"Yes. Please hold on." Stephanie walked into the elevator, phone in hand. When she was finally alone, she continued in a hushed tone, "Hire someone to follow Carlos. Find out if there is any suspicious woman hanging around him."
"But…" The person on the other end of the line hesitated when she brought up Carlos' name.
Stephanie sneered, "Money is not a problem. Just do it. I'll bear any and all consequences."
"All right then," the person said, grudgingly accepting the task.
"Keep it under wraps."
"Got it."
The elevator doors opened just as she ended the call. She returned to her office and noticed a document on her desk.
She put aside the office files in her hand and opened that document. The name "Debbie Nian" written in the file caught her attention.
According to the information on it, Debbie was Carlos' ex-wife. She had signed the divorce agreement three years ago just after Carlos' car accident. Soon after that, she had left Y City and started her career in Z Country. With Hayden Gu's and Ivan Wen's help, she debuted as a singer and soon made a name for herself in Z Country.
After reading through Debbie's information, Stephanie smirked. 'So, that was how she cheated on Carlos, ' she thought. She had heard that Carlos had treated his ex-wife very well. But she had been such an ungrateful and shameless woman.
Then a name in the file caught her attention. 'Hayden Gu? Isn't he married to the Qin family's daughter? Why would he help Debbie Nian boost her popularity in Z Country?' she wondered.
She asked her assistant to get further information about Hayden Gu and Debbie Nian, and discovered that he was her ex-boyfriend.
Everyone in Y City seemingly knew about their relationship.
'Hayden and Debbie, Debbie and Carlos… Looks like there is an interesting story here, ' Stephanie mused.
In Champs Bay Apartments
Debbie was trying to compose her lyrics for her next song. She bent over a piece of paper in her study, while Carlos was sitting next to her, working on his company files. Dozens of crumpled papers were scattered all over the floor. Debbie let out an exasperated sigh. "Aargh! I can't come up with any good lines with this handsome man sitting next to me!"
Ruby had already warned her many times. If she didn't release a new album as soon as possible, her fans would likely be mad. But her attention was solely on the man by her side. She couldn't devote herself to composing songs full-time.
Sensing her intent gaze on him, Carlos sighed inwardly. It was she who had called him and had asked for his company. And now, she was blatantly blaming him for her lack of concentration.
Noticing the subtle change in his facial expression, Debbie knew that he was finally distracted from his work. She grabbed the lyrics she had written and told him excitedly, "How about I read the lyrics to you and you give me some advice?"
Carlos shook his head and said modestly, "It's been a really long time since I wrote any composition or lyrics. I'm afraid I can't give you any valuable advice. If you do need help, I can find you a good teacher to guide and inspire you."
'A teacher? I don't need a teacher. I need you!' Debbie thought, pouting.
"Never mind that. Just listen to me read it. Okay?"
Seeing the expectant look in her eyes, Carlos didn't have the heart to refuse her. He nodded, "Okay."
Debbie's smile widened and she straightened up in her chair. After clearing her throat, she began to read, "This summer breeze blows away the scorching heat. I feel it caressing me gently, like a kiss from you in the cheek.
My dear, seasons come and seasons go, but my love for you only grows.
Oh, you are my whole, forever.
Oh, the summer breeze brings you to me. How can I show you my love? I miss you…
So much, for so long…"
Carlos listened to her read slowly. He was uncontrollably drawn to the sincerity on her face, the shyness in her eyes, and the sentiment in her voice. Magically, all her words combined together, forming a romantic, beautiful picture in his mind. He couldn't wait to hear this song with the music. He was sure that it would be a soothing melody.
Two minutes later, Debbie finished reading the lines and blinked her eyes at him. "What do you think? Is it any good?"
Carlos nodded, "Quite good."
Debbie's eyes lit up. "That is the biggest compliment I have ever received!"
He smiled warmly. "Go on. Finish it."
"Yes, Mr. Huo!" Debbie put the paper back on the table, grabbed her pen and continued to write the lyrics.
Time elapsed quickly. Carlos kept himself busy with his work for the next few hours. Occasionally, he would answer a business call.
But Debbie had already reached her limits after sitting in the study for hours together without doing anything else. So while Carlos was on another call, she took the chance to slip out of her study and walked into the kitchen to make some fruit tea.
Piggy loved fruit tea. With a little honey and a few ice cubes, it was the best drink to have on a hot summer day.
Debbie poured the drink into two glasses, added a few ice cubes and put a colorful straw in each.
Carlos was done with his call and was writing some notes on his office papers. When he saw her, he asked, "Finished the lyrics?"
"Not yet. I made some fruit tea. Want to try it?" Debbie asked as she put the two glasses on the table. The liquid was colorful, reminding him of summer.
Carlos put down his pen and took the glass from her. He raised an eyebrow and asked curiously, "You made it?"
She grinned at him. "Yes! When we were together in the past, you spoiled me too much and would never allow me to do any chores. So, I hardly went into the kitchen. But, I've learned how to cook now. I can make a few simple drinks," she said, winking at him playfully. "Go on. Try it." A woman would become stronger than ever after she became a mother. For Piggy's sake, Debbie had managed to learn how to cook. She even knew how to make some simple desserts.
An emotion flashed through Carlos' eyes, which Debbie clearly missed. He had heard her say several times about how he used to spoil her in the past. It seemed to him now that he was indeed deeply in love with this woman three years ago.
He looked at the drink in his hand. He pulled out the colorful straw in disdain and sipped directly from the glass.
Unlike him, Debbie drank a huge mouthful of the drink through the straw. She didn't stop until it completely cooled down her body. Her glass was already half empty.
Carlos chuckled under his breath. This woman never cared about her image in front of him. She acted naturally and was always her genuine self. He wondered if that was the reason why he had loved her so dearly before he had lost his memory.
"You don't like it?" Debbie noticed that he had only taken a single sip. She was a little disheartened.
Carlos shook his head. "I just don't like too much sugar."
His words reminded her that Carlos never liked sweet foods. How could she have forgotten such an important detail about him? She cursed herself in her mind. 'I shouldn't have added the honey, ' she thought with a glum look on her face.
Seeing the sadness in her eyes, he added, "But it's good."
Debbie waved at him. She took a sip and said, "Don't try to comfort me. I know. My bad. I forgot that you don't like sweet foods." She walked towards him and reached for his glass.
Realizing that she was trying to take it away, Carlos grabbed her hand. "No."
His big hand gently wrapped around her small hand. She felt warmth fill her heart from his single touch. She blushed and said in a low voice, "I will get you some water."
He squeezed her soft hand lightly. "No, I'll drink this."
Ignoring his tightening grip on her hand, she asked hesitantly, "But, you… Do you really want to drink it?" She didn't want him to torture himself for her sake.
"Yes." He nodded simply. Although he didn't like sugary foods, this was just a glass of fruit tea. He could drink it up.
With a smile, Debbie went back to her chair. She propped her chin in her hands and watched the man get back to his work again. An idea popped up in her head. "Mr. Handsome, let's go on a date tonight."
