A flush crept up Shirleyâs cheeks. Did he meet me when I was in that wild state? He must have vivid memories of my childhood antics, as he was around ten years old at the time, so he surely remembers how unruly I was.
âHow did we meet?â Shirley asked, curious.
âWe met in the White House garden. I was there with my father as a guest. I got lost in the garden, and thatâs when I met you. You took my hand and led me back to the hall,â Zacharias said with a smile, his filled with nostalgia.
Hearing that they once held hands when she was a child, Shirley felt her face grow even warmer.
âWas that the only time we met?â Shirley inquired.
âHow many times would you have liked us to meet?â Zacharias countered. eyes âNo, once is enough. I was quite mischievous and playful as a child, so I probably left a bad impression on you,â she quickly muttered.
At that, Zacharias smirked. âYou were adorable as a child! Just a little chubby.â
Shirley, hearing the description of her childhood look from him, felt a bit indignant. âWho wasnât chubby as a child? I bet you were chubby too!â
âI happen to like chubby kids,â Zacharias added.
Shirley decided not to argue about this. At least, him saying this would dispel any suspicions Ren might. have about her and Zacharias.
âSo, when did you recognize me?â Shirley raised an eyebrow.
âI recognized you from the first moment I saw you,â Zacharias stated.
âIâve changed so much since my childhood, and yet you recognized me instantly?â Shirley was skeptical.
Zacharias had a knack for recognizing people, and this woman was so outstanding that it was hard not to notice her.
âIn my eyes, nothing has changed. The man raised an eyebrow, indicating that his memories of her as a child were quite vivid..
Just then, a nurse knocked on the door and entered, holding a tray of medication as she addressed Zacharias. âMr. Flintstone, hereâs your medicine. Please take it on time.â
Seeing the medicine, Zacharias instinctively furrowed his brows. He didnât like taking medicine.
The nurse left, and Shirley got up to pour him a glass of water, saying, âTake your medicine!â
âI only have some superficial wounds. Thereâs no need for medication.â Zacharias tried to come up with an excuse to avoid taking it.
Shirley got serious as she stated, âYou definitely need to take the medicine. Doctors donât prescribe it without reason.â
Zacharias pursed his lips, wondering if she was here to take care of him or to monitor him.
Reluctantly, he took the medicine. Afterward, he felt even more drowsy, but he really didnât want to sleep.
âKeep me company for a bit,â Zacharias said as he lay down.
Seeing his eyes grow a bit hazy, Shirley realized he was tired.
âI can see youâre tired. You should get some rest,â she suggested.
âTell me how you met Cole,â he asked bluntly.
Shirley was caught off guard. This man had definitely looked into Coleâs background. In the end, she declined to answer. âIâd rather not say.â
âI want to hear it,â Zacharias insisted.
Seeing his interest, Shirley had no choice but to share. I met Cole at the training base. He was my team leader, and we underwent a three-month training together. During the training, I developed feelings for him, and likewise, he liked me. Itâs as simple as that.â
Zacharias let out a sigh, murmuring, âHe appeared three months earlier than I did.â
Shirley didnât quite catch what he said. She furrowed her brows, asking, âWhat are you talking about?â
âWhat do you like about him?â Zacharias asked. He seemed completely alert when discussing this topic because he was genuinely interested.
Treating Zacharias as a friend, Shirley thought for a moment before saying, âYou donât need a reason to like someone. When you like someone, you just do. Itâs about liking everything about them.â
Zacharias nodded in agreement, his gaze locked onto Shirley. âExactly. I agree with you. Liking someone means liking everything about them.â
Suddenly, Shirley met his eyes. She quickly looked away. Why is this man staring at me so intensely?