I Love You More, Cade by Coral Hume ( Nydia and Jackson)

Chapter 17 

Nydia wrapped one arm around Josephine and placed the other on her shoulder in a gesture that screamed sisterly affection as if they were close friends catching up. 

“I’ve asked my husband to look after you for a bit. After all, you’ve done so much for the company, and we both appreciate it, don’t we, darling?” Nydia said, her voice dripping with sweetness as she playfully tossed her hair, revealing a teasing glimpse of a love bite. 

Josephine’s face turned a shade paler, her forehead breaking out in sweat. 

The crowd around them watched with knowing looks, some unable to hide their envy. 

Cade, caught off–guard by being suddenly dragged into the performance, merely squinted his eyes and smirked without responding. 

“See, that’s him all over. As expressive as a log, not a word of affection, totally boring. Not like me, always there for you.” Nydia continued, “So, let me look after you from now on, Josie. Anything you want, just let me know.” 

Nydia glanced at Cade, then leaned in, whispering to Josephine with a mix of seriousness and jest. “Except my husband. That’s off–limits. Share him, and you’ll be labeled the other woman.” 

Josephine’s smile couldn’t have been more rigid if it tried. She wanted to clench her fist, but Nydia didn’t let go, still smiling as Nydia called out, “Come on in.” 

With that, bodyguards filled the room with fruit baskets and bouquets, quickly cluttering the spacious room. 

“I thought some flowers might cheer you up, what with all the hospital’s white walls getting you down. Do you like them, Josie?” Nydia asked with care. 

Josephine scanned the room, counting about one hundred and fifty bouquets in a dizzying array of colors, with yellow ones in abundance. 

The sight nearly overwhelmed her. 

Nydia, feigning ignorance to Josephine’s discomfort, continued brightly, “I heard you like apples, so I got some for you.” She signaled Alison. “Pick out a nice big, red one. I’ll peel it myself for Josie.” 

Nydia’s constant “Josie” made Alison’s skin crawl. Yet, excitedly, she picked the best apple, grabbed a knife, and handed it to Nydia. 

Alison couldn’t help but smile at Josephine’s frustrated expression. However, catching sight of the stoic figure on the sofa, she quickly hid her grin and dashed out. 

Reporters swarmed Alison outside, eagerly asking, “We have all the footage. When’s it going live?” 

“Just a sec,” Alison said, eyeing the scene inside. 

Thanks to last night’s practice, Nydia wielded the knife like an artist with a brush, peeling the apple with effortless grace. 

1/2 

A 

… 

MMM 

tuna 

76% 11:02 

Chapter 17 

Soon, Nydia presented the peeled apple to Josephine, boasting, “Not bad, huh? Starting today, I’ll come to peel apples for you every day. Exciting, right?” 

Outside, the reporters‘ cameras clicked away. 

“Post it now. Pick the flattering shots of Ms. Sharp,” Alison instructed seriously. 

“Ms. Sharp looks stunning from every angle. Each photo is a winner,” the reporters praised wholeheartedly. 

“You’ve got an eye for quality, just like me,” Alison complimented, giving the bodyguards a nod to clear the area and disperse the onlookers. 

As the crowd dispersed, creating a mild stir, Nydia’s attention was momentarily diverted. That’s when Josephine’s pained voice unexpectedly reached her ears amidst the chaos. 

2/2