. He wasn't in the mood for chit-chat since something bothered him.

A few minutes later, someone from the company called Nick, so he prepared to leave.

While he got ready, Sheryl instinctively looked at the door and wondered why Cassie wasn't around yet.

She mentioned to Cassie that Nick would visit her today. It was a perfect opportunity for Cassie. As long as they talked face to face and opened up to each other, they could fix their problems. However, Cassie wasn't here and Nick was about to leave. Sheryl didn't know how to ask Nick to stay. She got worried and anxious as she thought about what was going on with Cassie.

Then again, Sheryl couldn't show that she was anxious. She needed to replace an excuse to make Nick stay now. However, it seemed like there was something urgent at Nick's company, which waited for him to settle it down. Thus, Sheryl had no choice but to keep quiet.