Filed To Story: Finding the Secret Daddy for My Baby Novel
The atmosphere was relaxed, and while Shirley appeared at ease, there was a tense nerve inside her. She carefully observed anyone who approached Zacharias, paying attention to their every move.
Meanwhile, in the rest area for the security team outside, Imogen sat in the car waiting. Her gaze was fixed on the dazzling banquet hall. She really wanted to go inside and take a look. Rumor had it that this building was the sixth-ranked aesthetic architecture in the world, not open to the public. So, getting a glimpse inside wasn’t easy.
“Imogen, go relieve Nixon,” Roy’s voice echoed through the communication device.
Imogen pushed open the car door. The temperature outside was around 46 degrees Fahrenheit, making her body tense. She took over Nixon’s position as a standing guard. She had to stand straight. Despite having her period that day, her job didn’t allow any special treatment. She had to perform her duties just like a man, causing some inner discomfort.
In the banquet hall, after dinner, came the wine- tasting session. Shirley sipped a few sips of red wine and then set the glass down. However, Zacharias couldn’t refuse the enthusiastic toasts from the guests. Shirley was a bit worried about this man’s alcohol tolerance, but it seemed he could handle it well. He drank four glasses without showing any signs of flushing.
Finally, the wine-tasting session ended, and it was time for the formal dinner and dance. Shirley breathed a sigh of relief; she hoped to finish quickly and return to the hotel. This kind of place wasn’t quite suitable for her.
As romantic music filled the air, many guests approached Zacharias during the dinner to greet him. At that moment, a man of similar age smiled and approached. “Zach, you’ve changed so much… for the better, of course!” The man was dressed in a handsome white suit, a typical foreign hottie.
“William, it’s been a while.” Zacharias smiled and embraced him. Watching their brotherly embrace, Shirley wondered if Zacharias had friends here too.
After a hug, Zacharias turned to Shirley. “Shir, this is my schoolmate, William.
His father is the prince of Flor.” “Nice to meet you,” Shirley greeted with a smile. A hint of a knowing smile laced William’s eyes as he said to his good friend, “Zach, you lucky man. Your companion is a beauty.” Zacharias smiled silently, giving no remark, and then William said to him, “I’ll have to greet other guests. I hope you two can have a wonderful time tonight.” Zacharias noticed that Shirley seemed uncomfortable with her feet. He took her hand and said, “Let me take you to rest.” A VIP lounge had been set up, and Zacharias led Shirley into one of them. After the waiter brought in drinks, Zacharias closed the door.
After finally getting some private time, Shirley breathed a sigh of relief. She lifted her evening gown and took her left foot out of the shoe, revealing a red and swollen area around her small toe.
At that sight, Zacharias crouched down, reaching out to hold her ankle and inspect. Shirley, feeling a bit shy, tried to withdraw her foot. “I’ll be fine after some rest.” “It’s swollen. I’ll have someone bring you a new pair of shoes,” Zacharias said with concern. Shirley shook her head. “No need, I can endure it. It happens whenever I wear heels.” “Don’t wear them anymore then. Just put on what’s comfortable,” Zacharias suggested, planning to call someone to bring a pair of shoes.
“Don’t bother, really” Shirley quickly stopped him. “I have adhesive bandages; I’ll just use them.” With that, Shirley opened her bag and took out a thin piece of adhesive bandage. She felt better after applying it when she put her shoes back on Zacharias looked at her with a touch of distress. He didn’t expect her to go this far just to match his status.
“We’ll leave earlier, then,” Zacharias suggested, and Shirley nodded. As Zacharias stood up, he cupped her face and kissed her on the lips as if comforting her. Shirley was slightly startled, and a sweet feeling surged from her chest.
They couldn’t stay in the room all the time, and soon, it was time for the dance.
Zacharias took Shirley out, and just then, a beautiful Western girl boldly approached and invited Zacharias, “Mr. Flintstone, may I invite you for a dance?” Shirley knew the girl. She was the daughter of Flor’s vice president. Obviously, she was very polite in inviting Zacharias.
Shirley considerately let go of Zacharias’ hand and smiled. “I’ll be waiting over there.” Zacharias couldn’t refuse the girl either because the two countries were establishing friendly relations. He smiled and nodded. “It would be my honor.” As Zacharias and the girl walked toward the dance floor, Shirley watched their figures. Suddenly, she felt a sense of tightness in her chest, as if a hand had gripped her beating heart, making even her breathing a bit uneasy.
Shirley knew that the girl’s invitation to Zacharias was just a polite gesture, but she still felt an uncomfortable sensation in her heart. Perhaps it was jealousy.
Zacharias and the girl entered the dance floor, and Shirley saw a waiter bring a glass of red wine. She could have declined, but she reached out and took the glass.
She tried her best not to watch Zacharias and the lady dancing. Yet, she couldn’t help her eyes from wandering when she saw Zacharias putting a hand on the lady’s waist, and the lady’s hand was on his shoulder. They were shaking hands, too. At this point, she’d forgotten about the wine she was tasting. Her heart was squeezing with each interaction. All she could taste was jealousy.
Since Shirley was now alone, a few of the gentlemen there had their eyes on her. They’d like to be acquainted with this exotic lady. Plus, it didn’t hurt that she had a smoking hot body.
Even though Zacharias was dancing with another lady, he was paying attention to Shirley. When he saw her drinking alone, his heart tightened as well. Just then, another guy was starting to hit on her. He wanted to end the dance right away. Fortunately, the dance was only about six minutes. The foreign lady finished the dance, looking bashful. Nonetheless, there was delight in her eyes as she remarked shyly, “You dance well, Mr. Flintstone. I’d love to dance with you next time.” “Excuse me for a moment,” said Zacharias politely. He then strode up to Shirley.
