Filed to story: Finding the Secret Daddy for My Baby Novel
Flintstone, Imogen inquired.
Shirley hesitated briefly. Aware of Imogen’s crush on Zacharias, Shirley found herself uncertain about how to respond. Then, she stated, ‘I’m just ensuring his safety during travels.’ Imogen sent another message. ‘Shirley, if you ever develop feelings for Mr.
Flintstone, you have to let me know. I won’t feel burdened then.’ Shirley sighed. She was unprepared for the conversation to take such a weighty turn.
‘Shirley, you said you wouldn’t like Mr. Flintstone. Do you already have someone you like?’ Imogen persisted in her questioning. Shirley truly didn’t know how to answer Imogen’s question.
‘It’s okay, Shirley. There’s certainly no chance for me and Mr. Flintstone, but you have a chance! You and Mr. Flintstone make a great match.
Shirley reflected on her previous assurance to Imogen. She stated that she wouldn’t develop feelings for Zacharias. Hence, she knew that expressing any desire to pursue him now would contradict herself. So, she replied, ‘Imogen, I haven’t thought about matters of the heart right now.
Imogen, who was in the dormitory, had a calculating look in her eyes. She knew Shirley was loyal and respected their friendship. She quickly sent another message. ‘Don’t worry too much about Mr. Flintstone showing concern for me tonight!’ She deliberately emphasized Zacharias’ concern for her, wanting Shirley to know that she had caught his attention.
Shirley didn’t pay much attention to it. She replied, ‘Of course not! It’s natural for him to care about you.’ ‘Blocking him from knife attacks is not only my duty; it would be my honor to die for him, Imogen expressed..
‘Imogen, don’t say such ominous things, Shirley advised.
‘I mean it. I’m genuinely willing to sacrifice my life for Mr. Flintstone. From the moment I laid eyes on him, I knew my life would be dedicated to him.
Shirley felt a tremor in her chest. Did Imogen truly harbor such intense feelings for Zacharias? To the point of disregarding her own life? Shirley couldn’t be certain, but she was convinced that nothing would ever happen between Imogen and him. While she couldn’t guarantee it, for now, it seemed unlikely that the man would reciprocate Imogen’s feelings.
‘Imogen, you’re still young, and you have a long road ahead. Just do what you should do and cherish your life.’ ‘Shirley, I mean it. I’m willing to give everything for Mr. Flintstone, Imogen replied.
Shirley felt that Imogen’s liking for Zacharias might be a bit excessive. How could she utter such irrational statements?
‘Imogen, it’s very late. Get some rest, Shirley advised. Imogen responded, ‘Okay. You should rest early, too. After sending this message, a cunning smile played on her lips. She aimed to instill a sense of guilt in Shirley, even if Shirley harbored feelings for Zacharias.
The next morning, Shirley received a call from Ava.
“Hey, Grandma!” “Shirley, come over to accompany me this Saturday at noon. I want to go out and have lunch with friends, and I want you to come with me.” “Sure, Grandma. Got it,” Shirley replied.
“Also, dress up a bit. Women should groom themselves. Don’t wear that uniform all the time. You look like an insurance salesperson.” Shirley couldn’t help but chuckle. “Grandma, this is a legitimate security uniform!” “In any case, you’re not allowed to wear it this Saturday, okay?” “Alright, I got it. I’ll make sure to dress up nicely to see you.” Shirley laughed.
After she ended the call, Zacharias was about to go out again. Shirley immediately followed him, announcing, “I’ll go out with you!” He shook his head. “No need. I’m going to a meeting, you’ll be bored.” As long as it wasn’t for entertainment, he didn’t want to take her out. Waiting outside for hours would be painful for her. It was better to leave her at home, enjoying all the good food she wanted in a cozy environment.
Shirley suddenly felt a bit aggrieved. “Do you not trust my abilities at work?” “It’s not that.” Zacharias denied it and explained, “When you’re around, my focus at work tends to waver.” She was puzzled by his words and asked, “Why?” “Because I’ll be too busy thinking about you and neglect my work,” Zacharias confessed.
This statement was a blatant confession. Upon hearing that, Shirley was speechless, unsure how to refute him.
Seeing that he had convinced her, he smiled. “Stay at home. Be good and wait for my return.” Fuming, she wondered, Why does he speak to me as if I’m a pet? She certainly didn’t want to be treated that way. “That reminds me. I need to accompany my grandmother on Saturday morning. Can I have two days off?” She took the opportunity to request a leave.
“Of course.” He wouldn’t stand in the way of her filial duties.
