Chapter 61 Repayment

It seemed that just after the rain, when the sky first cleared, the sunlight slanted through the gaps between the branches and softly spread over the damp white rose petals, reflecting warm golden beams and giving a warm and peaceful impression of beauty. Clara Bennett, finally recovering, asked with rare curiosity, "So how do you plan on compensating me?" William Foster gently wrapped his arms around her waist and softly pressed his warm cheek against her forehead, whispering, "Since it was a misunderstanding caused by the mouth, it should be repaid with a kiss for this ’wrong’. Understanding the meaning behind his words, Clara Bennett’s cheeks flushed slightly, "Wouldn’t that make it seem like you have the upper hand?" Even in the dim light, William Foster’s gentle blinking was enough to highlight his unique charm. He replied with a feigned innocence, "Is this taking advantage? I always can’t bear to use force on you, or perhaps you prefer..." "Stop talking." Clara Bennett hastily interrupted what he might say next. "Since the dispute was caused by the mouth, it’s best to resolve it in the same way." William Foster’s handsome, prominent nose gently touched the tip of Clara Bennett’s delicate, small nose as he lowered his voice and softly replied, "Because I can’t see it, it’s now your turn to take action." After silently criticizing in her heart, Clara Bennett realized that the man before her was indeed talented and a master of words. She then took the initiative to reach out and cradle William Foster’s cheeks, bending slightly to give him a tender and deep kiss. At this moment, the dim environment inside the car made visibility unclear, but it did not prevent William Foster from accurately holding Clara Bennett’s slender, soft waist. Pedestrians on the street outside continued to pass by endlessly, but to the couple sitting inside the car, everything around them seemed utterly ignored. After quite a while, Clara Bennett finally pushed against William Foster’s shoulders, forcing the kiss to stop: "Okay, that’s enough, don’t be greedy." Her breathing was still chaotic and her cheeks slightly red. William Foster, content, wiped his mouth, his voice a bit hoarse, "Hmm, if this continues, there might be trouble." A subtle smile hung at the corner of his mouth, his eyes gleaming with mischievousness. Clara Bennett frowned upon hearing this, "What are you saying?" She looked at him with some annoyance, feeling a bit uneasy inside. Feigning innocence again, William Foster raised his hands slightly, "Can you blame me? I’m young and can’t resist temptation." His tone carried a hint of grievance and helplessness. Clara Bennett immediately became serious, her expression more solemn, "I didn’t tempt you." She clarified seriously, feeling somewhat displeased inside. William Foster smiled in response, his eyes full of tenderness, "Yes, it’s my lack of self-control, my fault." His smile was as warm as spring sunlight, but Clara Bennett felt the pressure within it. Feeling her heartbeat quicken, Clara Bennett quickly broke free from his embrace, her body trembling slightly, "I’ll go now, bye." She said hurriedly, turning towards the car door, her steps a bit unsteady. William Foster: "Okay, see you tomorrow." His tone was calm and sincere. Clara Bennett: "Hmm, see you tomorrow." She responded softly, with a hint of detectable nervousness in her voice. Just as she was about to open the door and get out, William Foster suddenly said, "Tomorrow, I have a surprise for you." His voice was deep and magnetic, especially clear in the quiet night. Clara Bennett turned her head, unable to see his expression in the darkness, but felt vaguely uneasy inside. She sensed an inexplicable pressure slowly enveloping her. She didn’t really like William Foster always preparing surprises for her. She understood that behind such actions might be some sort of expectations, but it’s not what she wanted. While surprises were nice, she wasn’t sure she could handle or reciprocate them if there were too many. The shadows of the past still lingered in her heart, making her afraid to easily step into the world of emotions. After the emotional setbacks she previously experienced, Clara Bennett no longer wanted to date or marry anyone, and did not want to get entangled in emotional turmoil for the rest of her life. That kind of pain and helplessness, she didn’t want to experience again. She was willing to enter a marriage agreement with William Foster because she knew she would eventually leave him and live the life she wanted. This was a temporary arrangement that wouldn’t involve too many feelings. Therefore, if William Foster developed any feelings for her, she couldn’t respond in kind. She had decided not to let anyone into her long-closed heart again. Clara Bennett reminded again, "There’s really no need to always be so good to me, we’re essentially in a mutually beneficial cooperative relationship." William Foster placed his hand on her leg, squeezed it a few times, but finally said nothing. He just slightly nodded, then said, "Good night." His voice, though low, carried a touch of warmth. As the car slowly drove away, Clara Bennett remained where she was, holding tightly onto the flowers and clothes that the driver specially delivered to her. She gazed at the bouquet in her hands for a long time, struggled inside for a moment, and finally made the decision: to throw them away. Bringing these flowers home would certainly attract endless questioning from her brothers, a situation that wouldn’t be easy to handle. When she returned to the mansion doorstep she unexpectedly found the entire building shrouded in darkness. This scene left Clara Bennett feeling a bit surprised and puzzled. "Could they all have gone out?" The thought flashed in her mind. Without much hesitation, she immediately opened the door and walked inside. Almost as soon as the door was pushed open, the lights suddenly came on, followed by the sound of ’bang’ ’bang’ in her ears. Colorful confetti and ribbons fell from the sky like a waterfall, instantly covering the entire floor of the room. Stunned by the scene before her, she saw her second brother Edward Bennett and third brother Charles Bennett standing there, smiling at her. The originally familiar space had completely transformed, filled with balloons and flags as decorations, and even a huge conspicuous banner hung in the center, reading: Congratulations Clara Bennett, the Rising New Star! Seeing all this, Clara Bennett was first wide-eyed in surprise, and then her mouth slowly curved upwards as she smiled sincerely. "Oh my!"