Before Tony could come around, an annoyed voice commanded, âGet out.â
Finally, Tony snapped out of it, and he quickly apologized with a grin, âSorry for the intrusion. You two, please continue.â
With that, he scurried off, closing the door behind him. Shirleyâs face turned red with embarrassment.
Great, thereâs no clarifying the situation anymore! And what was I thinking last night, sleeping in Zachariasâ bed?
She lifted the covers, got out of bed, and hastily opened the door to leave. Just as she stepped out, she saw Tony still there. However, he didnât make fun of her. Instead, he asked, âGoddess, did you sleep well last night?â
âItâs not what you think. Your uncle took sleeping pills, and I was just keeping him companyâ¦â Shirley tried to explain, but Tonyâs eyes were teasing, making her realize that the explanation was futile.
âNever mind. Nothing happened between us,â she said and went downstairs. After returning to her room, she took a few breaths to calm down. Good Lord, that was embarrassing!
Twenty minutes later, Zacharias came downstairs dressed in a classic black suit, exuding a captivating charm.
âSir, the convoy is ready. We can leave now,â Freddie said.
âHow did you handle those people from last night?â Zacharias asked.
âTheyâve all been arrested.â
âDonât let them off easily,â Zacharias grunted in a deep voice. Although Freddie didnât understand how those thugs offended Zacharias, he knew that this matter had to be handled with caution.
Shirley, who was on the second floor, breathed a sigh of relief when she saw Zachariasâ convoy leaving. As she touched her face, it was still warm, as if the manâs warmth lingered on her, even though nothing had happened last night.
After breakfast, Shirley returned to her room to watch the news. She eagerly looked for glimpses of the man in the news. Although there were only a few shots, Shirley deliberately paused to stare at him.
She couldnât help but imagine how he would look if he hadnât slept well last night and dozed off in this setting! At the same time, Ava had just called her good friend. âLyra, your grandson is still in the country, right?â
âYes, he wonât be leaving until after the New Year.â
âHow about we meet up this weekend? Iâd like to introduce my granddaughter to your grandson.â
âThat sounds good. I was actually thinking about that, too.â
âGreat! My granddaughter happens to be in the city and is free on the weekends. So, itâs a date. Weâll bring them out together for a meal. Who knows, they might hit off.â
âIt would be wonderful if we could become in- laws! Iâm looking forward to it!â
After hanging up the phone, Ava was filled with anticipation. She wanted to introduce her granddaughter to a young man she knew well.
In the evening, while Shirley was contemplating what to have for dinner, her phone rang. She picked it up and was surprised to find her granduncle calling. âHello, Granduncle.â
âShir, come over for dinner tonight.â
âSure, Iâll definitely come,â Shirley happily replied.
âGreat, make sure to come early tonight.â
After hanging up, Shirley felt happy thinking that she was going to have dinner with her family that night. She checked the time and realized it was time to leave.
Just then, a black car pulled up from outside. Shirley didnât expect Zacharias to return at this time. She opened the door to welcome him, but to her surprise, Zacharias remained in the car.
âArenât you getting out?â Shirley curiously asked.
âGo change into something else. Iâll wait for you here,â said Zacharias, stupefying her. âWhy are you waiting for me?â
âTo go to Mr. Hussonâs house for dinner, of course. Did you not receive the call?â Zacharias asked in return. Shirley was rendered speechless. What? Heâs going too? But Granduncle didnât say anything about it!
âAre you sure weâre going together?â she checked.
âDo you want to go separately?â Zacharias questioned, finding her question somewhat amusing. âOf course, weâre going together.â
Shirley had hoped not to have dinner with him that night, but whoâd have thought she was still having dinner with him?