Filed to story: Finding the Secret Daddy for My Baby Novel
Flintstone.” Shirley’s chest felt tight at those words. She wanted to tell Imogen something.
However, the fear of causing her friend pain held Shirley back. They had a close bond, and Shirley couldn’t bear the thought of hurting anyone, especially someone she considered a friend.
Shirley remained unaware that Imogen had orchestrated this situation with the intention of making her feel guilty.
Zacharias was already at the airport when the two women arrived. After they boarded the plane, Shirley and he were in the same cabin while the bodyguards were in another.
As Zacharias had many documents to review, Freddie was helping him organize. Shirley’s eyes had a hint of pain when she stared at him. When the plane was about to take off, Zacharias said to her, “Sit next to me.” Shirley then moved to his side. Seeing this, he turned to her with a smile. As the plane accelerated, his hand naturally covered hers.
Shirley felt a warmth in her heart and silently allowed him to hold her hand.
Freddie, who sat at the back, couldn’t see what they were doing.
This hidden love affair was like a sapling quietly growing in their hearts. Shirley didn’t struggle to define her feelings for Zacharias. She just followed her heart.
On the plane, Imogen wanted to go to Zacharias’ cabin, but her identity made it inconvenient for her to do so. She truly envied Shirley. It was a given for Shirley to accompany Zacharias.
It seems that the difference in their background and status made Imogen feel like all of this was unfair. She put in so much effort, yet she didn’t receive the deserved recognition and fair treatment. Therefore, she wanted to prove that she was not inferior. As long as it aligned with ethical principles, she would reach out and seize what she desired.
Shirley stayed awake the entire time during the flight of more than ten hours.
Zacharias, on the other hand, took a nap after going through some documents, wearing an eye mask as he slept next to her.
In the quiet cabin, with only the sound of the plane outside, she leaned on the cushioned seat. Her gaze fell on the face of the man beside her.
The man wearing an eye mask displayed a proud nose, sensual lips, and a Zacharias’ face was truly one that could drive women crazy. Shirley found herself getting lost in the sight. When she snapped back to reality, she realized she had been staring at the man for quite some time.
Cradling her slightly heated face, she wondered why her mind and heart were now filled with images of this man.
They arrived in Flor 18 hours later. Shirley stood beside Zacharias, and they were given a warm welcome. Roy and six of his men stayed around Zacharias closely, watching the surroundings. They were led to the Royal Hotel, a place where VIPs stayed. Zacharias had a suite, and Shirley was waiting for Freddie to give her the card for the room. A while later, Freddie gave her the card, and he said, “Miss Lloyd, this is the key to your and Mr. Flintstone’s room. Keep it close.” Shirley’s eyes went wide. “What? Mr. Flintstone and I are sharing a room?” “Yes. It is his request.” Freddie smiled. Shirley looked at him and nodded awkwardly. “I see. Shirley pushed her luggage into Zacharias’ room. When she came in, Zacharias was on the couch, making a call. He then pointed at a guest room, telling Shirley that that was her room.
Shirley took her luggage into the room. Since they would be staying for a week or longer, she opened up her luggage and unpacked it, and then she hung the clothes.
When she was done unpacking her luggage, she saw Zacharias” luggage still in the living quarters, so she took them into her room and was going to sort it out for him.
Zacharias was done making his call, and he came into the room. “You’re going to sort it out for me?” “Yes. Open these up, please. I don’t have the passcode,” said Shirley.
Zacharias crouched down and opened up the suitcases. There were clothes and necessities inside. Shirley thought he was good at packing his things, unlike most guys who would only stuff their belongings without a care in the world. She took his clothes out and hung them.
Zacharias pointed at one of the underpants. “You gave me these.” Shirley looked at the underpants. “I gave you a necktie. This was from the retail assistant.” “But to me, it’s from you anyway,” argued Zacharias.
Shirley didn’t argue back. She then noticed the necktie he was wearing. She bought that for him, too. Shirley stared at it for a few moments. Oh, it’s not bad. I have a good eye for things like that.
Zacharias looked down and held up the necktie, and then he kissed it. “Your presents are pretty. You know how to pick stuff.” That wasn’t him talking about the necktie. He was just praising Shirley in a roundabout way. Shirley went back to sorting out the clothes for him. She would be living in this suite with Zacharias for a week at least. For some reason, she was slightly looking forward to it.
Zacharias said, “I have a ball to attend tonight. Can you come with me?” Shirley blinked. “Me?” “I don’t see any other girls here,” said Zacharias, amused. There are perks to taking her along with me “Do I need to dance?” asked Shirley, nervous.
“Maybe, but it’s fine if you don’t want to,” said Zacharias. He would respect her decision. Shirley quickly said, “But I didn’t bring any dresses with me.” “I’ll deal with that. Just get ready for the ball tonight.” Zacharias chuckled. He looked forward to the ball.
It didn’t take long for Imogen to find out that Shirley was staying in the same room as Zacharias. That confirmed her guess that Shirley was hooking up with Zacharias behind her. Oh, she’s up to schemes too? Acts like she doesn’t like him when I’m around, only for that to be a ploy, so I’d lower my guard?
