Chapter ELISE
ELISE
“WHAT DO YOU mean I can’t go home?” I looked up from my stir fry towards Nathan.
“I mean you’re not going home today, Cupcake,” Nathan’s voice was unreasonably calm as we spoke.
It had been three days since I was released from the hospital, and somehow, Nathan had talked me into recovering at his place. Between his stubborn insistence, my friends agreeing with him, and the fact that I didn’t have the energy to argue after being discharged, I ended up here with him.
Now, though, I felt fine. Better than fine.
Between my friends rotating shifts to keep me company and Nathan’s constant hovering, not to mention the medication I was taking, I was ready to get back to normal.
Creating choreography, filming new content, prepping Rhodium for her upcoming live performance.
We were in his dining room having lunch together when I mentioned I’d start packing to return back to my place when Nathan’s words stopped me.
“But I feel fine,” I argued, setting my fork aside.
“You’re not going home today,” Nathan repeated, his tone firm but laced with affection. “You’re staying put and resting.”
“But Nathan, I—”
“This isn’t up for debate, cupcake,” he interrupted, that hint of amusement slipping in as he gently pulled me out of my seat and onto his lap. “You’re staying here for another day. Take a real break. For me, please.”
“Isn’t it bad enough I’ve already been staying with you while I recover and you paid my hospital bill? At least let me pay you back.”
“You’re not paying me back, Cupcake. Get that out of your head right now.” His voice dropped, low and sharp, and I could see the muscle in his jaw tick.
“Okay,” I murmured, biting my bottom lip.
Clearly, now wasn’t the best time to bring up a payment plan.
I’d ask him later or at least find some way to thank him properly.
“You can’t keep me here forever, you know.
” I shot him a playful glare, though the warmth bubbling in my chest made it hard to stay annoyed.
“I can try,” Nathan smirked, looking far too pleased with himself. “Besides, living with me hasn’t been as terrible as you thought, right?”
“No,” I said begrudgingly, lips curving into a reluctant smile. “It hasn’t.”
The truth was, I didn’t mind being here with him. It felt natural.
“Just one more day, I promise,” Nathan said. “Then you can go home.”
“Fine,” I huffed.
“I’d love to keep talking,” Nathan added, that familiar mischievous grin spreading across his face, “but your surprise is about to arrive.”
“Surprise?” I blinked. “What surprise?”
Before I could pressure him to tell me more, the elevator chimed softly.
I sat up straighter, my attention shifting as the doors slid open.
A woman stepped out, composed and unhurried, like she belonged in spaces like this.
She looked to be in her mid thirties, her dark hair pulled back into a sleek low bun.
Her makeup was minimal, her skin glowing in that effortless, well-kept way.
She wore a fitted black set, simple but polished, paired with low heels, and carried a structured leather bag in one hand.
Her gaze landed on me immediately, warm but professional.
“I’m here for your appointment,” she continued, her tone calm and even.
“Mr. Edge arranged everything.” She lifted the bag slightly.
“I’ll just need a space to set up, and then we can get started whenever you’re ready. ”
“Rest. Relax. That’s an order.” Nathan pressed a soft kiss on the top of my head.
“Bossy,” I muttered, though the grin spreading across my face gave me away. I stood up from Nathan’s lap and Nathan stood up as well.
“And you love it,” he teased before heading in the direction of his home office, leaving me standing in his dining room, heart fluttering because annoyingly he was right. I did love it.