The Apple of My Eye
Chapter 680 Sheryl's Humble Abode

Anthony's use of endearing words toward Sheryl left Charles greatly annoyed and jealous. However, he had to hold it in and address Anthony politely.

Both of them maintained a respectful tone around each other while in the presence of Sheryl. Sheryl casually ate about a quarter of her veggie salad and then decided to leave.

"Why not have more?" Anthony asked in surprise. He could not understand Sheryl's haste.

"I need to hurry; I wouldn't want to be late again," explained Sheryl. She could not afford another tardy arrival at work.

So Anthony offered to give her a ride to her workplace.

Seeing an opportunity, Charles intervened, "Anthony, I know you need to go back to work as well. Sheryl's workplace is actually on my way back. I can drive her for you; it's no problem." As if certain about it, Charles rose up from his chair and put on his coat, ready to drive Sheryl.

Anthony's eyes narrowed at that gesture. His fists tightened but he decided to keep his composure.

With a smirk, he kindly declined, "Thank you for offering, Mr. Lu, but I can take her myself." Charles was definitely stepping on his toes, and he wasn't just going to back off.

He straightened up and went over to Sheryl's side, almost as if in an attempt to claim his territory.

Looking at her lovingly, Anthony added, "Sheryl is my girlfriend and I am responsible for her safety. She would never be a burden for me."

Sheryl, however, thought it would be best if she went with Charles. Smiling at Anthony, she refused his offer politely,"I think Charles is right. My workplace is on his way. It would take you more than one hour to get back to work if you drop me off first, not to mention all the traffic you'd run into. Don't worry about it, really. Charles can take me there this time." Perhaps, unbeknownst to her even, time management was not the only reason she was intent on going with Charles. She was starting to appreciate his company more than she would have cared to admit.

Disappointed, Anthony tried to protest her decision. However, only a simple "But..." came out of his mouth. Charles's joyful look left him quite upset but he didn't want to give him the satisfaction of seeing him argue with Sheryl. So he didn't continue his train of thought.

In an effort to comfort him, Sheryl grabbed his hand and, with a squeeze, assured him that she would be okay. Smiling, she thanked him once more and immediately turned her face to Charles asking him to hurry.

"Okay," replied Charles nodding. He was immensely pleased with her decision. He didn't care to speculate about the real reason for it. He was just happy to be leaving with her.

"Mr. Lu," Anthony added before allowing them to leave, "please take good care of her." His face was serious, almost threatening.

"You can put your mind at rest. Nothing will happen to Sheryl while she's with me," replied Charles confidently. He sensed Anthony's hostility but did not care much for it.

What he really wanted to reply was 'You have no idea what I am willing to do for her!'

Anthony also could sense that there was more in Charles' mind but decided against investigating into it at that time. So he settled for watching his girlfriend walk away with Charles.

In the car, Charles took advantage of the situation and asked Sheryl to allow him to drive her back home once she was off work. Sheryl agreed and Charles followed through with his request.

Once dropped off in front of her apartment, Sheryl thought it courteous to invite Charles in for dinner. Charles was not sure how to proceed. He didn't want to miss such an opportunity but was also afraid that moving too far too soon would scare her away.

So he hesitantly answered, "I wouldn't want to bother you." Sheryl appreciated his reply.

She smiled and encouraged him in saying, "It's no bother at all! You're welcome to my humble abode, although it may not offer the comforts you are used to."

"I wouldn't think anything of it," Charles stated reassuringly. He wanted to go buy some fruits from a vendor down the street as a first-time visitor gift. However, Sheryl refused. So he promised to instead send her a few toys for Shirley later on.

Once inside, Charles wondered about Shirley's safety during Sheryl's working hours.

"She has a great babysitter," explained Sheryl. She could not stop praising the babysitter, explaining how she had been working for them for a long time. Sheryl couldn't be happier about the extraordinary job Nancy did, not only with Shirley but also around the house.

"Really?" Charles commented rhetorically. He was relieved by Sheryl's answer and decided not to inquire any further. Nancy was keeping herself busy cooking in the kitchen, while Shirley was playing on the ground. Upon seeing Charles, she jumped into his arms. Charles reciprocated the embrace tightly, in a fatherly manner.

Noticing a slight disappointment in her eyes, he asked her if she was expecting to see Charlie with him.

"Yes, I did," Shirley replied shyly. Her sadness was obvious from her tone as well.

Charles proceeded to justify himself right away,"Charlie is at home. I wasn't expecting to stay over for dinner so I didn't bring him with me." He then looked deeply into her eyes and realized his justifications were not helping much.

So he decided to comfort her by promising to bring Charlie over the next day.

That way he would hit two birds with one stone: make Shirley happy and get to see Sheryl again. Shirley's disappointment turned into excitement immediately. "You promise?" she asked.

"Of course!" Charles answered firmly. "I give you my word," he added.

Sheryl put away Shirley's toys and then addressed Charles, "Shirley's bond with Charlie is quite unique. You don't have to bring him over, though, if it's too much trouble."

Sheryl didn't want Charles to feel obligated to listen to Shirley.

"It's no trouble at all! I never make promises I can't keep. Besides, Charlie also enjoys playing with her," insisted Charles excitedly. He was also set on having Sheryl grow fonder of Charlie and strengthen their bond.

So he decided to emphasize,"Charlie really enjoys spending time with you too, by the way. He would be very happy to see you again, as long as you are okay with it as well." Charles' expression seemed honest; so Sheryl agreed for him to come over the following day.

She then walked toward the kitchen to see if Nancy needed any help.

"No thanks. I can manage it," she replied bluntly. Sheryl noticed that something was not right about her.

She was right, in fact. Nancy had heard Charles' voice from the kitchen. Even though it had been three years since the last time she heard it, she could still recognize it. She wasn't really sure what to do about

it.

Thus, she decided to retreat herself to the kitchen.

After a few seconds of hesitation, Sheryl finally inquired about the her well-being. Nancy was surprised by how perceptive she was.

In an attempt to dissipate her worries, she smiled and answered,"I am well; don't worry." Given how well Sheryl knew her, Nancy realized she had to do better than that; so she added, "I may have caught a cold last night but it's nothing to worry about."

She then quickly urged Sheryl to leave the kitchen to avoid getting the smell into her clothes. She also mentioned wanting to prepare some extra dishes for her guest.

Even though still skeptical, Sheryl didn't want to pry any longer. So she commented affectionately, "Okay, take your time, Nancy. Just let me know if you need anything." With a smile, she turned around and left the kitchen.

At a loss as to how to handle the situation, Nancy took a few seconds to contemplate. She went ahead and prepared two dishes that she remembered Charles liked. She then waited for the opportune moment when Charles wasn't around, to come out of the kitchen and set up the dining table.

"These dishes are delicious!" remarked Charles. From the moment he smelled them, he was pleasantly impressed. So Sheryl encouraged him to eat more.