Chapter 159 How Do You Plan to Compensate Me
Benjamin's fingertip gently brushed against the corner of Sophia's eye, moving downward until it finally landed on her incredibly rosy lips.
From the kissing, Sophia's lips were even more vibrant than if she'd worn lipstick, silently alluring.
"Sophia, I miss you so much."
Benjamin leaned down, pressing his forehead against hers, unable to stop the corners of his mouth from curving upward.
This is wonderful—finally holding her again.
This feeling of getting back what was lost, it's wonderful.
Sophia's face turned even redder, her heart racing at 120 beats per minute.
She pressed her lips together, and after a long while finally said slowly, "I... I do too. But Matthew won't let me go out, so I can't come see you."
"I know. Actually, staying here is the best choice for you. Only he knows enough about the poison in your body." Benjamin's eyelashes lowered, his tone somewhat dejected. "If only I knew medicine. Sophia, don't worry, I've already sent people to find those medicines. We'll definitely get them all again, and when that happens, you'll get better."
"I believe you." Sophia's lips curved slightly, her face full of joy.
The two embraced, neither willing to let go first.
"By the way, why are you dressed like this?" Sophia sniffled, her face full of confusion.
This time Benjamin had done something unusual—he'd actually changed into a Harvest & Hearth work uniform.
But his bearing was too outstanding; he clearly didn't look like a waiter. She wondered how the servants let him sneak in.
"Wasn't it all to see you? Matthew wouldn't let me in, so I had to think of another way."
Benjamin hadn't expected Matthew to guard Sophia so strictly, not giving him any chance to get close.
Fortunately, Benjamin thought of this plan—disguising himself as a Harvest & Hearth delivery worker to sneak in.
The servant hadn't paid close attention at the time. When he came in, he deliberately concealed his presence, keeping his head down to avoid notice.
So he got in smoothly.
"Well? Aren't I smart?"
Benjamin raised an eyebrow, a proud curve at the corner of his lips, looking like he was asking for praise.
Sophia rarely saw this childish side of Benjamin, and couldn't help but laugh.
She praised him enthusiastically, "Honey, you're the best!"
Looking at Sophia's smiling eyes, Benjamin's heart felt like something had hit it hard.
How could there be such a sweet and gentle girl as Sophia in this world?
Making him want to cherish her with all his heart.
Just then, footsteps suddenly sounded outside the door.
Almost imperceptible, but Benjamin had sharp hearing and noticed immediately.
He turned his head toward the door.
The next second, someone knocked on the door.
Benjamin and Sophia's eyes met. Sophia frantically mouthed, "It must be Matthew coming back. Quick, hide."
Benjamin: "..."
Was he really that shameful?
Why should he hide?
Was he afraid of Matthew or something?
Seeing Benjamin refuse to hide, Sophia helplessly touched her forehead, frantically looking around, finally locking her gaze on the wardrobe.
An idea struck her. She grabbed Benjamin's hand and walked toward the wardrobe.
"Hide in here first. Come out after Matthew leaves."
"Are you that afraid of him seeing me?" Benjamin was a bit angry, but more hurt.
Matthew was Sophia's senior, yet he, Sophia's husband, had to hide.
Simply... Benjamin had lived over twenty years and never felt so wronged.
But when Benjamin met Sophia's dewy eyes, his heart immediately softened. He bit his lip and hid in the wardrobe.
Before closing the wardrobe door, Benjamin grabbed Sophia's slender, soft wrist, his lips slowly curving into a teasing smile. "Sophia, how are you going to make this up to me?"
"Sophia, are you resting?" Outside the door, the knocking continued. Sophia's heart jumped to her throat. She didn't notice Benjamin's meaningful look at all and casually nodded in agreement.
Getting Sophia's promise, Benjamin's lips curved slightly. He nodded with satisfaction and hid himself in the wardrobe.
Confirming he wouldn't be discovered, Sophia slowly breathed a sigh of relief and called toward the door, "Come in."
Soon, Matthew pushed open the door and walked in. "Why so long? Were you resting?"
"No, I was just working on some sketches and didn't hear you." Sophia's eyes darted away, not daring to meet Matthew's gaze. Her heart was so tense it felt like it would jump out any second.
But Matthew didn't notice.
When Sophia focused, she could ignore all the noise around her and immerse herself in her own world.
"Matthew, you're off work early today?" Sophia stood not far from the wardrobe, her back stiff, afraid Matthew would notice something wrong. Her whole heart was in her throat.
"I have to attend a banquet tonight. I came back to change clothes and then I'll leave. Have you had dinner?" Matthew walked to the table, his slender fingers lightly lifting the lid of the Harvest & Hearth food container, finally showing a satisfied expression.
"Benjamin still cares about you, knowing to make you more good food. Sophia, eat more. Tomorrow at noon I'll give you follow-up treatment and prepare some medicine to temporarily suppress the poison."
"Okay, thank you."
Matthew slowly walked up to Sophia and stopped, raising his hand to gently pat her head. But his gaze paused for a few seconds on her lips.
He withdrew his hand and casually surveyed the surroundings, finally locking his gaze on the bathroom door and the wardrobe, his lips slowly curving into a cold smile.
"Come out."
Matthew's voice was low, carrying a bone-chilling coldness.
Sophia's eyes widened in shock. She nervously swallowed and unnaturally touched her earlobe. "Matthew, what are you talking about?"
She pretended to look innocent, as if she knew nothing. Little did she know that Matthew understood her very well and knew she would unconsciously touch her earlobe when nervous.
This habit was something only her master and a few senior brothers knew about.
Sophia had no idea that her usual tiny gesture, one she wasn't even aware of, had given her away.
Matthew casually strolled toward the bathroom, watching Sophia's reaction from the corner of his eye.
Noticing Sophia's expression change slightly, Matthew suddenly changed direction and walked toward the wardrobe.
Sophia instinctively held her breath and quickly stepped forward, blocking Matthew. "Matthew, don't you have a banquet to attend? Isn't it getting late?"
"Are you hiding something from me?" Matthew raised an eyebrow.
Sophia hurriedly shook her head, saying extra loudly, "No, absolutely not!"
Matthew helplessly touched his forehead, his voice suddenly turning cold. "Still won't come out? Do you want me to send someone to invite you out?"