Filed to story: Finding the Secret Daddy for My Baby Novel
‘I haven’t eaten yet. Let’s have a meal together!” Zacharias suddenly wanted to dine with Shirley. His suggestion to stay and eat here surprised her, and she found it even more inappropriate.
“No…” she whispered in refusal. However, the man turned and walked into the private room. She hurriedly followed before she heard Zacharias introducing himself, “Hello, Grandma. I am Zacharias Flintstone, Shirley’s boyfriend.”
Shirley felt like this man had gone crazy. How could he assume the role of her boyfriend so naturally when they hadn’t even started anything? He spoke so naturally about something that hadn’t happened yet.
Ava was astonished. “You are Shirley’s boyfriend?”
Lyra’s surprise was evident. After catching Zacharias’ last name, Carlisle fixed his gaze on the man, his mind racing. Wait a minute! That sounds familiar! Where have I heard it?
“Please scoot over a bit,” Zacharias said to Carlisle. After Carlisle quickly moved over, Zacharias promptly took Shirley’s seat. Upon entering, she noticed Zacharias seated and urged, “Hurry back!”
“I will after I finish the meal,” Zacharias replied, moving her cutlery to his side as he used Shirley’s fork and teacup.
“Shirley, what’s going on? You have a boyfriend?” Ava was somewhat confused. Her granddaughter hadn’t mentioned anything to her!
Meanwhile, Carlisle’s eyes were fixed on Zacharias. At this moment, Zacharias removed his mask, revealing his face. Carlisle stared at him in shock. “Are you… the Vice President, Mr. Zacharias Flintstone?”
This question surprised the two elderly ladies on the other side. While their interest in politics was limited, it was evident from Carlisle’s expression that the young man in front of them was, indeed, Zacharias.
“Please, not so loud.” Zacharias smiled.
Shirley pulled a chair and sat down, unwrapping a new set of cutleries. Since Zacharias wanted to have a meal here, she might as well eat with him and accompany him back later.
“Hello, Mr. Flintstone. I-It’s an honor to meet you,” Carlisle stammered in excitement.
“Hello.” Zacharias nodded and then turned to the two elderly ladies who were scrutinizing him. “Hello, madams.”
“Cheri works for you, doesn’t she?” Ava exclaimed in surprise. She never expected her granddaughter to be in a relationship with him.
Despite Lyra’s confusion, it was evident that her grandson’s blind date had not gone well. She acknowledged that Shirley had discovered a more remarkable and attractive partner.
“Cheri, sit down and eat quickly! We rarely get the chance to have a meal with Mr. Flintstone,” Ava offered happily. At this moment, Tony approached with a plate from his table. “Do you mind if I join you?”
“And who is this?” Ava was surprised again.
“He’s my uncle,” Tony grinned. “I’m his nephew.”
“Please sit! Let’s eat together.” Ava welcomed him.
Fortunately, the private room was spacious enough, and they had ordered plenty of dishes. However, Shirley’s heart was in her mouth, as Zacharias’ identity was too conspicuous.
“So, Miss Lloyd has a boyfriend now! That’s wonderful.” Lyra sighed. Zacharias smiled at those words. “Yes, ma’am. We’ve been dating for two months.”
Carlisle completely had no intention of competing against Zacharias. He was just thrilled to be sitting at the same table with Zacharias. In fact, this was an experience Carlisle could boast about for a lifetime.
Feeling awkward, Shirley wished she could hide under the table. She pondered, What on earth is Zacharias up to? Why is he asserting that we’re dating without my consent? Hold on, when did we even begin dating? When did he become my boyfriend? He better not be spouting nonsense! It’s not true at all! Internally, she vehemently denied his claim, but externally, she simply obediently continued eating her food. Revealing his lie in public was not an option; after all, Zacharias held the esteemed position of Vice President. Considering his high-profile identity, Shirley opted to spare him the embarrassment.
“You’ve been dating for two months, Cheri. Why didn’t you tell me?” Ava reproached her granddaughter. She wouldn’t have arranged this lunch if she had known earlier. She would have spared the Dawson Family the embarrassment.
“Grandma, we… we haven’t officially started dating.”
“They’ve just slept together,” Tony quipped. Shirley was so close to covering his mouth with her hand. Blushing, she complained, “Tony Flintstone, please shut up.”
Zacharias chuckled. “Grandma, due to my position, Shirley hasn’t made this public yet.”
Ava immediately understood what he meant. “Oh! I see! It makes sense. After all, your focus is on work right now. No hurry. You can take your time.” As she spoke, she couldn’t stop smiling
Lyra was also happy for her. Although Carlisle liked Shirley at first sight, he didn’t dare to express it now. Moreover, the more he looked, the more he felt that Shirley and Zacharias were a better match.
“Grandma, we’re done eating. Mr. Flintstone, don’t you have a meeting to attend?” Shirley smiled at Zacharias, her eyes hinting at something.
