Chapter 29 Gentleness
Chapter 29 Gentleness
Chapter 29 Gentleness
"Mr. Nelson!" Rejoyla exclaimed in surprise when she saw Brady sitting in her room.
Brady glanced at Rejoyla's pajamas and sighed silently. Her pajamas were rather conservative, wrapping up her whole body. The white top with a cat design and loose pants of the same color made her appear cuter but younger than usual.
While Brady was lost in thought, Rejoyla covered her hair with a towel and sat down. She hesitantly asked, "Mr. Nelson, what brings you here?"
With a look at the closed door, she felt a little uneasy.
"I came to see you. How are you feeling? Is everything alright?" Brady smiled at her, his eyes full of concern.
Rejoyla blinked, thinking that she was worrying too much-her boss was only concerned about her well-being, which was a sign of a good employer. "Everything is alright. I'm always in good health. Besides, it's summertime, so think of it as going for a dip at the beach."
Brady's gaze moved from her swollen cheek to her smile, and he unconsciously smiled back. Though she still needed to see a doctor, he felt relieved that she looked fine.
"I'm not talking about your physical health." He took her phone from the table and handed it to her. "I have a high school classmate who holds PhDs in psychology and sociology from Yale and runs a clinic. I'll give you the address. You don't need to work these days; just take the time to visit him. I've already given him a heads-up about you."
What worried him was not Rejoyla's health, but that this incident would shatter her faith and cause psychological problems. He had read several reports which highlighted that many women were
brave enough to endure the abduction, but often suffered from mental breakdowns after being rescued.
That was why Jason and he had concealed the reason for Rejoyla's abduction-the mockery and disdain of those around often tended to be the real cause. To protect her from any lasting psychological damage, he had contacted his classmate to arrange for her to receive counseling.
At this moment, Rejoyla's bright smile and clear eyes showed no sign of distress. He felt that his concern was a bit superfluous, but what if she kept her negative emotions to herself? Psychological counseling was necessary, anyway.
Rejoyla finally understood what Brady meant. "I don't need to see a psychologist, Mr. Nelson. Don't worry-I'm in good mental health."
Was he kidding? It could cost her a third of her monthly salary to consult a psychologist with two PhDs, who probably charged by the hour!
"No, you must go. This is an order!"
Brady insisted, giving her no chance to refuse.
"Well, okay." She lowered her head as she mourned the loss of her money.
"Ahem," Brady softened his expression, not wanting to scare her. He was just too worried about her. "Take it easy. It'll be just like chatting with a friend."
But she was not nervous; she was upset about the payment!
"I see. If the psychologist says I'm fine, can I return to the company?" She had been absent for three days since the wedding day, which might displease her director.
"There's no hurry. Just take a few days to rest."
"Then I won't get paid this month!" Rejoyla, who was distressed by the thought, blurted before quickly covering her mouth in embarrassment. Indeed, she was worried about her salary, but what if her boss thought she was selfish and disloyal and fired her in a fit of anger?
Oh no! She was pleased with her current company, even though the director was a strict and demanding woman. It was a benefit, however, that the director cared solely about task completion and posed no risk of workplace sexual harassment.
Due to repeated incidents of harassment, Rejoyla had been forced to change jobs frequently. She couldn't understand why she attracted so many men who caused her distress, as she had never shown any interest in them. As a result, she was wary of accepting job offers, always making sure to check who her potential boss would be.
Alas, it was a long story. The problem she faced now was that she had revealed her negative thoughts to her big boss. She covered her mouth and peeked through one eye at Brady. What should she do if he became furious with her?
However, Brady's gentle gaze and warm smile instantly put her at ease.
He reached out to stroke her hair but quickly realized that she had a towel wrapped around it. Awkwardly, he withdrew his hand. He actually wanted to touch her cheek, but that would appear affectionate and might scare her. "Rejoyla, you're overthinking it. You're paid for your leave. Do I look like the kind of boss who would exploit their employees?"
