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.

was stunned. Does he have my photo? I don’t think so? Oh, he said I’m the prettiest designer around. I’m flattered. Flattery or not, Zachariah still came to her

questions. Before this, Stella never thought that children saw the world in such colors, so his questions made

five, Miles sent her a message. ‘Zack’s dad’s here. He wants to treat you to dinner as

business to settle today.’ Stella declined

me that. You’ll have to tell him yourself. He’s

going to help me out. Left 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

his chair, and Zack’s father was facing them. Miles didn’t make any introductions, as if it was Stella’s business to know

The polite

Stella shook his hand.

care of my son for the whole afternoon, Miss Johansson, and it was during working hours too. I should treat you to dinner as

older than Miles, but they had completely different vibes. Miles had an arrogant air, and he seemed to be

don’t go, Miss Johansson.” Matthew smiled nicely. “I always pay my debts, no matter how trivial they may

rude of her if she refused again. After all, Matthew didn’t seem to be inviting her over to dinner out of mere courtesy. I think it’s genuine. Hence, she agreed to go, and Miles went with her too. Miles gave her a ride, but then Stella only looked at the scenery

care of a kid for the whole afternoon?” Miles

what it takes 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 went any longer. “You have a big office,

you know how it feels,” Miles

Miles wanted her to feel, and she had a feeling that Miles was someone who knew how to take care of a child. Stella had a feeling children would be happy with him

of the child for a whole afternoon. Hence, her face was slightly flushed, and

Johansson to do it. I

never complained when he took care of Zachariah, so that must be the first

own child yet. Once

anything with that, but Stella thought of something else, and the teacup in her hand trembled. When she heard it, she was upset,

glass of wine for himself, his gaze filled with cold disappointment. He’s probably reminded of the fact Zane made me abort his kid. Or maybe that’s how he usually looks. Stella couldn’t see through

having a baby, Mr. Grant?”

a brother so