Filed to story: Finding the Secret Daddy for My Baby Novel
What was happening? Why was Shirley’s heart beating so fast? Was it because of Zacharias?
Shirley bit her red lip. There was something she had been unwilling to admit or acknowledge: her feelings toward Zacharias.
She wondered, uncertain. Do I like him?When did I become a woman who speaks one way and thinks another? She didn’t want to delve further into things she couldn’t figure out. Instead, she returned to her room, took a shower, and went to bed.
In the blink of an eye, it was Saturday tomorrow. With Zacharias granting her leave, Shirley eagerly anticipated a day of relaxation at Ava’s house. She couldn’t wait to savor the delightful pastries and fruit tea her grandmother lovingly prepared.
Zacharias worked until the early hours. During a break, he reached for a rose and lightly kissed it as if kissing a certain someone. Then, he got up, went downstairs, had a glass of red wine to help him sleep, and looked in the direction of the second floor. Although the fatigue from overloaded work often made him tired, he felt that the future was promising because he now had someone to protect and someone to bring glory to.
Everything was worth it.
After Shirley got up in the morning, she didn’t wear her uniform in case Ava would complain about her looking like an insurance salesperson. The clothes Shirley’s aunt sent her last time were very stylish, and there was even a set of jewelry to match.
She began to apply light makeup. She wore a lazy beige sweater with a leather skirt as the base layer and topped it with a vintage French wool coat. Her black knee-high boots gave her a fashionable yet youthful vibe.
After she was done, she went downstairs, planning to have breakfast at her grandmother’s house. She assumed that Zacharias, who had worked late last night, wouldn’t be awake yet, so she didn’t need to say goodbye.
However, Shirley was mistaken. Zacharias, wearing a black robe, was sitting on the couch enjoying tea. He seemed to have come downstairs after exercising.
“Good morning!” He raised his eyebrows and smiled, his gaze fixed on the woman who brightened up his morning.
It was rare to see her dressed so stylishly. While her usual uniform could captivate him, her outfit today had a special place in his heart. Mainly because the owner of the clothes strongly attracted him.
“Morning.” Shirley smiled and waved. “I’m off.” “You look so good. Are you sure you’re going to see your grandmother?” Zacharias suddenly asked. After hearing that, she turned her head and replied, “Yup. I’m going to have lunch with Grandma today.” He nodded. “Alright. Go ahead.” As she departed, an inexplicable sense of doubt crept over him. Since today was a day off, Tony also came over with a car key in his hand, looking as though he was ready to head out.
“Tony, help me with something,” Zacharias said.
“What’s up, Uncle Zacharias?” “Miss Lloyd just left. I want you to follow her and see who she’s meeting today,” Zacharias instructed his nephew. This task was more suitable for his nephew, as his bodyguards were meant to protect him during travel, not follow women.
Tony, who had a free day today, planned to have lunch with friends. However, he thought that helping his uncle pursue Shirley was the more important task now!
“Got it, Uncle Zacharias. Leave it to me!” Tony then remembered something.
“Uncle Zacharias, my car is too conspicuous. What if she recognizes it at a glance?” Zacharias gave it a thought and agreed. “Take the keys on the cabinet, then.
Use my car.” “Aye!” Tony replied happily. He had long wanted to drive Zacharias’ SUV.
Tony went to the basement to get the car. Soon, the car roared to life. At this point, he wasn’t in a hurry to follow Shirley. On the way, he received the address of her grandmother’s house sent by Zacharias. All Tony needed to do was wait there.
When she arrived at Ava’s house, she saw her grandmother dressed more elegantly than usual. It was as if they were going to have a meal with an important guest.
Curious, Shirley asked, “Grandma, is our guest someone important?”
Ava smiled. “Of course.” After all, this was related to her granddaughter’s future.
While savoring a piping hot breakfast, Shirley contemplated that meeting her grandmother’s friend would likely be a laid-back affair. After all, she just needed to enjoy herself.
Around 11.00AM, Shirley drove Ava out. She didn’t notice that a black SUV had been parked for two hours on the nearby street. Inside the car, Tony, who had been playing mobile games, was more than happy to wait.
