The Bad Boy Next Room (Charlie and Taylor)

Charlie smiled, saying, "Well, I'm glad to have helped."

"My dad married into a wealthy family," Taylor continued. "He never admitted it, but I knew he struggled to meet my grandparents' expectations. My grandfather helped him with the City Engineer position, seeing it as an act of generosity rather than acknowledging that he was the best engineer in town. I don't think my grandfather ever truly recognized my dad's worth, even until he moved out of Luxford."

"So, I guess because of that experience, my dad didn't want us—especially me- to rely too much on Mom and him," he added.

"It's sad, though, about your dad and grandpa," Charlie expressed.

"My dad has accepted it. They get along now," Taylor shared. "And we're used to strict old grandpa."

"Well, some strict parents and grandparents mean well," Charlie commented. "You said your grandparents moved out?"

"Grandpa wanted to move closer to work. He and grandma moved to the capital two years ago, and that's why we now live in this house, which is so freaking tiring

to clean!" Taylor hissed, making a face. "One of the reasons why I don't necessarily miss home."

He pulled over and motioned to the window, saying, "We are here."

When Charlie turned around to see the house, her mouth rounded. She exclaimed, "Wow! It's so beautiful!"

In front of them was a luxury manor that featured a grand, stone-built exterior. It was surrounded by meticulously maintained lush green lawns and trees.

Taylor rolled down his window and entered a passcode through the gate. When the gates opened, they drove in with Charlie beaming at every turn. She said, "I get the cleaning part, but still, it's so beautiful."

Soon, they pulled into the manor's driveway. Tristan came rushing out from the house, calling, "Charlie! Charlie! You're here!"

Charlie quickly got out of the car and waved to Tristan. She said, "Nice to see you, Tristan. How are you?"

Tristan's smile reached his ears. He answered, "Charlie, welcome to our house!" He grabbed Charlie's hand and offered, "Let me give you a grand tour!"

The grand tour from the living room,

dining area, library, and Tristan's study room seemed endless. Everywhere Tristan took Charlie, he lingered, frequently sharing his favorite topics. He even played two songs for her on his guitar before taking her to Taylor's room.

Taylor had been waiting for her. He was already in a plain white shirt and core

swim shorts. He said, "About time, Blondie."noveldrama

"What?" Charlie reacted. "Your brother is talkative. You know that."

"Sorry," Tristan said, chuckling. "Enjoy swimming, Charlie. I'm taking my afternoon nap."

Taylor leaned toward his room, suggesting, "You can change in my bathroom. I'll wait for you here."

Charlie did as he proposed, but she wore a light summer dress on top of her swimwear. They slowly made their way to the back of the house, and as they did, they made a bet.

"Charlie, let's have a competition. If I win, you'll grant me a one-minute kiss," Taylor said playfully.

"And you are confident about this

because you know you're taller,"

Charlie said. "But fine, I'm more confident in my technique. If I win, you't help me study for my Monday exam."

"That's easy. I'll do that for you even if I lose," Taylor said. He then nudged ahead, and Charlie saw the pool view from the backdoor window.

Seconds later, they stood by a rectangular pool, ready to plunge. Taylor did some stretching and took off his shirt. Charlie did the same but delayed taking off her dress.

"Are you ready for my one-minute kiss, Charlie?" Taylor asked, smirking her way.

"Are you ready to read out a five-hundred-page textbook for me, Taylor?" Charlie asked, smirking back.

"Five hundred freaking pages? You know what, whatever, I know I'll win," Taylor said. He got into position while Charlie was taking off her dress.

When Charlie took her stance, he counted, "Ready, set-Charlie!" Charlie got into the water, but Taylor did not.