Harper returned home when it was already dark. She took a shower and came out at nine. The living room was dimly lit, giving off a sense of emptiness and desolation. He hadn't come back yet.
Harper sat on the sofa, absentmindedly drying her hair, her thoughts drifting. Was he still with Olivia? It was just a quick errand. Why was it taking so long? 'This night should be enough for them to do many things.' Lost in her thoughts, Harper's eyelids grew heavier, and she fell asleep on the sofa.
The next morning, Harper was awakened by the cold. She patted her head, feeling a lingering headache. Everything in the living room was the same, and he hadn't returned all night. Harper quickly freshened up and swallowed two pills, just as Joseph walked in.
He closed the door, and their eyes met, but they quickly looked away. "You're up so early?" Harper walked to the innermost part of the sofa and sat down, responding with a nod, but didn't say anything else. Joseph walked over and stood not far from her. Thinking her mood was due to morning grumpiness, he didn't pay much attention. "Get ready; we should go back to the Lucas family today."
"I know." Harper nodded. She got up and went into the room with her heavy head.
The Lucas family held a prominent position in the elite circles of Lindwood City. Thanks to the wealth Henry Lucas earned, The Lucas family's influence in the business world was undeniable. Harper deeply respected this elder. Henry and Ava had divorced long ago, and he had remarried. Both he and his new wife were kind, and Harper found them easy to get along with. To reassure them, Harper always behaved well when she visited the Lucas family.
She picked a white dress, looking dignified and gentle, suitable for meeting the elders. But she felt a sharp pain as she tried to zip it up. Harper tried for a while, but the zipper seemed to be stuck in the middle, refusing to go up or down. She was sweating. Feeling helpless, she had to call out from the living room, "Joseph!"
He walked over. "What's wrong?"
"The zipper is stuck." Harper pointed to her back, revealing fair skin and a reddened bruise.
After a brief silence, Joseph stepped forward, his slender fingers holding the zipper head, while his other hand held the bottom of the dress. Unintentionally, his fingertips lightly brushed Harper's smooth back. Touching her warm skin, Joseph's eyes darkened, and his brows furrowed slightly. Feeling his fingertips, Harper couldn't help but blush. Finally, the zipper was fixed.
She followed Joseph downstairs, feeling a bit dazed. The car drove directly into the villa's garage, and she was still not fully awake. Henry and Mia Miller were waiting at the door. Mia walked over, affectionately taking Harper's hand, and asked, "Harper, you're here early. Did you sleep well?"
"I slept well, Mrs. Miller." Harper smiled and walked in with her. "I usually get up early for classes."
"Good morning, Mr. Lucas." She greeted him with a smile.
"Let's go inside." Henry glanced at his son, Joseph, who greeted him coldly without a smile, far less well-behaved than his daughter-in-law.
At noon, the atmosphere at the dining table was particularly harmonious. Harper ate quietly, her plate always filled with food, as both Mia and Henry served her. Suddenly, Henry put down his fork and calmly said to Joseph, "I've heard there have been quite a few rumors about you in the hospital these days. If you can't avoid it, you should make everything clear. You're a married man now, and you should take responsibility. If your relationship with Harper had been made public earlier, those nosy people wouldn't have appeared."
Joseph's expression turned cold. "Dad, you always seem to know everything about my life." Since he was young, his father had always wanted to arrange everything for him, which was what Joseph disliked the most. He was well aware of all these rumors. Were there spies in the hospital too?
Hearing Joseph's tone, Harper's hand, which was holding the food, paused, and she glanced at him quietly before lowering her head to continue eating. He actually spoke to his father like that for Olivia. He really didn't want Olivia to know about their marriage. For a moment, Harper felt a bitterness in her mouth. Joseph's attitude was clear. If that was the case, what was the point of forcing their marriage?
"How dare you speak to your father like that?" Henry's face turned stern, and he was about to get angry. Mia touched his arm. "That's enough. They seldom come back. Whatever it is, we can discuss it later." Harper also put down her chopsticks, took a tissue to wipe her mouth, and said in a relaxed tone, "Dad, it's actually my decision not to go public. Don't blame Joseph. Besides, I'm about to graduate, so I want to wait until I finish my studies."
Hearing Harper's words, Henry's expression softened, and he said gently, "You are right. Currently, completing your studies is more important. Do you have to do an internship?" Harper nodded. "Yes. I've been looking for an internship these days." Henry waved his hand casually. "Why bother looking? You're studying fashion design, and our family company is in the fashion industry. Just come over and intern here if you want." Harper smiled and just nodded obediently, not taking his casual words seriously.
Henry was satisfied, but then he changed the subject. "However, since you'll be done with your studies soon, you should also consider giving me a grandchild earlier. That's what really matters."
Harper felt a bit speechless. How did the conversation turn to this?