Jude looked at her and asked, "Have you ever been kissed, Ms. Parker?"
Shiela was taken aback. The question hit her out of nowhere. What was that supposed to mean?
Had he been looking at her all this time... as more than just his secretary?
Shiela remembered what Mr. Jude said during the interview. He wanted a secretary who wouldn’t waste time on love or relationships. So she told him she was single. That must’ve been why he hired her.
But now, she had no idea why he asked her that question earlier.
Wait a second. Was he testing her? Did he think she was secretly dating someone?
She shook off the thought.
"Don’t worry, Mr. Jude. I have no plans to get married or start any serious relationship."
"So that means you’ve never been kissed," Jude said as he tapped his chin with one finger, then slowly licked the corner of his mouth.
What was going on? Was her cold, serious boss actually trying to flirt with her?
No, it had to be her imagination. This wasn’t like him at all.
"Yes, that’s right. I haven’t kissed anyone before. If there’s nothing else, I’ll just—"
I need to talk to Daniel!
"We could just try," Jude said as he stood up and walked toward her.
"Please don’t come any closer!" Shiela said quickly.
Even so, she didn’t move. Maybe it was her job that made her stay still.
"Mr. Jude, you should try that with your girlfriend."
"But I don’t have one," Jude said, frowning like it really bothered him.
"May I ask why you’re so desperate to try this?"
Shiela thought kissing a guy like Jude would be the worst idea ever.
"I’m just curious," Jude said. "Daniel told me that kissing with cracked lips feels sweet. But doesn’t that hurt? Maybe he has some kind of messed-up taste."
If Jude didn’t look so serious about wanting an answer, Shiela would’ve reported him for harassment.
But she reminded herself: Mr. Jude clearly had no clue when it came to love or relationships.
"Mr. Jude, kissing feels sweet only when there’s real love. Otherwise, it can feel uncomfortable... even gross."
Jude looked straight at her lips and said, "But you... you look sweet."
His eyes didn’t move as he stared at her soft, cherry-pink lips.
Shiela’s heart started beating faster.
Shiela rushed out of Jude’s office and accidentally bumped into a man walking her way.
"I’m sorry, I’m sorry," she said quickly, snapping back to her senses.
She felt bad, especially since it was a man who made her react that way.
"It’s alright," the man said. His voice was smooth and charming, and he had a graceful presence.
Shiela stood there, surprised. How did a man like him show up in Easthan without her knowing? She was usually the first to hear about anyone new in town.
"Sir, are you here to see Mr. Wilson?" Shiela asked. From the way he was walking, it looked like he was heading toward Daniel’s office. There were only two rooms on this floor, one for Daniel and one for Jude.
The man gave a small nod.
Shiela quickly guided him to Daniel’s office.
As they reached the door, Lisa, Daniel’s secretary, came rushing out of the washroom. She looked a bit flustered but gave Shiela a thankful smile.
"Mr. Wilson, Mr. Nelsen is here," Lisa said as she knocked on the door.
"Come in," Daniel answered right away.
Rowan Nelsen gave a small nod. He stopped mid-step and his eyes landed on Shiela’s arm.
A small part of the tattoo was visible and just enough to tell it resembled the Nelsen family crest.
Rowan seemed ready to move closer for a better look, but just then, someone pulled Shiela back.
The man’s expression was cold. It reminded Rowan of Daniel.
"Mr. Nelsen, would you mind?" Jude said coldly. His expression made it clear that he’d be thrown out if he still didn’t enter Daniel’s office.
Rowan paused for a moment, then walked into the office with a grin.
Shiela quickly lowered her head when Jude glanced at her.
"You’re free, aren’t you?" Jude asked coldly.
Shiela quickly shook her head and rushed back to her office.
Once inside, she rolled up her sleeve, showing the full tattoo. It had once been a burn scar. She had it turned into a tattoo because the scar looked awful.
The design followed the shape of the burn. The tattoo artist said it looked good and Shiela agreed.
Shiela didn’t know how she got the burn mark. Her parents said it happened when she was born, but they never explained how.
Her grandmother loved to talk. She once told Shiela that their family used to be very poor. They struggled a lot, especially when her grandfather got sick. The medical bills were too expensive.
The day Shiela was born, the rent was due. They couldn’t pay, so the landlord kicked them out.
Her grandmother said it rained hard that day, and there was thunder. Shiela’s mother collapsed when her water broke. A kind stranger helped her, and Shiela was born safely.
After that, her grandfather’s health got better. Her father’s business also started to grow. Life slowly improved.
Because of this, everyone in the family believed Shiela brought them good luck. They called her their lucky star and spoiled her as the favorite.
The man’s reaction made Shiela wonder. What if she had been born into a rich family? If that were true, she wouldn’t need to work at all.
But no, she couldn’t think like that. Her family loved her and treated her well. She could never turn her back on them.
The thought made her happy, and she rolled around on the couch, grinning.
"What are you doing, Ms. Parker?" Lisa asked. She had come to thank her but saw Shiela laughing to herself like a child.
Shiela quickly stood up and smiled. "How can I help you, Ms. Lisa?"
"I just wanted to thank you. I would’ve been in big trouble if you hadn’t helped me back there," Lisa said as she handed Shiela a cup of coffee.
"It was nothing. Just a coincidence so you don’t need to thank me," Shiela replied with a smile.
"By the way, are you going with Mr. Jude to the charity dinner?" Lisa asked. She was Mr. Wilson’s personal secretary and usually attended events with him.
Shiela gave a nod. She was the only one who usually accompanied Mr. Jude. He didn’t like being surrounded by too many people.