Chapter 3

Allison froze in her tracks, her heart pounding. She clung to the tray she was holding, trying to hide her nerves.

But the slight tremor in her body betrayed her anxiety, causing a flicker of displeasure in Lucian’s eyes.

He lounged on the couch, legs crossed, and asked in a low voice, “Am I that scary? Your hands are shaking”

Turning her head. Allison clenching her hands tightly, she mumbled, “It’s my first time serving such a distinguished guest, I’m a bit nervous. Hope you understand.”

Seeing her still looking scared, Lucian averted his eyes. Maybe he was just too tired lately. There was no way this woman could be “Penelope.”

He waved her away, and Allison scurried out the back door without hesitation. She closed the door behind her and leaned against it, finally relaxing a bit.

He didn’t recognize her, thank god….

In the living room, Lucian watched her hurriedly retreating figure, his eyes growing even darker, “Does the Flanagan family have a cherry blossom tree?”

“Yes, it’s in the backyard.” Margo answered.

Indeed, in the perpetually shaded yard of Allison’s home, there was a cherry blossom tree.

Lucian nodded.

Just then, a pleasant female voice rang out, “Mr. Lindberg”

Lucian looked up. Penelope, dressed in a light pink dress, her face adorned with delicate makeup, was helping her mother, Leah, down the stairs.

Leading the way was her father, Christopher. “Mr. Lindberg, sorry to keep you waiting! What brings you here today?”

Lucian’s gaze fell on Penelope, “I’m here today to discuss my engagement with Ms. Flanagan.”

Engagement?

Everyone was stunned, Penelope most of all. So this was Lucian’s explanation!

Christopher and Leah, already aware of their daughter’s predicament from last night, exchanged a joyful glance.

In just two days, the news of Lucian’s engagement to Penelope had spread throughout Northfield, with media outlets reporting left and right.

Penelope suddenly found herself in the spotlight.

Elsewhere, in the kitchen, Margo threw a list of ingredients in front of Allison, ordering her to finish before she went to bed.

Allison knew very well that she was deliberately making things difficult for her.

The Lindberg family was visiting tomorrow, and the Flanagans had been busy all afternoon. But she had been late because her mother was sick and she had to take her to the hospital.

It wasn’t until 11 pm that Allison finally finished all her tasks. She closed the kitchen door, ready to go home, only to run into Penelope returning from outside.

Before she could say anything, Penelope’s face darkened. She strode past and slapped her hard across the face.

Allison felt a sting on her cheek, and her heart, which had been on edge all day, started racing again.

Was Penelope so angry because Lucian had recognized her during the day?