Filed To Story: Finding the Secret Daddy for My Baby Novel
Shirley originally didn’t stand a chance, but with Zacharias sitting beside her, she suddenly gained a sense of confidence. It seemed as though she didn’t need to worry about losing; she had developed a mentality that she would win for sure.
Tony played each move very seriously. Actually, he was rather experienced.
Shirley habitually turned her head to the man beside her, and only after receiving his approval would she make her move.
After one game, Tony lost again. Shirley, on the other hand, was delighted. The feeling of victory was pure and joyful.
“Let’s play again. I’m sure I can’t keep losing to you guys, Tony said with increasing determination. As Shirley picked up a piece, unsure where to place it, a warm hand gently held hers, deciding a position for her.
Her heart skipped a beat. The warmth from the man’s hand seemed to penetrate her soul, both alluring and heartwarming. Moreover, this sense of being controlled reminded her of the feeling of kissing him- of willingly surrendering to him, which was a delightful and wonderful sensation.
Tony didn’t notice the peculiar atmosphere on the other side of the chessboard.
He had no idea that while he was focused on the game, the couple across from him engaged in affectionate behavior.
Even though Zacharias was flirting, he remained level-headed, and by the end of the game, he broke Tony’s carefully designed chess formation.
“I give up,” Tony conceded, frustrated. Coincidentally, lunch was ready, too.
“Mr. Zacharias, Mr. Tony, lunch is ready.” A servant announced to them. Hungry, Tony stood up and said, “Come on, it’s time to eat!” Shirley stood up with Zacharias, staying close by her side. His behavior of prioritizing her made her feel as though she hadn’t come to Flintstone Estate for lunch as a bodyguard but as his girlfriend, meeting his parents for the first time.
When the notion came to her, Shirley couldn’t help blushing. With Tony bringing a lively atmosphere to the table, lunch wasn’t dull.
“Zach, try not to make public appearances again. I was really worried about you this time,” Josef said.
“Understood.” Zacharias nodded. Then, Josef shifted his gaze, which was laced with a smile, toward Shirley. “Miss Lloyd, thank you very much for being with Zach, taking care of him, and protecting him.” “Just doing my job,” Shirley said, feeling somewhat embarrassed.
“You’re not getting any younger, Zach. As important as work is, you need to consider your love life,” Josef reminded.
Tony, on the side, immediately chuckled. “Grandpa Josef, don’t worry. Uncle Zacharias already has someone he likes.”
Josef’s eyes instantly lit up. “Oh! Really?” “It’s true. Uncle Zacharias is in the middle of pursuing her. No need to worry about his love life,” Tony hinted.
Shirley, face flushed, lowered her head and focused on her food. She wished Tony would stop talking about that. Oh, how mortifying. Moreover, she could sense Zacharias’ eyes on her.
“Wonderful. Glad to know that Zach has it at the back of his mind.” Josef nodded. He could tell from Zacharias’ gaze that he liked Shirley. That said, he wouldn’t mention it explicitly.
However, he was worried that Shirley might not be interested in Zacharias. As excellent as his son was, love couldn’t be forced. What if Zach’s not her type?
Besides, Miss Lloyd can marry any man she wants!
As Zacharias had a meeting in the afternoon, he returned to Flintstone Residence after lunch. Shirley, on the other hand, asked Tony to send her to her grandmother’s house.
Zacharias wouldn’t take her along on trips now anyway, so she had plenty of free time. After dropping Shirley off at her grandmother’s, Tony went off for some fun but was also asked by Shirley to pick her up later.
He was more than happy to be of her service, for he had already recognized her as his future aunt-in- law, though she was only three years older than him.
At her grandmothers’, Shirley was a cherished child. Ava not only prepared delicious food for her but also bought her gifts and even clothes.
“Look at you, dressed like a tomboy all the time. How will any boy like you?” Ava complained.
“If nobody likes me, I won’t get married then. I’ll stay with my parents and you, turning into an old spinster.” Shirley teased her grandmother.
Ava immediately opposed this idea. “You can’t think like that. There are so many outstanding young men now. Find one to marry. You’ll have someone to rely on in the future, too.” At that, Ava thought of a friend with an excellent grandson, and she suddenly had an idea. “Shir, are you free this weekend?” Shirley nodded and said, “I’ll have all the time in the world if you need me.” Now that she was familiar with Zacharias, asking for leave was very convenient.
“Okay, reserve this weekend for me. I want you to accompany me for a meal,” Ava said, temporarily avoiding the topic of matchmaking. She was afraid Shirley wouldn’t agree.
She would already be on the path to success once the two youngsters met.
Thus, she decided to deceive her granddaughter into going if that was what it took.
“Sure, I’ll come and accompany you this weekend.” Shirley nodded. Ava smiled gratifyingly. “I thought your mother was already old when she married. You should already start seriously looking now. I worry you’ll get too old for the marriage market if you get too picky.” “Grandma, I’m not at the age to be pressured into marriage yet, am I?” Shirley argued, finding her grandmother’s point of view somewhat ridiculous.
“Time passes in the blink of an eye. You should hurry.” Ava had come to an age where she didn’t have much to do anymore. Now, to her, seeing her granddaughter marry into a good family was her greatest wish.
Seeing how enthusiastic her grandmother was to discuss this topic, Shirley decided to just entertain her. Either way, she had her own ideas about marriage.
“Alright, I’ll do as you say and think seriously about it.” She nodded.
Sure enough, Ava became even happier, and she got up to bring Shirley the freshly baked buns from the oven. She had learned to make pastry recently, and she was amazing at it.
She usually baked these for her friends. In no time, the table was filled with various baked goods. Shirley nestled on the couch and enjoyed her grandmother’s pastries and tea. At 7.30P.M., Shirley’s phone pinged, and she checked it to find a certain someone urging her.
‘Why haven’t you come back yet?’ Zacharias texted. ‘I’m waiting for Tony to pick me up. It’ll take another moment, she replied, so he suggested picking her up.
‘No need! Shirley immediately replied again. ‘I don’t want to make a fuss..
‘I’ll urge Tony! Zacharias decided not to press her further.
Shirley looked at the somewhat childish reply while nestled on the couch. Who could’ve imagined that it was from the Zacharias?
Just then, the television was broadcasting the news, and Shirley turned her head to see a handsome face enlarged on the screen.
It was Zacharias’ recent updates, and the camera zoomed in so close that it seemed like there were no secrets. Nevertheless, he was impossibly good looking, and even under such close scrutiny, he remained composed, exuding a restrained aura.
Shirley’s gaze unconsciously shifted to the screen, and it wasn’t until the footage switched that she realized she had been gawking at the man for a long time.
As for the content being broadcasted on the news, she hadn’t absorbed a word.
Just then, Tony’s call came in, and she answered, “Hey, Tony.” “Hey, Goddess, I’m on my way to you. I should be there in about ten minutes.” “No need to rush. Drive safely,” Shirley advised.
“You treat me the best, Goddess!” Tony sighed on the other end.
Shirley couldn’t help but smile. Just how afraid is Tony of Zacharias?
She stood up and told her grandmother that she was leaving, and Ava immediately packed some snacks for her. “Take these back to share with your friends.” “Grandma, you don’t have to. Keep them to entertain your friends.” “I’ve made so much. Just take them,” Ava insisted. Shirley thought it would be good to bring some back for Tony to eat and share a bit with Imogen. Carrying the packed food, she put on her suit jacket from the hangar and went outside to wait.
She didn’t want to keep Tony waiting. After about five minutes of waiting outside, she saw Tony’s car approaching. His flashy sports car was quite eye-catching.