Imogen already had self-esteem issues because of her family background. She was a perpetual cynic who couldn’t see the good in anything. Imogen stood before the floor-to- ceiling window, a sneer curling her lips. Why do you get to live the best life while I have to stay as a bottom feeder? If I can marry Zacharias, I can be on the top echelon of this nation. This is my only chance, and you’re stealing it from me.
Just then, Imogen’s other phone rang. She picked it up and smirked. “Hi,” she said in Chinese.
“Nora?” “Yes, it’s me.” “You came to Flor?” “Yeah, on a business trip. I thought I would see you guys.” “That’s great. We’ve missed you too. We’d love to see you.” “Sure. I’ll come up with the time, and we’ll meet,” said Nora. She then hung up.
The person she talked to wasn’t some regular guy. They were from an underground organization in Flor. When Imogen was taking IT classes back in the day, she inadvertently got in touch with a hacker. They had been staying in touch for three years since then under the name of Nora. Eventually, she found out they were with the mafia. She should have cut off all ties with them, but she started getting some ideas, so instead of cutting off ties, she deepened the connection.
She showed off her skills and true self to these people and acted just like a bad girl. That made her quick friends with these people. Refusing to stay in her current hierarchy in society, Imogen tended to delve deeper into other parts of society to find a way up.
Back in the presidential suite, Shirley was lounging on the settee on the balcony, agonizing over a certain matter. She would be going to the ball later that night with Zacharias, and she knew Imogen would be there as well. She and Zacharias were going to be really close at the ball, so she wanted to tell Imogen about her relationship with Zacharias before that.
They were friends, so she had to be honest with Imogen. Shirley mused over her options, and eventually, she decided to meet Imogen. When she came back into the lounge, Zacharias was still on the couch, talking about work with Freddie. He realized she was going to leave the room, and he arched his eyebrow. “Where are you going?” “To see Imogen,” said Shirley.
Zacharias finally nodded, giving his permission. He wouldn’t let her run around all she wanted. This was a chaotic place, after all.
Shirley asked where Imogen’s room was. She got her answer, went to her friend’s room, and knocked on the door. Imogen stuck her head out of the room a while later. When she saw Shirley, she smiled happily. “I knew it was you, Shirley. Come in.” “How did you know?” Shirley went into the room.
“Instinct. My instinct has always been accurate. Imogen sat Shirley down on the couch and rested her head in her hand. “I heard you’re staying in a room with Mr. Flintstone, I envy you. You can stay close to him all day, every day. I wish I were in your place.” Shirley pursed her lips before looking at Imogen. “I have to be honest with you, Imogen.” Imogen knew what Shirley was going to say, and she sat up straighter. “Okay, hit me with it.” “You know how I told you I didn’t like Zacharias? Well, after getting to know him better, I realized that I actually like him,” said Shirley honestly.
Imogen acted stiff for a few moments, and then she smiled. “He’s a charming man, and you’ve been by his side for so long. I am not surprised you fell for him.” Shirley apologized, “Sorry. I know you like him too.” Imogen pulled her hair back. Bitterly, she said, “A commoner like me has no business loving him. Only women like you are worthy of Mr. Flintstone.” Shirley consoled her. “Don’t look down on yourself, Imogen.” “Shirley, it’s the truth. You were born to privileges most people can’t access their entire lives.” Imogen looked at Shirley calmly.
Shirley did not argue about that. Of course, she never showed off just because she was born to a good family. She just wanted to live an earnest life so she couldn’t feel how her peers felt.
Imogen laughed at herself. “You like Mr. Flintstone, and you get the chance to stay with him. I don’t.” Shirley wanted to be honest with Imogen. Zacharias made the first move, but she didn’t want to make her already downcast friend even more sullen.
“Imogen, Zacharias and I are going to attend a ball tonight. I’m his date,” said Shirley.
Imogen, after hearing this, turned her head and congratulated Shirley.
“Congratulations. I might be calling you Mrs. Flintstone in no time.” Shirley’s heart tightened. She felt that her friendship with Imogen was changing.
Perhaps… it wouldn’t be as open as it used to be.
The environment had made their friendship more fragile. Shirley smiled. “Let’s just go with the flow. I don’t want to push too hard.” This time, Shirley didn’t argue. She knew that many things were beyond her control. For example, her feelings for Zacharias. She had rejected him initially, but now, for some reason, she seemed to accept his pursuit.
Beneath Imogen’s calm exterior, her heart was tormented by pain and jealousy.
But she couldn’t say it, and she couldn’t show it. She didn’t want Shirley to see her dark side because it wasn’t time for a final falling out yet.
“Shirley, don’t burden yourself. Really, you and Zacharias are a match. I sincerely wish you both well.” Imogen pretended to be sincere.
“Thank you for your understanding.” In an attempt to apologize, Shirley brought a gift-a small box. “Here’s a brooch. It looks great on a suit. I hope you like it.” Imogen took the box and opened it. Indeed, there was a beautiful brooch sitting inside. She smilingly said, “I really like it. Thank you.” “If there’s anything you need help with, feel free to ask, Shirley mentioned.
“Alright, you should go back to Mr. Flintstone. After all, his safety is the most important.” Imogen got up to open the door and see Shirley off.
Shirley nodded and left. Once outside, she sighed with relief. She had finally explained things to Imogen.