Zacharias nodded. He, too, didn’t want to disturb their lunch any longer. “Yes, the meeting is about to start.” “Grandma, Old Madam Dawson, Mr. Dawson, we’ll take our leave. Mr. Dawson, could you please take my Grandma home? Thank you.” She stood up, reached out to grab Zacharias’ arm, and called Tony to come along. “Tony, let’s go!” She couldn’t leave Tony here; otherwise, her grandmother would overhear everything about her and Zacharias. Tony smiled, said goodbye to everyone, and left. Then, Shirley turned around and reminded Zacharias, “Put on your mask.” After watching him obediently put on his mask, she nervously looked around before accompanying him downstairs.
Inside the car, Zacharias took off his mask. Shirley let out a sigh of relief and turned to him, scolding him in a low voice, “Why did you come over?” Seeing her genuinely upset, he replied truthfully, “I didn’t want someone else to take you away.” She choked and said, “Take me away? What are you talking about? I have a mind of my own. I’m not a commodity that can be taken away with just a glance!” Zacharias let out a chuckle. “Are you trying to comfort me?” “Absolutely not.” Shirley flushed red. “You shouldn’t have come. Now that my Grandma knows, my parents will also know tomorrow. The day after tomorrow…” She felt a bit overwhelmed. After all, this was an extremely awkward situation as she had never openly discussed her relationship issues.
“So, what if the whole world knows? Can’t we love each other?” he asked with his eyes narrowed.
“When did I fall in love with you?” She expressed that she didn’t even know something like this had happened. He reached out and rubbed the back of her head. “You will sooner or later.” Biting her red lips, Shirley chose not to argue with Zacharias for now. She would deal with it when they got back. After all, there were bodyguards in the car, and she didn’t want to talk to him at the moment.
Throughout the journey, his gaze frequently fell on the girl beside him, appreciating her elegant and beautiful profile. It was like admiring a static painting; the view gave him the urge to make a drawing of her and preserve it.
Finally, they arrived at the Flintstone Residence. After getting out of the car, she opened the door, inviting the man inside before entering herself.
“All right, scold me however you want!” Zacharias opened his hands. Shirley looked at him with strange eyes. “Why would I scold you?” “Didn’t I ruin your blind date today? Aren’t you angry?” She had been quietly pouting during their journey home. With his chest tightened nervously, he wanted to let off some steam when they came back to the residence. She shook her head. “No need. I’ll explain this to Grandma later.” “Why do you have to do that?” He raised his eyebrows.
“Do you think now is the right time to be in a relationship? You better focus on your work!” Shirley advised. Zacharias had just taken office. If rumors of their relationship spread, it would surely affect public opinion.
It could also provide an opportunity for those who had objections to him to use this as a pretext to suppress him. She hoped he would consolidate his political power before diving into a romantic relationship.
This was what she had been thinking about throughout the journey. Everything was for his sake.
Zacharias’ handsome face froze for a few seconds. Eventually, he stepped forward, hugged her, and uttered, “Okay, I’ll listen to you.” Shirley pushed him away, or at least she tried to. But since he didn’t budge, she stopped resisting. As she let him hold her, she felt the collision of two hearts in the quiet hall.
However, good things are always short-lived. Tony, who had just arrived, pushed open the door and saw the two people embracing in the hall. “I caught you again. Are you going to keep refusing to admit it?” he teased with a smile, his arms crossed.
“We are doing it openly. How are we not admitting it?” Zacharias grumpily looked at his nephew. He felt like the younger man had disturbed him at the wrong time.
Shirley had nothing to say to this uncle-nephew pair. What kind of uncle would tell his nephew to follow her anyway? They were definitely on the same side!
“I’ll go to my room first,” Shirley said. After she went back to her room, she called Ava. At this moment, her grandmother had just been sent back home by the Dawson Family.
Ava was happy to receive a call from Shirley.
“Grandma, there is something I need your help with.” Shirley went straight to the point. Ava smiled and asked, “Oh? My help? What is it?” “It’s about me and Zacharias, Grandma, please don’t tell my parents about us. I don’t want them to know just yet. Also, don’t tell anyone, especially because of Zacharias’ identity. We should keep it to ourselves.” Ava had been through a lot and understood what Shirley meant. “Don’t worry!” She nodded. “I will keep it a secret for you. Whenever you want to talk about it, just let me know! But you and Zacharias are really in a relationship, right? That part is true, right?” Shirley hesitated. “We…” Ava knew Shirley was shy and reluctant to admit it. With a smile, she reassured her granddaughter, “Alright, I won’t inquire about what is going on between you youngsters. But I hope you don’t miss out on such a good man. I would like it if he were my son-in-law.” Shirley could only whisper, “Grandma, is it settled then? Don’t tell anyone, okay?” “Okay, trust me! I will also remind the Dawson Family.” “Alright. Thank you, Grandma.” After soothing Ava, Shirley couldn’t help but breathe a sigh of relief. In the evening, after the servants prepared dinner, Shirley accompanied Zacharias and Tony for dinner. Zacharias’ phone rang then. “Hello?” He spoke into the phone after picking it up.
“The preparations for the trip abroad three days later are ready.” Freddie’s voice came through the phone.
“Good,” Zacharias replied. Shirley glanced at him, wanting to ask but feeling that she shouldn’t interfere. After all, this was about a man’s job.