Chapter 205

Chapter 205

"It's okay. Ignore what I said." Joseph listened and accompanied me to Bryxton.

I saw the drizzle when we entered the highway to Bryxton. The further we went, the heavier the rain

became. It was then I realized that the city had not changed at all; though it was humid and cold, it also

held many memories.

This was the very city I grew up in and my late father loved Bryxton, for he met my biological mother

here. He looked like he loved Mom dearly, especially during the days before his passing. However, I

was unsure of the reason why they did not stay together.

Suddenly, I was reminded of Brimstone Mountain. Charles said that the mountain had a special

meaning for my late father, and I guessed that the mountain might have had some connection to my

mom.

I told Joseph who was in the front passenger seat, "Before we leave Bryxton, remind me to visit

Brimstone Mountain."

"Yes, Miss."

It was noon when we came to Bryxton, and Mom was making food when I arrived at Felix's Villa. My

parents looked shocked at my arrival, so she hurriedly sat me down and sighed. "It must've been

difficult for you."

Understanding the layers of meaning behind her words, I hastily changed the topic of the conversation.

"Mom, what are you making? It smells good."

"For some reason, I had a feeling that you might visit home. I made your childhood favorites—curry

chicken, scallops, and Australian lobster. Looks like my intuition is spot on!"

I quickly ran into the kitchen and marveled at the curry chicken. "Indeed, Mom knows me the best."

"Have a chat with your dad. I'll call everyone when lunch's ready. Ree, do you want orange or apple

juice?"

"Orange juice! I like something sweet."

She smiled. "You have not changed a bit."

Yes, I have not changed. I am still their daughter—Renee Felix, who has a sweet tooth.

I left the kitchen and found Dad watching TV on the couch, so I asked, "Dad, do you want to play

chess?"

He looked at me. "Do you know how to?"

"No! But my bodyguard does."

As such, Dad started playing chess with Joseph out of boredom. He sighed at the sight of Joseph's

handsome features. "You're a good-looking one."

Though taken aback, Joseph maintained a smile without saying a word.

I retorted, "So what? He's not your son."

Dad moved his bishop and added, "But we can take in a son-in-law."

"Hey, are you hinting at me to get married?"

"Well, I think Joseph is a good kid."

Indeed, Dad was hinting at something else. At this rate, I could see Joseph's trembling fingers moving

the rook. Then, he replied exasperatedly to save himself from the situation, "Miss is still young. You

don't have to rush her to find a partner. She'll meet someone great."

However, Dad ignored him. "Joseph, are you married?"

Joseph outright lied, "I am."

I was shocked.

Once Dad learned that Joseph was 'married', he lost interest in the chess game. Being practical as

always, he would rather get up and help Mom in the kitchen instead. Speechless, I told Joseph, "Don't

take it to heart."

"Of course. Your dad only hopes you have someone by your side to grow old with."

I looked away. "When did you get married?"

"I'm not. Just worried that Mr. Felix wanted to fix me up with you."

Since I could not find a good reply, I sneaked into the kitchen to steal some food.

At that, Mom laughed but did not stop me. Rather, she nagged at me like how she used to, "Your dad

told me about it. He said that you're at the right age to get married! You should marry a good man who

can take care of you!"

"It's not an urgent matter." I dismissed her concern.

"We just hope that you have someone to take care of you." After a pause, she asked, "How is it going

between you and Shawn?"

I choked. "Nothing."

"What's your status with him now?"

I muttered, "What status? We're fine, I guess."

Sensing that I was reluctant to reveal more, she sighed and advised me, "If you don't see any chance

with him, I would not advise you to return to Nick either. I can contact my friend's son, though."

"Mom, are you setting me up for a blind date?"

Before coming home, I briefly mentioned my parents' matchmaking, but I never expected it to hit the

bull's eye.

She explained patiently, "I feel bad when I see you carrying the heavy burden yourself. Not long ago,

your dad and I gave it some thought, and we believe you need someone close by you to help you out.

He doesn't have to be a perfect match because it's tough to find a guy who could match the wealth of

the Xenoses. Our only hope is for your partner to love and dote on you! I just don't want to see you sad

anymore. Look how sad you were when the two kids passed on! I also feel the pain, but I could do

nothing to help you—not even stay by your side!"

While speaking, her eyes reddened from sadness. I hurriedly patted her shoulder to comfort her. "It's

alright! Everything's going well between Shawn and me. Perhaps, we will discuss marriage shortly."

That is not possible in the near term. I only lied to pacify Mom.

At that, she immediately lightened up. "Is that true?"

"Yes. I will discuss this with him soon."

Meanwhile, Dad was busy encouraging me from the side. "Ree, when are you bringing him home? I

know he's a famous figure, but I need to meet my son-in-law in person too. I have my standards when I

evaluate them."

I laughed out loud. "Why the rush?" To avoid any more interrogation, I escaped from the kitchen before

I noticed Joseph on his phone when I sat on the couch. "What are you up to?" I asked.

He tucked his phone away hastily. "Nothing."

"Oh. Are you looking for a girlfriend?"

"Yes, but it is not urgent."

Curious, I prodded, "How old are you?"

"I’m twenty-nine."

"Need my introduction?"

Joseph's text notification tone interrupted the conversation. Feeling suspicious, I made a wild guess. "Is

that from Shawn?"

He instantly denied it. "It’s from Mr. Briar."

Mr. Briar… I had not seen him for a long time.

"Where is he now?" I asked.

"He just came back yesterday."

…

Standing in front of the windows in Renee's room, Shawn puffed a cigarette as he stared at the blurry

but lovely silhouette by the river.

His girl was beautiful, like a creation out of this earth.

He smiled and sighed. "Thankfully, everything's as it is."

Thankfully, his girl was still waiting for him at the same place.

In the eight months of separation, he sped up his plan to get the European powers on his side, all with

the sole goal of returning to Bryxton as soon as possible to be with her during childbirth.

Alas, he was held back.

He did not know what to feel regarding the miscarriage, but he only felt bad for Renee. He worried that

she would be mired in sadness and desolation, so he immediately showed up before her the first day

he returned to Bryxton. He wanted to comfort her, but he was not good with words; he could only show

his concern by following her around.

A text arrived as he puffed. He saw that it was from Joseph, his ex-bodyguard. 'Boss, Miss' father was

considering me as their son-in-law candidate just now! How ridiculous!'

Since Shawn shared a good relationship with his twenty bodyguards, who went through near-death

experiences with him, they called him 'Boss' and even wanted to leave the Xenos Family to serve him.

However, he rejected their plan to follow him back then and instructed them, "Stay in the Xenos Family

and serve Miss Renee well."

He narrowed his eyes at the text while hints of threat started to creep in. It was a new feeling in his

twenty-seven years of life—an unfamiliar sensation that he anticipated.

What was he looking forward to? Even he could not tell.