“Oh, here they come.” When Tony saw her car, he immediately put down his phone and stepped on the gas to catch up to them.
Following Ava’s instructions, Shirley drove toward a somewhat vintage street. It seemed to be a preferred spot for affluent ladies to have afternoon tea. The area was also dotted with various restaurants, globally recognized ones included.
Finally, Shirley parked in front of a high-end Mediterranean restaurant before she helped Ava out of the car. Not long after they entered, a figure dressed in fusion attire also walked in. To avoid being recognized by Shirley, Tony deliberately wore a mask and sunglasses.
The restaurant’s private rooms were not completely enclosed but separated by wooden screens, giving a stylish and open feeling. From the outside, one could catch a glimpse of what was going on inside the private rooms.
Shirley, accompanying Ava, entered a private room and saw an elegantly dressed old lady already seated there.
“Long time no see, my old friend! You still look so young!” “Shirley, this is Old Madam Dawson.” “Hello, Old Madam Dawson,” Shirley greeted the woman politely.
“Oh my, what a beauty! I’ve seen your photos from when you were young. I expected you’d grow up to be quite stunning,” Lyra commented, thoroughly pleased, as she appraised Shirley from head to toe.
Shirley was happy to receive compliments. However, she couldn’t help noticing how Lyra seemed particularly interested in her and was thoroughly inspecting her.
“What about your boy?” Ava asked.
Lyra smilingly replied, “He’s on his way!” Shirley was slightly surprised, wondering if more guests hadn’t arrived yet.
“Come, let’s order some dishes!” The older women began discussing what to eat. Tony happened to choose a solo spot where he could observe the situation in the private rooms. He wondered if Zacharias had overthought the situation, perhaps assuming Shirley was meeting a guy. However, she was simply having lunch with her grandmother. Since Tony was already there, he decided to have lunch in the restaurant.
Just then, another person entered the restaurant. This man looked quite handsome, and even Tony couldn’t help but steal glances at him. As he observed, he saw the man heading toward Shirley’s private room.
Tony’s eyes widened, and his mental radar started beeping.
It seemed Zacharias had foresight! Did he guess that Shirley was here to meet a handsome guy? And that guy looked wealthy and successful. Although not as influential as Zacharias, he belonged to an elite group.
Surely Shirley isn’t planning to ditch Uncle Zacharias! Tony quickly took out his phone and zoomed in, trying to capture the scene inside the private room.
Meanwhile, Shirley was also taken aback. She didn’t expect the other guest to be a young man.
“Let me introduce you. This is my grandson, Carlisle Dawson,” Lyra joyfully introduced.
Carlisle looked at Shirley, stunned. His grandmother had coerced him into this blind date, and despite his initial refusal, it hadn’t worked. He didn’t expect the blind date to be such a beautiful woman who radiated a healthy kind of beauty.
“Hello, I’m Carlisle Dawson.” “Hi! The name’s Shirley Lloyd.” Even though Shirley felt awkward, she graciously introduced herself as well.
“My friend, it’s been many years! Come, let’s sit together and have a good chat,” Lyra suggested.
Ava strongly agreed to it. As the private room had two rows of seats, the two elderly ladies squeezed together, leaving the two young people to sit together as well.
Tony happened to record it when Carlisle sat next to Shirley. He felt a bit anxious, thinking that Zacharias might have competition now. Tony bit his lip, thinking, They are already sitting together!l have to report this to Uncle Zacharias.
Carlisle’s heart also started beating faster. The fragrance from Shirley’s body was somewhat Intoxicating. He thought it was fortunate that he came; otherwise, he would have missed such a wonderful woman.
“Carlisle usually lives with his parents at the base. It’s just during his internship in the city. So, I thought of introducing you to each other. You can be friends,” Ava explained. She could see that he liked her granddaughter. Furthermore, she knew about his excellent upbringing since childhood.
Shirley finally realized the reason her grandmother insisted on her dressing up; this was a blind date. She was too careless!