Erik lowered his head and kissed her lips. His kiss was urgent, lacking his usual composure. Yet, it was his most genuine reaction at that moment. He wanted her.
The towel slipped from Janelle's shoulders to the ground. Held tightly in his embrace, he kissed her fiercely. He truly wanted to throw her onto a bed and devour her completely right then. However, he ultimately restrained himself.
He picked up a fresh, clean towel, wrapped it securely around her, took her hand, and led her out to join the barbecue party.
Seeing them finally arrive, Sara couldn't suppress a knowing smile. Bryan's friends were a lively bunch. The girls were barbecuing in bikinis, the boys in swim trunks – a vibrant display of youthful bodies. Even among these nineteen and twenty-year-olds, Erik's physique was the most striking.
One bold girl, captivated by Erik and wanting to sleep with him, deliberately swayed in front of him. Her bikini was extremely revealing, but Erik didn't even glance her way. He was focused on grilling meat for Janelle. Knowing she liked meat, he was doing it himself, cooking it tender so it might be easier on her stomach.
"Erik, I'm Shanni, I—"
"You're in my way. Move." Erik stated coldly.
Shanni's face flushed crimson. No matter how bold, she was still a girl under twenty, and his blunt dismissal stung. Tears welled up in her eyes. Her friends quickly came over to console her.
Meanwhile, even wrapped in a towel, Janelle drew the attention of many young men. Such a stunning older sister – who wouldn't be captivated? Yet, her expression remained cool and aloof, deterring anyone from approaching. Still, countless eyes followed her, each hoping for just a glance from the beautiful sister. If she looked their way, they might just dare to make a move!
"Janelle, Erik really is something else. Only around you does he show any gentleness, huh?" Sara remarked, noting how harshly he'd treated the seemingly delicate girl.
"..." Janelle picked up a piece of watermelon from the platter – imported and delicious. "The watermelon's good. Have a piece," she offered Sara one.
Erik was just like that. He had a face that appealed to everyone, but his temper was notoriously bad. Then again, a man like him didn't need to please anyone. If someone annoyed him, he made sure they regretted it more.
Someone approached Bryan, inquiring about Janelle. Bryan's face darkened instantly. He slapped the guy on the shoulder.
"What are you thinking? That's my Janelle! That's Erik's woman! Is she someone you can covet? Hurry up and delete those unacceptable thoughts from your head!" Though Janelle hadn't let him call her 'sister-in-law' yet, Erik was so smitten that she was bound to be eventually. Anyone daring to eye his future sister-in-law must have a death wish!
Erik returned with more grilled food for Janelle and found the girl sipping beer.
"Your stomach isn't great. Go easy on that."
"Erik, don't be such a killjoy, okay?" Barbecue without beer had no soul! She was determined to drink.
Erik handed her a lamb skewer. Janelle took it, eating the skewer and sipping beer – this was living!
The barbecue party was a great success. Janelle loved the atmosphere, and Sara enjoyed it too. After the feast, everyone returned to soak in the springs. Janelle and Sara were together at first, enjoying the warmth peacefully. Gradually, though, a water fight broke out. Someone boldly splashed water at Janelle and Sara, soaking their hair.
Exchanging a look, they rose as one and joined the fray! Janelle and Sara were formidable opponents; the few girls who started it were no match. Some had boyfriends present, who naturally came to their girlfriends' defense upon seeing them attacked. Seeing this, Erik wasn't about to let anyone bully the two of them and joined the fight.
Water flew everywhere amidst laughter and shrieks of joy. Everyone was thoroughly enjoying themselves. That was the nature of water fights – everyone ended up soaked. Through this chaotic fun, Janelle and Sara made several new friends. They'd fought and bonded.
By the end of the day, Sara's spirits had lifted considerably. Now changed into dry clothes, the two sat on a long bench, gazing at the stars.
"Janelle, I'm so glad I have you." Learning her senior had a girlfriend had truly hurt, but after a day like this, she felt much happier.
Janelle took her hand. "No matter what, I'm here with you." They still had each other, didn't they? They were best friends.
"Yeah."
"The stars tonight are really beautiful," Janelle murmured softly. How long had it been since she'd just looked up at the night sky like this?
They chatted a while longer before returning to their rooms. After her shower, Janelle heard a knock at the door.
"..." Knowing it was likely Erik, she opened it to find the man leaning against the doorframe. In his hand was a single, vibrantly red rose. He offered it to her.
"Erik, I don't need that tonight," Janelle said, not taking the rose.
"What are you thinking? I just came to say goodnight. Get some rest." With that, he turned and walked away, his departure deliberately casual.
He wanted her, but only if she was willing. He never forced her. Yet, the image of her in that bikini lingered in his mind. Someday, he thought, I'll have her wear it just for me.
The next day was Monday. Erik dropped Sara off at her studio first, then drove Janelle to Blue Whale Co., Ltd. News of Miss Rovella securing the Aleens Group project had already spread throughout the company by last Friday. Everyone was buzzing.
Everyone knew how challenging the Aleens Group project was. Initially, no one believed their small team could pull it off. Yet, Janelle had achieved the impossible. The Monday board meeting had been postponed to tomorrow because Mr. Rovella was taking his team to the bidding session for his project today.
Westin, leaving the office with his team, saw Janelle arriving late. His mood soured. If he could win today's bid, they'd be even. It would give him something to show at tomorrow's board meeting.
"I'm not going to lose," Westin declared before leaving.
Janelle glanced at Amber nearby. Amber looked haggard; she probably hadn't slept well these past few days.
"Janelle," Amber spoke up, her voice tight, "are you really going to stand by and watch that woman have his child?"
Janelle raised an eyebrow. "Why not? You managed to have Lillie, didn't you? What's the difference between one illegitimate child and another?"
She enjoyed seeing Amber suffer.