Page 40 of My Tempting Woman

“Thank you, dear. “ Richard held her hand in a soft grip

It surprised Rose to see Eva without the box in hand. She signaled her with eyes, on which she just shook her head. Rose understood her dilemma. She just took a sigh.

Stephen noticed the signals between them, but he decided not to force Eva for her gift.

The party was going in full swing, and soon the Smith family got settled for dinner. Eva tasted every variety of food with interest. After all, she was attending the party of the well-known chef, so the food must be delightful. The Smith family was observing Eva in between how she was devouring every bite of each dish with closed eyes. They all chuckled at her antics

After dinner, Eva thought now they all would leave for their home, but as she saw the guests almost evacuated the lawn. But it surprised her when the Smith family entered the villa and settled in the lavish living room. Rose understood her question, looking at her confused face

“We will leave after some time, as William and Robert had met after a long time, so Robert requested William to stay a little more. I hope you are not feeling sleepy now or I can take you home.

“No, it’s ok; moreover, it’s the weekend tomorrow so no class."

“Hmm, that’s good. We should plan for something for your weekend break.

Richard was busy chatting with Stephen, whereas Stephen used to keep stealing glances at Eva. He was relieved when he found her happily chatting with his mom

Robert was also observing Eva. He didn’t talk with her much at the party, so he asked her, “So dear, what are you doing.? I mean, are you here enjoying your holiday break? Or you are studying something

Before Eva could answer him, Richard beat her. "Dad, she is a very talented girl. She has joined some culinary classes here. You know that day she guessed all the ingredients of a sweet dish, and it will surprise you that no matter how many people dislike me, she is my fan.

Robert chuckled, as he knew Richard was taunting him and the men of the Smith family. Actually, when Richard expressed his wish of becoming a chef, Robert denied the thought only as it was not he wished for him as Robert Paul was a well-known interior designer; his firm has clients from Hollywood and high-profile business circles. But he has to agree with Richard at the end of the argument, and he is now proud of him as his hard work made him more successful and famous than he ever thought.

Eva just gave a small smile at Richard, who was looking at her only.

‘ That’s interesting, dear, but Richard, why is she joining some other classes? I mean, why not your classes, as she is your fan, right?"

Eva's face paled listening to this question as she always wished for attending Richard’s classes, but when she searched for the fee structure, her jaw dropped as it was expensive for her father, so she dropped the idea and searched for some other classes that would be in their reach.

Richard noticed her face and cursed the reason too, so he handled the situation

"It's not important which class we attend or which course we choose. What is important is our hard work and determination for our passion. You know, Eva, my dad chose the best classes for me, but I left the class in between the sessions as it did not satisfy me with the teaching method. So if you like it there, then trust it is the best for you."

Eva gave a nod at him. Stephen noticed this all, and he asked to guess the reason for Eva's gloomy face, but he was glad that Richard made her comfortable again.

“Richard, you know you didn’t receive the best gift yet." Steve declared, entering the believing room. It shocked Eva to see her gift box in his hand. She reached near him. She tried to snatch the box but Steve pulled it back so she whispered to him

‘ No, don’t do this. What if he doesn’t like it? Don’t spoil his birthday."

“Let him decide. You can not decide for him

Listening to their banter, Robert asked, “What is happening, Steve? What gift are you talking about? “

“Eva made some cupcakes to give to Richard, but I don’t know why she is hesitating.” Before Eva could stop him, Steve reached near Richard and forwarded the box to him

“Richard, this is for you, and dare you say the wrong word for my friend? She did so much hard work for this?

“Friend.” Listening to the care for her in Steve”s words, Eva got tears. She always thought Steve to be a Casanova, a spoiled brat, but in these last days he tried nothing wrong with her; he just used to tease her, and it will be lying if she says that she didn’t like it as she loves bantering with him.

Richard opened the box carefully and was appalled to see the perfect icing on the cupcake. It was like some professional baker. He ordered the house help to serve the cupcakes. But the smith family denied for it so only for Robert and Richard

Thevmomdbt Richard took the first bite. He closed his eyes to devour the flavors, and Robert finished it in three bites. Eva was getting restless now. As she was observing their reactions, Rose patted her hands to comfort her. Stephen was not caring for their decision for him; whatever Eva do is best and that’s the only truth for him

The moment Steve noticed Richard's expressions and then Eva’s sweating face, he himself took one cupcake and tasted it. He almost moaned at the first bite

He quickly finished it and reached Eva, “ don’t worry, dear, I am not a chef but this was the best cupcake I have ever had in my life, so it was 100 on 10 from my

Eva flashed a smile at him and littered a small thank you.

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