She nodded. “Okay, take care.” “Do you like flowers?” Zacharias suddenly asked. Shirley didn’t think much before she blurted out, “Mhm!” He smiled and left without uttering a word. Blinking, she pondered whether he had plans to give her flowers. Uncertain, she unexpectedly found herself her guess was correct.
In the evening, when the sound of a car outside reached her ears, Shirley came out of her room. She quickly descended the stairs and reached the door. When the door opened, Zacharias stepped in with a coat in his hand.
A faint sense of disappointment crept into her heart when she noticed the absence of flowers in his hands. Maybe she had set her expectations too high.
After all, this man was incredibly busy-how could he find time for such gestures?
His question earlier that morning might have been nothing more than a casual remark. Lost in thought, she was taken by surprise as he suddenly opened his coat, revealing a beautifully wrapped bouquet of roses in his hands.
Shirley’s eyes widened in surprise. Zacharias had actually hidden the flowers beneath his coat.
“You said you like flowers this morning. Here you go. They’re yours.” Zacharias handed the bouquet to Shirley.
Despite feeling excited, she only asked him quietly, “Why are you giving me flowers? I don’t have a place to put them.” “Why not? You can take any vase here and put them wherever you like.” He chuckled. He had noticed the anticipation in her eyes; it seemed he was gradually making his presence felt in her heart.
After Shirley reached out and took the flowers, Zacharias went to hang his coat.
A smile unknowingly appeared on her lips when she smelled the fragrance of the flowers.
She felt a sense of surrealism when she noticed her lips curling. What was happening to her? She had been eagerly anticipating him giving her flowers all day.
And after receiving the flowers, she couldn’t help but be in a much better mood.
This feeling wasn’t just a simple imagination like the fleeting thoughts about Cole. It was a real experience.
She searched around and found three vases. She wanted to keep this bouquet alive; it was too beautiful, and she couldn’t bear to see it wither too quickly.
Although Shirley didn’t have the skills for flower arranging, the flowers were so vibrant and charming. Any random placement created a picturesque scene.
She left one vase on the dining table. Then, she contemplated whether to take another vase to Zacharias’ study. Some flowers would enhance the atmosphere there.
She first placed her vase in her room and then went upstairs to the third floor.
He had just started working in the study room. She knocked on the door, entered with the vase, and asked him, “Do you want a vase of flowers?” He raised an eyebrow. “You haven’t even enjoyed them for long, and you’ve already taken the bouquet apart?” Shirley found it amusing, too. Zacharias carefully gave her a beautifully wrapped bouquet, and she indeed hadn’t appreciated them for more than a few minutes before taking them apart, not even taking a photo.
But she was quite laid-back about many things. So, she asked again, “Do you want them or not?” “Sure.” The man nodded. “Leave them.” After placing the vase on his desk, she noted how it had indeed added some life to the room. His mood also improved.
“Did you personally buy these flowers, or did you have your assistant buy them?” Shirley asked.
Zacharias certainly couldn’t have personally gone out to buy them. In other words, these beautiful flowers must have been chosen by Freddie. Zacharias raised an eyebrow. “I knew you would care about this, so I went to pick them up.” She was taken aback, wondering how this man saw through her so well. Did he anticipate that she would ask this question?
“You went out to buy them yourself? Don’t do it next time. Someone of your status shouldn’t appear in public.” Shirley became concerned again. She didn’t want Zacharias to attract attention just to buy her a bouquet.
He couldn’t help but chuckle. “A woman’s heart is truly contradictory.” Her pretty face blushed. She realized that she was indeed contradicting herself by complaining that the flowers weren’t personally bought by him yet worrying about his safety.
“Anyway, don’t get out of your car next time,” she reminded him. Beyond the joy of receiving flowers, her foremost wish was for this man tostay safe and sound.
He nodded. “Sure, I’ll listen to you.” “To be honest, I’m not really a fan of flowers. If I like them, I’d prefer to grow them myself. I can plant them in your backyard,” Shirley added. Bought flowers had a short lifespan. It was also disheartening having to see them wither.
Zacharias smiled. “Alright, I’ll buy you some flower seeds. You can grow them yourself.” “Good, let’s do that.” She also smiled as she nodded. Suddenly, the ambiance in the study lightened, becoming pleasant. When their gazes met in mid-air, the man’s eyes held a hint of deep affection and indulgence, leaving her feeling a bit overwhelmed.
“Okay, I’ll leave now. I wouldn’t want to disturb you when you are working.” Shirley turned around and left.
As soon as she stepped out, she felt her heart beating faster. As she placed her hand over her chest, she realized that her heart wasn’t steady, it was beating irregularly and thumping rapidly.