Page 52 of Forever His Favorite
Emily’s eyes lit up at the rows of shops. She pointed at window displays one after another. “Today I'm buying you a present,” she announced, folding her arms with a proud smile. “You can get anything you want. It’s my way of saying thank you for taking care of me when I was unconscious.”
Harold’s grin spread wide. “Really?” He blinked, hopeful. “But, uh—do you have a budget? I don’t want to make you—”
Emily pulled a sleek metal card from her pocket and flashed it triumphantly. “I’m not rich,” she said, grinning, “but my husband is.” She handed him the card. “Sebastian gave it to me yesterday. Unlimited! So pick whatever you like.”
Harold’s face went bright. “My brother’s money?! Are you serious?” He practically jumped in happiness. “Then you don’t even need to ask—let’s go!” He charged off toward the nearest store like a kid let loose in a candy shop.
Within half an hour the card had been swiped several times. Harold emerged from stores with a stack of shirts, watches, and sneakers—grinning like he’d won the lottery. Emily also bought a few dresses for herself.
After walking out of the stores, they both collapsed on a bench in the corridor of the mall, bags at their feet.
Harold stared at Emily, eyes glistening. “I can’t even put into words how good it feels to blow my brother’s money,” he said,voice thick. “It’s like karma paying me back for every scolding he ever gave me!”
Emily laughed, her shoulders shaking as she giggled, shaking her head at Harold. “If he shouts at you in the future, just come to me. We’ll max out his card to please you and punish him.”
Harold’s eyes widened, shimmering as if tears were about to spill. He grabbed Emily’s hands with both of his, holding on tightly like she was the most precious person in the world. “Miss Emily, you’re so, so nice! You’re my fairy godmother now!” His whole face lit up with a boyish joy.
Emily burst out laughing again.
***
An hour later, Emily pushed open the heavy glass door of Sebastian’s office without knocking, a shopping bag dangling from her fingers. The air inside was cool, carrying a faint trace of leather and Sebastian’s cologne. Behind the massive oak desk, Sebastian leaned back in his chair.
His eyes were fixed on the wedding ring glinting on his finger, his expression unusually soft, almost boyish, while Leon scrolled casually through his iPad.
His thoughts were so deep that he didn’t immediately notice her presence.
Leon stood nearby, scrolling through his iPad. “No wonder you look so pleased, Mr. Graves,” he remarked slyly, glancing up. “I’ve never seen anyone so happy to see money leaving their bank account. Turns out Mrs. Graves went shopping with your money.”
Sebastian finally looked up, his lips tugging into a smile as he adjusted his crisp collar. “My wife is spending the money I earn for her. Why wouldn’t I be happy?”
Leon suppressed a snicker, shaking his head quietly.
Emily, who had heard the entire exchange, pressed her lips together to hide her own smile. She walked in as if nothing had reached her ears. The sound of her heels clicking on the floor made both men instantly look up, and straighten.
The moment Sebastian’s gaze found her, his expression shifted, softening. His eyes brightened, and a rare smile broke across his face. He stood immediately, his tone warm. “Emily?”
Chapter 21 A Gift
Leon excused himself with a respectful nod and smile, slipping out and leaving the two alone.
Emily moved closer, standing before him, teasingly arching an eyebrow. “So… if I spend your money, it makes you happy?”
Sebastian chuckled lowly as he rose, moving gracefully around the table to stand in front of her.
He reached out, brushing a strand of hair away from her face, his fingers lingering. His deep eyes met hers with a soft intensity. “Spend as much as you want,” he murmured, his voice husky. “I have enough money to last seven lifetimes.”
Emily’s heart gave a little flutter at the softness in his tone. Smiling, she lifted the bag between them. “I also brought a gift for you.”
Sebastian’s eyes widened like a child’s, his curiosity spilling through his calm façade. “Really? What is it?”
From the bag, she pulled out a small box and opened it to reveal a pair of silver cuffs. They gleamed under the light, elegant with delicate star-shaped engravings. She held them up. “See, do you like them?”
Sebastian took the cuffs, turning them in his hands. The silver caught the light, reflecting across his face. “Here—make me wear them. Let’s see how they look.”
With careful, loving movements, Emily removed his old cuffs and replaced them with the new ones, placing the worn pair gently on the table. Her fingers lingered briefly on his wrist as she fastened the last cuff.
“All done.” She stepped back and smiled softly. “I’ll let you get back to work now.”