A gentleman was trying to hit on Shirley. Just when he was about to ask her to dance with him, someone behind Shirley said, “Sorry, but she’ll be dancing with me next.” A surprised Shirley swiveled her head and saw Zacharias standing behind her.
The other guy backed out of the competition the moment he laid his eyes on Zacharias, smiling and excusing himself.
Shirley had finished her drink. She was about to take another sip, but Zacharias pulled the glass away. “The glass is empty.” Shirley looked at him awkwardly and put the glass down. Then, she looked at Zacharias. “So, you had fun dancing with her, didn’t you?” Zacharias knew she was jealous, but he had no time to savor it. He knew he had to cheer Shirley up, or it’d be a disaster. “I’m sorry. I should’ve declined,” said Zacharias.
Shirley soon realized she was being petty. So, she shook her head. “No. You should’ve danced with her. It was for diplomacy.” “You’re the most important person around here. I don’t want to upset you.” Zacharias held her hand. “So, let’s dance. I’m not taking no for an answer.” Before Shirley could say anything, Zacharias had already tugged her close and spun her around. She fell into his embrace, and he hugged her tightly.
Shirley raised her head, trying to say something. Alas, Zacharias was already kissing her. Shirley’s eyes went wide. The sensation of his lips pressing against hers made her turn a shade of red.
“We’ll leave after this dance is finished.” Zacharias placed an arm around her waist and took her to the dance floor.
“But… I don’t know how to dance,” muttered Shirley nervously.
“I’m here. I’ll teach you.” Thus, Zacharias patiently taught her how to dance.
Shirley had no choice but to accept the challenge. Once they were on the dance floor, Zacharias switched up his style. He gently placed both hands on Shirley’s waist and requested, “Just hold on tight to me.” Shirley saw a lot of people dancing just like they were. Nonetheless, it was obvious those were established couples. If anyone saw her and Zacharias dancing like that, they’d think she and Zacharias were deeply in love. “Do we have to?” Shirley raised her head to look at him.
“I like it this way.” Zacharias chuckled. “What? Are you embarrassed?” Shirley wasn’t one to be challenged. So, she bravely retorted, “I am not.” Hence, she wrapped her hands around Zacharias’ waist and huddled close to him, slowly dancing to his pace.
The dance eventually came to an end. Zacharias held Shirley’s hand as he bid goodbye to the vice president, who was in the center of the ball. The vice president accompanied them to the entryway and kept on walking until they came to their car. The men shook hands, and only then did the exchange come to an end.
Shirley got into the car. Zacharias stayed outside and talked a bit more before finally coming in. The car slowly moved away from the building and made its way to the hotel. Shirley’s feet were sore after today’s party.
The clock struck nine. Zacharias suddenly held Shirley’s hand, fingers interlocked. Shirley didn’t refuse. They held hands tightly as the car took them across the streets of this foreign land. They genuinely looked like a couple madly in love.
Eventually, they arrived at the hotel, and Shirley got out of the car. The pain was killing her. At this point, she needed to hold the door for support just to get out of the vehicle. If she could, she would’ve taken her shoes off and walked barefoot.
Imogen naturally noticed Shirley’s discomfort. She also knew Shirley was never one for heels. So, of course, her feet were hurting right now. She was just about to help Shirley and act like she cared about her. Alas, Zacharias was already standing by her side. Before Shirley could even say anything, he bent over and held her in a princess carry.
The surprised Shirley quickly put both hands on Zacharias’ shoulder. “Oh, put me down,” murmured Shirley shyly. She was feeling a little awkward being held by Zacharias in front of all the team members.
“Don’t move.” Zacharias smiled and went into the hotel with her in his arms.
Imogen stared in shock. She could see that Shirley and Zacharias were already madly in love. Everyone else followed Zacharias in silence. They knew how he felt about Shirley a long time ago.
Shirley buried her face in Zacharia’s chest. The elevator slid open. All the other bodyguards tacitly went into the other elevator aside from Roy and Freddie.
Shirley was feeling too bashful to even look up from her safe spot. Zacharias took her all the way back to their room and put her on the couch. She was still blushing as she complained lightly, “Don’t do that next time.” Zacharias said, “Don’t move. I’ll rub some oil on that.” Shirley remained seated, waiting for Zacharias to return with the medical kit.
When he was done rubbing the oil on her feet, Shirley smacked her cheeks.
She thought she was getting drunk. She wasn’t wasted. Instead, she was only a bit tipsy from all the alcohol today.
Zacharias took a shower. He’d met too many people today and hated how he was smelling. So, he decided to take a shower before having a good talk with Shirley. Moments later, he came out of the bathroom wearing a cotton robe. He immediately turned his attention to Shirley.
Shirley was on the couch, head in her hand. She was probably taking a break or freshening herself up. Oh, right. She’s not a good drinker. But… I remember seeing her having at least two glasses of alcohol earlier, Zacharias thought.
Zacharias imbibed quite a bit as well. Nevertheless, he was a better drinker than she was. So, he took a seat, causing Shirley to jolt awake from her impromptu slumber. Still, there was no hiding the slight daze in her eyes. She blinked her eyes several times before pulling her hair away from her face. Then, she rose to her feet and decided to get a shower. “I’ll-” Zacharias gently tugged on her arm, causing her to fall into his embrace. Due to his actions, her lips were inches away from his face. She had a feeling he was being cheeky, rendering her momentarily speechless. Finally, she said in exasperation, “What do you want?” “What do you think I want?” asked Zacharias.
“How am I supposed to know what you want?” Shirley played dumb, even though she’d seen through him.
“Do you really want to know?” Zacharias smiled.
Shirley nodded. “Mhm.” Zacharias held the back of her head and leaned in for a kiss. To her, it felt more like a little mischievous nibble.