"Of course not!" Rejoyla immediately straightened up. She was not trying to flatter him; it was a fact that her current company provided the best benefits among all she had worked for.
"Then listen to me-go to the clinic tomorrow."
Brady settled the matter.
Rejoyla nodded and blinked, feeling ashamed of her earlier distrust. She studied Brady's expression cautiously, relieved to find that he wasn't angry. She was amazed by his good temper; if she had said the same thing to Jason, she would have likely been reprimanded harshly. Belonging © NôvelDram/a.Org.
"Thank you, Mr. Nelson. You're so kind."
Being a polite little beauty, she naturally expressed her gratitude.
Brady revealed a wry smile-it seemed hard to make her know his affection. However, he managed to leave a good impression, which would set the stage for a positive future relationship.
He glanced at his wristwatch. It was time to leave, or this might draw attention. Before he said goodbye, he reminded her to visit the clinic. She nodded firmly and patted her chest, promising that she would go. As she touched her chest, the loose cotton pajamas outlined her attractive figure.
Rejoyla ran her fingers through her hair and hurriedly grabbed the hairdryer. As she blow-dried her locks, her mind drifted to Brady's strange expression earlier; it was as if he was starving. Suddenly, Rejoyla realized how hungry she was-she hadn't had lunch or dinner. Deciding to head downstairs for a hearty meal to soothe her nerves, she quickened her hair drying and soon put down the dryer. But as soon as she turned around, she was enveloped in someone's embrace. It was Jason.
Jason's big hand rested on Rejoyla's back as he put her on his lap. She frowned and attempted to break away from his embrace, asking, "Why are you here?"
"Do you welcome Brady more than me into your room?" Jason squeezed her hand and spoke in a low voice.
Thinking about Brady's feelings for Rejoyla and the fact that he had just come out of her room, Jason narrowed his eyes dangerously as he watched her reaction closely.
"Jason Sterling, what do you mean? Don't talk nonsense!" What did he mean by welcoming Brady into her room? What kind of person did he think she was? He was such a jerk!
Rejoyla struggled to break free from Jason's embrace, but he held her waist tightly. "Easy, I'm just joking. the Nelsons are more conservative than the Sterlings. Brady's grandmother is even more domineering than my aunt, and she would definitely slap you in the face if you marry Brady."
With a troublesome grandmother, an unbending mother, and rigid class divisions, the Nelson family might be the last family a woman would want to marry into!
Jason was sparing no effort in badmouthing Brady.
Ever since Jason discovered Brady's feelings for Rejoyla, he had become increasingly uneasy. Brady knew Rejoyla well and was aware of the qualities she desired in a partner-gentleness, acceptance, and understanding, all of which he possessed in abundance, making him the ideal match for her.
Jason felt a sense of crisis. He didn't expect Rejoyla to be so attractive to others. No, he must find a way to prevent this.
"Stop talking nonsense!" Rejoyla pouted. "What do the Nelsons have to do with me? Don't bring them up again."
Although Brady met all her criteria for a partner, there was one deal breaker: he was related to the Sterlings!
"They do have something to do with you, don't they?" Jason smiled and continued, "The Nelsons are related to the Sterlings through marriage. Don't forget that Brady's mother is your sister, so you'll soon find out what kind of person she is!"
"Are you here just to tell me about the Nelsons' genealogy?"
"Oh right, I'm here to warn you not to engage with any other men. Rejoyla, have you forgotten what you promised me on the yacht?"
Jason played with Rejoyla's hair, which was almost dry, cool, and fragrant. His nose twitched, recognizing the familiar aroma of peaches-she must have just showered. Her cheeks were tinged with a light pink, like a ripe peach, tempting him to take a bite.
Jason's words were cold and sharp, jolting Rejoyla out of her daze for being close to him. She quickly lowered her head, trying to hide the sadness in her eyes. How could she forget what kind of person Jason was, though he had saved her and treated her well? It was foolish to feel something she shouldn't for this man.
She thought to herself, "Rejoyla Lynn, you are such a joke!"