Chapter 1544 - Strong Ade

Six in the afternoon passed, and Darlene didn't call to confirm the deal (as expected).

Sarah and Aiden were happy with this outcome.

Things went as planned.

The Payne family is out of money, Mr. and Mrs. Payne are in prison for the crimes they are silently doing for many years, and Sarah and Aiden got a large property, two apartments and a lot of money. Kids bonded and had fun, and even Kitty and the pups joined. Overall, it's a good vacation.

Darlene is still a variable, but the online articles damaged her reputation and she lost most of her money. It will be up to her how she comes out of all that. If she dares to retaliate, Sarah and Aiden will show no mercy.

Everyone gathered in the dining room for a quick snack and Sarah advised: "Finish packing, we are leaving in half an hour."

Michael and Oni stayed behind to ensure that the property transfer goes without a hitch, and also they will take care of Darlene if needed.

Once the property transfer is completed, Sophia and Felix expressed their desire to come for a few days. It will be their mini-vacation during which Felix will set up devices for Eve through the property currently owned by the Payne family.

Noah picked ten members of the army of Chaos to come to the White Rock Lake as security. "They are already on their way."

Sarah was happy to hear that. With Aiden's permission, she informed Noah and Zack: "Please, join us for dinner at the Cliffside Villa before you go to the base."

Of course, Zack and Noah eagerly accepted.

~ Los Angeles, the Cliffside Villa ~

When the jet landed, Sarah told everyone that they have half an hour until dinner time. "Settle down in your rooms, and relax until dinner… don't forget to put for laundry what needs to be washed..."

Jeff and JoAnna were there because JoAnna wants to check Master Hollow's injuries.

In the morning, she has a c-section scheduled, and she will not be able to come and check on the old man for the next two weeks or so. Even now the checkup is mostly done by Imani who is JoAnna's apprentice because JoAnna's belly is huge and she is finding it difficult to move.

Ade was leaving the jet and he observed that in front of him, Zack is carrying Masika's duffel bag. Further, on the right, Daniel is carrying Xiaohui's.

His eyes automatically moved to Hande. Just as he suspected, she has the same bag as everyone else, and she is struggling to carry it, keeping it down on every few steps. Hande is the smallest one.

Hande was surprised when a hand from behind reached for handles of her duffel bag.

"Let me help you.", Ade said while picking up her bag.

Hande looked at him and her eyes widened when she realized that it's Ade.

Ever since she kissed his cheek in the hallway, Ade didn't approach her, and a few times when their eyes met, he looked away. That is a stark contrast to his behavior before the kiss.

During the flight, Hande concluded that her kiss crossed the line of comfort for Ade and that she should apologize. He probably didn't want her kiss and he definitely does not want another one, so he is keeping his distance.

But here he is, offering to carry her bag.

Hande wondered if she will ever understand what is on his mind. They say that boys are straightforward, but Hande finds Ade to be confusing.

"You don't want my help?", Ade asked.

Hande snapped out of her thoughts. "No, it's not that."

"What is it?"

"I had a feeling that you don't want to talk to me, after I…"

Ade put his hand over Hande's mouth swiftly, to prevent her from talking. "Shh… do you want someone to hear?"

Hande smiled. "So, you do want to talk to me…"

Ade was surprised, where did she get such an idea that he does not want to talk to her? The last three days at the White Rock Lake were amazing because he spent a lot of time with her. But he will not say that at loud.

"Why wouldn't I want to talk to you?", Ade asked coolly.

Hande shrugged. "I don't know. I thought that you are avoiding me."

Ade understood that for the whole afternoon they didn't talk. He was watching her and thinking about her, but they didn't talk (other than in his mind). "I'm not avoiding you. I just needed time to think."

"About?" Hande asked, even though she had a good idea of what the answer will be.

Ade glanced around to make sure no one is in the earshot before saying only Hande to hear: "No one kissed me before… And you caught me by surprise. I didn't expect it, so…" Ade stopped talking when he saw that Hande is grinning. "What is funny?"

"It's not funny. I am happy that I've got to kiss you first."

Ade was so confident that Hande thought he might be someone who easily goes after girls, and that he probably stole many kisses. But now she heard that this is the first time someone kissed him and the fact that he is so flustered, confirms that it means something to him. Hande dares to think that maybe even SHE means something to him and that makes her very happy.

Ade rolled his eyes. Not because of her comment, but because he felt that his face is on fire. Is he having a fever? And she said that she is happy, but that definitely looks like she is making fun of him!

In no time, they reached in front of Hande's room.

"Thank you for carrying my bag." Hande said to Ade while silently admiring how strong he is. She struggled to carry it for more than a few steps, and here he is with two bags like it's no big deal.

She remembered when he caught her on the first day they met and then how he carried her out of the lake. From the lake, over the lawn, through the garden, inside the villa... it's a long walk which Ade made with her in his arms and he didn't show any signs of fatigue even though he was swimming before that. Sure, Hande is on the skinny side, but that does not mean that Ade is not impressive.

"No problem. Where should I keep it?" Ade thought of taking the bag inside Hande's room.

Hande saw where Ade gestured and she looked at him while her mind raced. 'Ade in my room. Just the two of us. Oh, gosh!'

It would not be the first time that they are alone in a room, but this would be the first time after the kiss, and Hande's heart is not ready for it. She gestured to the floor. "Here is fine."

"OK.", Ade said and bent to keep the bag on the floor.

Hande saw that Ade hesitated for a second before squatting next to her bag. He is looking left and right down the hallway.

"What are you doing?", Hande asked.

Ade waved for Hande to come down.

Hande squatted and looked at Ade who was not saying anything. She mimicked his behavior by looking left and right while wondering, what is he looking for? It is obvious that it's only the two of them in the hallway.

She froze when he held her chin and kissed her on the cheek. It was fast, a split second only, but it definitely happened. There was even the sound of lips smacking!

"Now we are even." Ade said with glee before standing up.

Hande stared at Ade's retreating figure as he walked down the hallway with a spring in his step. He even hummed a tune!

It took Hande a long time to move and scramble inside her room. She sat on the floor and stared blankly in front of her. Ade kissed her! Oh, gosh!

Later, she remembered that her bag is still outside, in the hallway. She dragged it in her room and plopped on her bed while staring at the ceiling and grinning like a fool. Ade kissed her! 

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