Love is the Sunshine novel Chapter 216

"Well, it's getting late. Let's go to the rooftop to enjoy the view. After that, let's go to dinner. I know a great place..."

Terence stood up and stretched. Then he placed his arm around Carla's shoulder and led her out of the conference room.

Once out of the AJ Building, Terence called his driver and told him to take them to the restaurant. They returned home after dinner.

Tired and drowsy, Carla stretched herself out on the sofa. What should she get as a gift for Nicholas? She racked her brain the whole day just thinking about it because she was going to Nicholas's house with Terence tomorrow and that would be the formal visit.

She really wanted to show her sincerity. She stood up and began to pace around the room.

Terence came out of the bathroom while still drying his wet hair.

He stopped when he caught sight of Carla. She was still walking around the room looking for some inspiration.

"Carla, what are you looking for?" asked Terence, amused. "Terence, give me some advice. What should I get for grandpa tomorrow?" Carla asked.

Carla scratched her head. She had searched her mind for a good idea all day but she still couldn't find one.

Nicholas was already so rich that he could get whatever he wanted. But she couldn't possibly go with empty hands during her visit.

"Don't worry about it. I'll prepare the gift." Terence consoled her. Every time they visit relatives and friends, Nathan and Rainer would always prepare the gifts for them.

"No," refused Carla decisively. "This is a token of my affection. I'll do it myself." Carla could be stubborn at times. She threw herself on the sofa and concentrated on coming up with an appropriate gift. Suddenly, a good idea came to her. She jumped up and ran down the stairs.

Carla went into the living room and gazed at a painting on the wall. It was a framed portrait she drew for Terence. It could easily be mistaken as a masterpiece by some famous painter.

The gift may be simple but she thought that it was the most appropriate gift of all. It is the thought that counts.

Her eyes sparkled with delight. She rushed out of the living room at once and headed up stairs to the attic.

Carla dug out a painting canvas, some paint and some brushes. Without delay, she started drawing a portrait of Nicholas. Terence provided the photograph as reference.

She worked on the painting the whole night. The lights in the attic were dimly lit. Terence was sprawling at ease across the sofa with his arms draped over the back. He glanced at Carla who was buried in her work. He didn't want to disturb her so he found himself a book and started to read.

The clock struck midnight.

Terence fell asleep and his book fell onto the floor. The chirping of the insects outside the window was like a sweet melody. Carla tore down the drawing paper and crumpled it into a ball. She rubbed her eyes and started to draw a new one.

Light started greeting her after a few hours. The first signs of dawn appeared on the horizon.

Terence opened his eyes and stretched. He looked around and found that Carla had her head on the seat of the chair, fast asleep. He moved towards her over the crumpled pieces of paper on the floor and gazed at the painting that she made.

Carla never failed to impress him. This time was no exception.

In the painting, there was a young officer in his thirties that was inspecting his troops. He was riding a steed with both of his hands holding the reins. He was staring straight out with steely-eyes. Duty and allegiance could be seen in his determined face. The young Nicholas came alive in the painting.

He grinned in satisfaction and called Nathan at once. "Nathan, you need to have a painting framed for me. It must be done as soon as possible." He slipped his phone back into his pocket and carried the sleeping Carla in his arms.

He brought her to their bedroom.

Carla stayed up all night just to finish the painting. There were paint all over her hands and cheeks. She had fallen into a deep sleep and she huddled herself closer in his arms.

Terence wiped her carefully with a wet towel. Then he laid her on the bed and covered her gently with a blanket. When he was satisfied, he gave her an affectionate kiss then walked quietly out of the room.

Carla didn't wake up until the sun was already high in the sky. She opened her eyes because her tummy was rumbling. She was extremely hungry because she missed breakfast. If it wasn't for her noisy stomach, she would rather stay in bed all day.

She glanced at the clock and became fully awake. "Oh! God!" she cried then jumped to her feet. "It's already ten o'clock!"

She got dressed as quickly as she could and rushed downstairs. Terence was reclining on the sofa while waiting for her.

"Good morning, sweetheart." Terence greeted her with a big smile.

"Morning? It's almost noon! Why didn't you wake me up?" Carla shot him an angry glare. "We'll be late! I don't want to be impolite."

It was the custom in her hometown to visit patients in the morning because morning symbolizes vigor and vitality.

Besides, the patients tend to be more energetic in the morning. They needed to rest in the afternoon.

"Don't worry. We're not late. We'll get there just before lunchtime." Terence placed his hand on her arm while leading her to the door. "You were up all night because of the painting. How could I be so cruel and wake you up? Besides, even if we were late, we could always go there tomorrow. It's not a big deal.

But Carla, last night you had to prepare a gift. That was an exception. Don't stay up late any more, Okay?"

He stroked her cheek lovingly while looking at the dark circles around her eyes.

They walked outside the Seaview Villa and the driver was already waiting for them. Finally, they went to visit Nicholas.

The car stopped at the gate.

It was the first time for Carla to visit the manor.

The place was known to all as a symbol of wealth and power. It was named after its owner: the An's Manor.

She thought that the whole street was owned by different millionaires but apparently, the whole place belonged to the Ans.

The car pulled into the driveway and drove along a tree-lined road that were flanked by neat rows of trees. The place looked like a national park! Carla had never seen such a luxurious private residence like this. She was gaping at the scene with her mouth open.

The servants on the road were using electric vehicles. They bowed to their master as the car passed by. They were all well-trained.

"Is this where you grew up?" Carla rolled the window down and peeked out curiously. She turned her head and ogled at Terence in amazement.

"Uh-huh. The An's Manor is divided into four areas. Each has its own gate. grandpa lives in the north one, which is called the North Yard. My father lives in the East Yard. Marcus and Rhys used to live in the West Yard but they moved out a few years ago. As for the South Yard, it is prepared for some close relatives."

Terence described the whole manor to Carla.

"When I was a child, most of the time I lived with grandpa in the North Yard because I seldom stayed with my father in the East Yard."

Carla nodded. "How about your mother?"

Terence was silent for a moment. He leaned back and stared absently outside the car window.

"She passed away," said Terence dryly.

His father had been cheating on his mother and cared little for her. She had spent her last days in tears and she simply faded away with grief and worries. She was just a young woman who should have enjoyed her life if it wasn't for his father.

Carla was silent for a while. Then she held his hand gently. "Sorry. I didn't know..."

"It's okay," said Terence softly. "I want you to know everything about me. Since we are already here, after visiting grandpa, let's visit my father too."

"Yes," agreed Carla. Suddenly, a problem occurred to Carla. Terence told his father that she was pregnant. She rubbed her flat belly and thought that their lie would be exposed at once.

She quickly grabbed a seat cushion and stuffed it under her coat.

Terence couldn't help but laugh at her clumsy attempt. "Carla, you are overdoing it. It looks like you are almost 5 months pregnant."

"It's all your fault!" complained Carla while pouting. "You placed yourself into this mess and I'm just covering up for you! Be grateful." Carla shot him a glance and continued fiddling with the cushion.

Terence finally took the cushion from her.

"Don't bother yourself. You are only 3 months pregnant so it wouldn't be that obvious. The more you try to hide it, the more easily you will be exposed."

Terence brushed the dust off her clothes and said with a gentle smile.

Carla scratched her head. She never had a chance to observe a pregnant woman so of course she wouldn't know that.

The car finally stopped at the gate of the North Yard.

They got off the car and walked towards Nicholas's place.