宙
Chapter 48
At II AM the next day, Cherise’s eyes fluttered open, her head feeling like it was stuffed with cotton. She stared up at the ceiling and then got up, and her memories of the night before were dim and distant.
“Where am I? This isn’t my place,” she mumbled, taking in the unfamiliar room. The layout, the bed, the decor–none of it was hers. Normally, her training kept her on high alert, but she couldn’t recall how she ended up here.
Glancing down, Cherise noticed she was still in yesterday’s dress As she rubbed her temples, memories started to piece together. The party, Xenia, Dora, Truman’s bar, and a sea of good–looking guys flashed through her mind.
Then it dawned on her as she thought, “Did Truman slip something in my drink? I’ve got to ask Dora. Weird, my phone’s not here, either. I’ll check outside.
Barefoot, Cherise padded to the window and recognized Glenshure Gardens outside. As she counted the floors, a realization hit her. This is the 26th floor. Could I be in Unit 2002, my neighbor’s place? she wondered.
Questions swarmed as she opened the bedroom door to a long hallway lined with rooms.
Following it, she found herself in a living room that exuded understated luxury with its white and gray palette, a stark contrast to her own space. Beyond that, the dining area was massive, dwarfing Cherise’s own.
Then the scent of something delicious wafted through the air as Morris strolled out of the kitchen with a black apron over his light gray casual wear. He seemed more relaxed, less intimidating than she remembered,
Frowning at Cherise’s lack of shoes, Morris asked, “You’re up. Why are you running around barefoot? Didn’t I leave a pair of pink slippers by the bed? Don’t they suit you?”
is your home? How did I end up
here?
More confused than ever, Cherise shook her head. “Huh? I didn’t see them. This is y Before she could finish, Morris guided her to the sofa.
“Sit tight. Ill be right back,” Morris said, disappearing into the bedroom.
Returning with a pair of pink fluffy slippers, he knelt to place them by Cherise, “Put these on. We can’t have you catching a cold. I wasn’t sure about your color preference, so I had Leo grab these, he explained, his eyes showing patience.
“Thank you. I like them,” Cherise whispered.
“Good to hear. My old place was a commute nightmare, so I moved here. Imagine my surprise when I found out we’re neighbors, Morris said casually.
Cherise gazed out the floor–to–ceiling windows at the Chivers Group building, acknowledging the convenience of transportation. “Oh, right, my phone?” Cherise asked.
“Almost done with the risotto. It’ll be ready in thirty. No rush. Your phone’s in my car. I’ll have Leo fetch it for you,” Morris said, getting back to his cooking.
Cherise was taken aback. The CEO of Chivers Group, usually untouchable, was cooking.
Noting her surprise, Morris smiled and asked, “Cherise, you doubt my culinary skills?”
“Not at all,” Chere replied with a sweet smile, shaking her head
“I’ll freshen up and change. I’ve been in these clothes all night, Cherise said, heading to her own place.
“Go ahead. I’ll wait for you to have breakfast together,” Morris said softly.
Nodding, Cherise returned to Unit 2601, still feeling the surrealism of the situation. The neighbor who moved in was
UB 34 Wed, Dec 4
Chapter 48
actually Morris. Will I run–ingo him a lot from now on? What happened last night? Why do strange things always happen around Morris?‘ she pondered.
Half an hour later, refreshed and in a loose white T–shirt and light gray leggings, with her hair in a high ponytail, Cherise looked more relaxed and playful than the aloof queen from yesterday.
Feeling the hunger from not eating last night, Cherise followed the aroma back to Unit 2602
Morris had left the door ajar, but Cherise knocked out of habit. As she entered, Morris was serving up dishes, the smell making her mouth water.
“Right on time. Come and dig in,” Morris said, approving of Cherise’s new look, the high ponytail adding a cute and lively touch.
Cherise eyed the spread: stir–fried beef, sauteed spinach, a plate of appetizers, and a steaming pot of seafood risotto, all looking mouthwatering.
“Try some.” Morris urged, handing Cherise a bowl of risotto.
Cherise took a spoonfulef it and felt it was rich and savory. Then she tried the tender and delicious beef and the sweet and juicy spinach.
Nodding with satisfaction, Cherise gave Morris an appreciative look. She hadn’t expected Morris to cook, and even less that he could cook so well. It was even better than the food at five–star Mich restaurants.
Noticing Cherise’s happy face, Morris got this weird high–five to himself. It hit him that the whole idea of a cozy home with apartner, sharing meals, and experiencing life’s changes together was pretty much the same as the moment they were in
SEND GIFT
