Love at the Next Stop

Chapter 45 Not Necessarily With Her

Not long after she went back to her seat, a young, smart, cheeky boy came up to her. “Are you Miss Johansson? You’ll be looking after me this afternoon,” he told Stella.

Huh? What’s he talking about? That’s odd. Stella said slowly, “Can you tell me who your parents are, and why do you know my name is Johansson? Why are you telling me to look after you?”

“My dad sent me here, but Mr. Grant doesn’t have time for me. He asked me to come to you. My name is Zachariah Xenon, but you can call me Zack. You can go on with your work, miss. I’ll just do my own stuff. I won’t disturb you.” Zachariah didn’t give her a chance to talk.

I have work to do. But if the boy can just do his own stuff, he’ll be easy to look after, so why isn’t Miles doing it himself? Annoyed, Stella texted Miles, ‘I have work this afternoon, and the office is packed. What do you expect me to tell them when they see me looking after a boy?’ She didn’t even greet Miles properly, and her words were rather accusative.

‘I’ll be distracted if he’s here. Leave your work for tomorrow. His father is my good friend. He and his wife are too busy at the moment for him, so they sent their son to me. I have no one else to ask for help, so that only leaves you. His father will pick him up later in the afternoon.’

That was the first time Miles texted her a message that long. Usually, he would only give her curt answers. If he could answer her in two words, there would never be a third. Well, he was a man of few words after all. This is funny. Just because he can’t get anyone to help him, he asks for my help? Stella was vexed. ‘I’ve never looked after a kid. I don’t know how to do it.’

‘Then learn,’ he answered curtly, but Stella knew there were no grounds for negotiations left. Looks like I have to take care of him this afternoon.

Zachariah noticed her annoyed look. “You don’t want to look after me, Miss Johansson?”

Having been seen through by the boy, Stella felt rather awkward. Children were the future of the nation, and the light in his eyes made her heart melt. “Do whatever you will, but stay in my sight.”

Zachariah grunted.

However, Zachariah’s appearance distracted Stella from her work. Even though he said nothing to her, she couldn’t work at all. She knew Miles must have looked after the boy before, or he wouldn’t have known Zachariah would distract him.

Since Miles said she could put work off for the day, she stopped working and spent some time with the boy. They sat in front of her desk and whispered to each other. Good thing Mr. Moore isn’t here.

“How do you know me?” Stella was curious why the boy came right for her.

“Mr. Grant gave me your photo. He told me you’re the prettiest among the designers, so I came.” Zachariah was squatting on the ground, fiddling with Stella’s stapler.

I’m the prettiest designer around. I’m flattered. Flattery or not, Zachariah still came to her based on that statement, which meant she was indeed the prettiest among the designers.

never thought that children saw the world in

sent her a message. ‘Zack’s dad’s here. He wants to treat you

fine. I have business to settle today.’ Stella declined

have to tell him yourself. He’s

with no choice, she took her bag and held Zachariah’s hand as they went to Miles’ office. Zachariah’s hand was warm, and it was as soft as a bun. The sensation of it made Stella feel like

facing them. Miles didn’t make any introductions, as

Xenon, Zachariah’s father.” The

response, Stella shook his

afternoon, Miss Johansson, and it was during working hours too. I should treat

an adorable child. You don’t have to treat me to dinner.” Stella observed that man for a while; he was tall, handsome, and maybe just a few years older than Miles, but they had completely

nicely. “I always pay my debts, no matter how trivial

her over to dinner out of mere courtesy. I think it’s genuine. Hence,

do you feel taking care of a kid for the

to talk to a kid.” Stella stared down in embarrassment. Good thing it was just an afternoon. I’d be out of things to talk if it

know how it feels,” Miles

that Miles was someone who knew how to

taking care of the child for a whole afternoon. Hence, her face was slightly flushed, and she felt woozy when

He wants Miss Johansson to do it. I think he

understood what he was saying. Miles never complained when he took care of Zachariah, so that must be the first time he asked

his own child yet. Once he does, he’ll love

teacup in her hand trembled. When she heard it, she was upset, for Miles used to have a baby, but it

wine for himself, his gaze filled with cold disappointment. He’s probably reminded of the fact

a baby, Mr.

want a brother so fast?”