You More Than Anything In The World

Chapter 1376 Crying Over A Novel

“What book would you like to read?” Benjamin asked as he leaned over, one hand on the couch armrest and the other on the back. Having encircled Arissa in his arms, Benjamin gazed intently at her with playful, smiling eyes.

Captivated by the man's alluring scent, Arissa felt her heart flutter slightly. “I don't feel like reading books!” she replied coyly.

Benjamin cocked his brows, his every move so charming and seductive. “What would you like to read, then?”

“I want my phone,” Arissa answered, her voice soft and sweet.

Almost immediately, Benjamin furrowed his brows and gently pinched her nose. “Looking at your phone too much can hurt your eyes!”

With that said, he walked to the corner bookshelf, pulled out a random book, and handed it to Arissa.

“Here. Read a novel instead.”

Though reluctant, Arissa accepted the book and sighed softly. “Fine, fine.”

Argh. What choice do I have? I don't have my phone, and Benjamin won't lend me his. How boring...

Benjamin affectionately ruffled her hair before pouring her a glass of warm water and placing it on the coffee table. Satisfied, he turned around and got back to work.

Meanwhile, Arissa couldn't take her eyes off the handsome man. When Benjamin sat down and noticed the woman staring at him, he merely grinned instead of teasing or stopping her.

As soon as Arissa spotted his cheeky smile, she felt a blush creep into her cheeks, prompting her to avert her gaze. Nôvel(D)ra/ma.Org exclusive © material.

With that, she flipped the book open and began to read. Thankfully, the story was engaging, and she was deeply engrossed in it before she knew it.

After some time, sobs emanated from the quiet study.

Benjamin froze and lifted his head, only to see Arissa still clutching the book and sobbing uncontrollably as her shoulders shook. Seeing her so heartbroken, a tightness gripped his chest, and he, too, began to feel uneasy.

The next second, he approached Arissa and removed the book from her hands. “What's wrong?”

With teary eyes, Arissa lifted her gaze to look at him and sniffled, feeling somewhat awkward.

“This novel is a little depressing...” she replied, her voice low and nasally. Try as she might, she was far too embarrassed to meet Benjamin's concerned gaze.

Taken aback by the response, Benjamin did his best to hold back his laughter as he handed Arissa a few tissues to wipe away her tears and snot.

The latter gladly accepted them and went about blowing her nose and wiping her tears. By then, her cheeks and the tip of her nose were all flushed red.

Benjamin gently ruffled Arissa's hair. “Too depressing, huh? Let's not read this, then. I'll get you some other books!” I can't be letting her read something that brings her mood down. After all, Shaun has already said that she must keep her spirits up.

Arissa, however, grabbed the book from him. “I want to read it!”

I've only read a part of the novel and am already drawn into it, yet he won't let me continue. Does he know how much that torments me?

For a moment, Benjamin stared fixedly at her. “Can you keep reading it without being emotionally affected?”

What's so interesting about these novels, anyway? Argh... I regret picking this out for her. Couldn't Edwin have bought more lighthearted and uplifting books?

Arissa glanced at him and responded softly, “I... I'll control my emotions. In any case, don't worry about me. You should get on with your work.”

Seeing how insistent she was, Benjamin had no choice but to accompany her for a while before returning to work.

Determined not to let Benjamin notice anything amiss, Arissa would try her darndest to hold back her emotions whenever she got to the sad parts of the novel.

She couldn't deny that the story was rather upsetting, but even so, it was an enjoyable read.

“Hehe...”

Upon hearing Arissa's giggle, Benjamin shifted his gaze toward her again. Seeing her laughing so happily away, he couldn't help but be captivated by the sight.

Alas, Arissa noticed his gaze and quickly covered her mouth. “Did I disturb you?”

“Not at all,” Benjamin replied with a big grin. Ah... I love seeing her smile the most.

Arissa's eyes were full of laughter as she glanced at him, but it wasn't long before she buried her head back in her book.

Time slowly ticked away as the couple stayed in the study, one engrossed in his work while the other was lost in a novel.

When Shaun dropped by to inform them dinner was ready, not even he could bring himself to interrupt the tranquil, beautiful scene.

Without a word, he leaned against the door frame and watched the couple intently.

Eventually, Benjamin broke the silence first as he stared at Shaun. “Is there something you need?”