The next morning, Daniel looked at Shelly and said in a calm voice,
"Last night, you stayed by my side… you helped me a lot. But I think you should go home now. Your father might be worried about you."
Shelly shook her head stubbornly, unwilling to leave. But after a long time of gentle persuasion, she finally agreed. Before leaving, she placed her phone and a warm blanket on the table beside Daniel.
"If you feel cold, wrap yourself in this," she said softly.
Just as she was about to walk out, Daniel called her back. He took out a small metal key and placed it in her palm.
"This is the main key to my house. If one day I can't open the door myself… you can use this to come in anytime you want. But for now… you don't have to come. Once I'm better, I'll come to see you myself."
Shelly's heart softened. She smiled faintly and replied,
"I'll still come every day to check on you. So don't worry."
After that, she left, leaving Daniel alone in the quiet house.
Evening came. Shelly returned to visit again—only to find Daniel lying unconscious on the floor. Panic shot through her veins as she rushed over, struggling to drag his body onto the bed.
"Daniel! Daniel, wake up!" she called again and again, her voice trembling.
After what felt like fifteen to twenty endless minutes, his eyes finally fluttered open. The first thing he saw was Shelly, sitting on a chair beside him, her eyes closed from exhaustion.
"When did you come?" he asked in a weak voice.
"About twenty… twenty-five minutes ago," she answered softly, looking relieved.
"Are you feeling better now?" she asked again.
Daniel gave a faint smile. "Yeah… I am."
From that day onwards, for the next fifteen days, Shelly came without fail—morning, evening, and sometimes late at night—to take care of him.
Finally, on a sunny Sunday, Daniel felt well enough to go out. He surprised Shelly by visiting her restaurant. But as soon as he walked in, he noticed some customers whispering and glancing at him.
Before he could ask, Kiki appeared with a mischievous grin.
"Oh, look who's here—our brother-in-law!"
Daniel froze, caught off guard by the title.
Inside, Shelly appeared carrying a tray of steaming soup bowls. Daniel quickly took the tray from her hands and began serving the customers himself, ignoring their curious looks.
A little later, he followed Shelly into the kitchen—only to find himself face-to-face with her father, Mr. Herlen.
"You know how to cut vegetables? Or cook?" the older man asked bluntly.
Shelly immediately tried to shush him, but Daniel simply smiled and replied,
"Yes, I can cook… and cut vegetables too."
Mr. Herlen, without hesitation, pointed at Shelly.
"You work all day in the field reporting news, running around… and you don't even know how to cook? Your future partner should be able to handle the household well. We need to test if he's husband material."
"Dad!" Shelly quickly interrupted, embarrassed.
But Daniel only chuckled.
"Don't worry, I know how to handle all household chores. Shelly's future will be just fine."
Later, Shelly pulled Daniel out to a nearby park, sat him down, and said,
"Please don't mind my father's words. My job isn't always that stressful. I only have to do interviews when a celebrity or politician visits. The rest of the time, if my colleagues have too much work, I help them out."
"Then your father's right," Daniel replied. "You do have a lot of work pressure."
Shelly sighed. "Look… about our relationship—I'm still confused. I know you love me, and I do like you… but I'm not sure if I love you."
Daniel leaned closer, his eyes locking on hers.
"You don't have to love me right away. I love you… that's enough for now."
"You're my very good friend, Daniel. But I don't know how to maintain a relationship," she admitted.
"Then just leave it to me," he said simply. "You were there in my worst times. I only ask that you stay in my best times too."
Before she could respond, Lucy appeared, calling out,
"You two are chatting here, but who's going to handle the restaurant work? We can't manage alone!"
Daniel stood and said, "Why don't you hire more waiters? That would reduce your workload."
"We would… but that costs money," Shelly replied.
"Give me ten minutes," Daniel said with a smirk.
He made a quick phone call, arranging for additional staff for both the restaurant and a helper for Mr. Herlen. Then, to everyone's shock, he paid one full year's salary for all of them in advance.
Weeks later, Daniel upgraded the small restaurant into a bigger, better place, hiring more chefs and waiters. Mr. Herlen protested,
"You didn't have to spend so much."
Daniel only smiled.
"Don't worry, Uncle. I'll help as much as I can."
Not long after, on Shelly's birthday, he surprised her with a car. She refused at first, insisting it was too much. But after his persistent requests, she finally accepted it.
From that day, their bond began to shift—gently, slowly—changing from pure friendship into something deeper.
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