"What!" Raymond’s voice was low yet filled with surprise, his brows knitted slightly.
Nova, who had been sleeping soundly, was awakened by the tempting aroma of the hot food. Sitting up in bed, she rubbed her eyes sleepily before reaching for her glasses and slipping them onto her face.
She cast a brief glance at Raymond’s back, then shifted her attention to the tray resting on the nightstand. Pulling the food onto the bed, she began eating calmly, thoroughly enjoying the meal.
Meanwhile, Raymond was completely oblivious that Nova was awake. "With so many of you there, how did he manage to escape your surveillance?" he questioned in a low whisper.
"B... boss," the voice over the phone turned dull immediately, sounding utterly terrified.
"I don’t care what means you use, you must get him back before noon. It’s an order," Raymond cut in angrily, yet still speaking in his lowest voice.
"Yes... yes, boss," the voice over the phone replied, and the call was disconnected.
Raymond turned around, only to find Nova already wide awake and almost finished with her breakfast.
"Wi... wifey... you are awake." Raymond smiled awkwardly as he moved closer and sat in the empty space beside Nova.
"Mhm... good morning... the food is so delicious, a solid five stars rating to you, perfect," she complimented. Her mouth was full, her cheeks stuffed with food like a squirrel, making her look like a little greedy child, trying to save some food in her cheek.
Her current self was the complete opposite of her dark, ruthless persona. She looked like a sweet, warm angel, enjoying her breakfast with pure delight.
Unable to resist, Raymond leaned in and pressed a lingering kiss to her puffed cheek, finding her utterly irresistible. "So cute," he murmured softly.
Nova stared at him and smiled lightly before continuing to eat.
"Right, George... Abigail’s boyfriend... he’s missing. But don’t worry, wifey, I will definitely get him back before noon," he reported.
Nova’s attention turned back to Raymond, and she intend to swallow all the food in her mouth but finding it difficult, she didn’t force it anymore and chewed slowly until she finished it all.
"No need... I was the one who freed him. He’s on his way to complete the task I assigned him, so don’t capture him," she responded, putting another spoonful of rice into her mouth.
Raymond was surprised. "I didn’t take you there; how did you find the place? And no one noticed you?" he asked, unable to suppress his curiosity.
"I simply tracked his location. Also, I got in quite easily, too easy I must say. This means your trusted subordinates are very loose in terms of defense. Leaving aside the fact that I could still breach around even with tight security, your guard setup is embarrassingly weak. It could easily ruin your operations."
She took another bite and continued, "Imagine this, I walked right in, and not a single soul raised an alarm. If that had been a genuine assassination attempt, no one would have survived. Even if an alarm were raised later, it would be entirely pointless. It was quite disappointing."
Raymond gazed at her with eyes full of love and admiration, feeling immensely proud of her sharp mind. "I understand, Wifey. I will personally strength the defense squads."
Nova nodded, feeding herself the chicken soup.
"Right, wifey... I think I should explain to you the reason why I disguised myself as Abigail’s boyfriend and entered the Brown family," Raymond said.
Nova ate another spoonful of food and stared at Raymond. "Oh," she murmured, not ignoring her food.
""As you know, I am an undercover officer," Raymond explained, taking her free hand in his. "There was a strange, high-profile case concerning the disappearance of Mr. Luke’s daughter. I had to adopt a fake identity to investigate the scene, and I happened to cross paths with George and Abigail."
"It was a coincidence at first but then George became a suspect as well because he had come into contact with the primary suspect once, so I had to use his identity to investigate. As for visiting the Brown family... well, I ran into Abigail by coincidence, and she insisted that I come home to meet her family."
"To avoid any suspicion, I had to submit to her request. That’s why I went with her, and I was happy to see you on the way," he explained.
Nova smiled and nodded her head. "Are you worried that I’ll doubt your feelings for me?" she asked, staring at him.
"I don’t want you to misunderstand me," Raymond replied, holding her hand.
Nova chuckled. "No need to panic or worry. I never doubted you, and there won’t be any misunderstandings between us, rest assured," she replied.
Raymond pressed a gentle kiss to Nova’s cheek. "Thank you, wifey. You are really the best," he commented.
Nova smiled and took the glass of milk, drinking it, and finished her meal shortly after. "I’ll go to the bathroom first. I should go to Cassian before he comes here to find trouble for you," she replied, getting up from the bed and heading to the bathroom.
Raymond looked at the empty plate, and a warm smile spread across his face. "So what if he’s mafia? I have the upper hand now since my wife loves my cooking," he murmured, bringing out his phone and dialing someone’s number.
It was as if the receiver had been expecting his call, and it was connected immediately. "Boss," the voice echoed over the phone.
"Leave George alone. No need to look for him. His identity was just borrowed, and I’m done with the investigation already, so there is no need to make a scene," he instructed.
"Noted, Boss," the voice replied, and the call was disconnected. Casually tossing his phone on the bed, he picked up the tray and left the room.
Dressed in her favorite black color, Nova wore a knee-length gown. Her long hair was packed into two ponytails, making her look less like a mature lady and more like a sixteen-year-old teenager.
She walked down the stairs calmly and approached Raymond, who was busy cleaning the kitchen cabinets soundlessly.
"I’m off," she stated softly.
Raymond turned. "Let me give you a ride," he replied, and pressed a gentle kiss to her cheek.
Nova lightly shook her head. "I’d rather drive myself. Just give me the car keys," she stated.
Raymond, without questioning, placed his car keys in Nova’s hand and pulled her closer to himself, sealing her lips in a long, deep kiss.
"I’ll come look for you later," he murmured after finally letting go, his voice hoarse and breathless.
"Remember to get me a new phone when you come. Oh, and a laptop as well. I’ll ask Cassian to send you his house address," Nova said, gently caressing his hair.
"Noted, wifey," Raymond replied, giggling happily.
"I’m off now," Nova commented and left, leaving Raymond behind. He was smiling nonstop, even after he could no longer see her figure.
Cassian’s Estate
Nova drove the car into the estate and parked neatly. She exited the car and was immediately welcomed by the guards.
Offering them a curt nod, she walked up to the main entrance and pushed the grand double doors open. Her eyes widened slightly at the unexpected crowd gathered in the grand living room.
Cassian was seated in a plush single armchair like the ruthless mafia king he was, clad in a sleek black suit and long coat. Sitting opposite him were a middle-aged man and woman.
On the adjacent couch sat an elegant young lady in a finely embroidered green gown, and beside her stood another man—one who bore an uncanny, flawless resemblance to Cassian himself.
All eyes fixed on the entrance immediately, wondering who dared to interrupt their intense conversation, but they were all stunned speechless upon seeing the beauty standing with blank expression on her face.
"Oh... my in-laws," she murmured. Her tone was low and devoid any trace of surprise.