Filed To Story: Finding the Secret Daddy for My Baby Novel
“Very well then, Zach.” Ava didn’t like honoraries either.
“He’ll be having dinner with us tonight,” said Shirley.
“Oh, good. I can show off my cooking.” Happily, Ava went into the kitchen to work. Shirley wanted to help, but Ava kicked her out. “Go and accompany my future grandson-in-law.” That was what she said.
Shirley covered her mouth and came back out, smiling. She saw Zacharias looking at the photos around the house. Ava’s house had an Eastern design. Standing in this house, Zacharias looked a little different than he usually was. Shirley came up to him and held his arm.
Zacharias smiled. “So, when are your parents coming back for Christmas?”
Oh, he wants to meet my parents. Shirley pursed her lips and shook her head. “No idea. They haven’t called me yet.”
She’s trying to run away. Zacharias put an arm around Shirley’s shoulder. “Why don’t I invite your family to celebrate Christmas at my place this year?”
Shirley’s eyes went wide. “Really?”
“Yes. Should be more fun celebrating Christmas with two families around,” said Zacharias.
Oh, right. There’s only him, his dad, and Tony celebrating Christmas anyway. It’s a little quiet. Shirley nodded. “Sure. We’ll celebrate Christmas together.” Shirley then helped Ava wash the greens and set up the table.
Zacharias fell in love with Shirley more, seeing her working hard.
Ava made a five-course meal. Homemade food, of course. It felt like home having dinner here. Zacharias felt nostalgic. It had been too long since he had homemade food. Ever since his mother’s passing, that household didn’t feel like home. Back when he was a teenager, his father hired the best servants around to cook for him, but the food never tasted like home. Now, he found that taste again.
“Eat your greens, Zach,” said Ava.
“You’re a good cook, Ava. I love these.” Zacharias smiled.
Ava loved the compliments. She liked Zacharias. Both Zacharias and Shirley had their fill. Later, they walked out of Ava’s house, and Zacharias suggested they take a walk.
Shirley smiled. “Don’t make things hard for Roy and his men. Let’s go home and just walk around the field.”
Zacharias nodded. “Of course.”
They walked to the car. Even though the stretch of road outside Ava’s house was a quiet spot, a car hidden nearby had someone in it aiming their camera at the couple. The person took careful but clear shots. In the photo, Zacharias was holding Shirley’s hand, and in the photo of them in the car, Zacharias had an arm around Shirley’s shoulder. The person also took photos of Zacharias kissing Shirley’s hair and them sharing an embrace.
It was obvious they were in love. The person only tucked their phone away after Zacharias’ convoy was gone. They sent the pictures to a private account and called someone.
“What?”
“Those photos I just sent? Latest news. Zacharias is seeing someone.”
“Which family is the lady from?”
“Looking into it ASAP.”
“Tell me everything after you find it. If we want to take Zacharias down, we have to go for his weakness, or he’s not going to fall for any tricks. It was our failure that he didn’t die in the explosion last time. This time, we can’t fail.”
“Understood. We’ll find everything we can about that woman and start all preparations.”
The couple came to the field outside Flintstone Residence, where silvery moonlight shone. It was spacious and quiet. On a whim, Shirley jumped onto Zacharias’ back. Zacharias quickly held her steady and carried her on his back.
Shirley rested her head on Zacharias’ shoulder and happily enjoyed the piggyback ride. “I loved piggyback rides when I was little,” said Shirley, reminiscing.
“You were adorable as a child. Of course, everyone loved to give you piggyback rides.” Zacharias smiled. He was reminded of Shirley when she was younger, and he cursed himself for never trying to even give her a hug.
Shirley asked, “Was I really that cute when I was a kid?”
“Yep, you were,” said Zacharias honestly, nodding. Shirley was reminded of that time he brought up the talk about kids. If we have kids, I wonder who they’ll take after. Me or him?
Christmas was coming soon. Shirley got a call from her mother. Her folks were coming back, so she went home and told the servants to clean the whole place. It would be good to have a reunion. It had only been ten minutes after Shirley hung up when her mother called again. It surprised Shirley. Did Mom forget to tell me something? She took the call. “Hey, Mom. Anything you need to tell me?”
“I just talked to your grandmother. She told me you’re dating Zacharias? Angela was shocked like she had heard the most fantastical news.
Shirley pursed her lips. Okay, didn’t think Grandma would spill the tea. Sheepish but honest, Shirley answered, “Yes, we’re dating.”
“Tell us when you’re taking him to see us. We need to get ready for it.” Angela smiled.
Shirley thought Angela would lecture her. After all, she did start dating without telling her family. She didn’t think Angela would talk about the meeting with the parents. “You and Dad have to get ready before you come back. Zacharias said we’ll be celebrating Christmas together. Both our families.”
“Oh, that’s fast.” Angela was delighted. “I thought we’d have to wait for a while.”
“You aren’t surprised I’m dating someone, Mom?” Shirley asked, curious.
“Nope. Who do you think wanted you to get that internship? Not your dad. Yes, it was me all along. I wanted you to date Zacharias.”
Shirley’s eyes went wide. What? Mom got that internship for me on purpose? “So, you’ve been planning this all along, Mom? I can’t…” Shirley was at a loss for words.
“I know. Unbelievable, right? Just a hop and a skip, and hey presto, Zacharias is now your fiancé.” Angela was happy she made this decision.
Shirley was half amused, half annoyed. So, Mom set me up.
“I’ll tell your father about this. You kids get along now.” Angela hung up.
Shirley put her phone down and smiled happily. Maybe destiny wanted us to be together.
Three days later, Shirley was told that Imogen had been extradited. She would serve her sentence in the nation. Her sentence? Life imprisonment. Shirley didn’t feel fazed hearing that piece of news. Everyone has to pay for their actions.
It was late at night. In a private, upscale tea shop, three silhouettes congregated. The light was dim, so their faces could not be seen. On the table were photos of Shirley and her parents. The trio fell into their thoughts.
“We cannot go after her unless we’re out of our minds.”
“Our target is Zacharias. Only when he steps down or disappears will it benefit us, or we’re going to be kicked out of the game.”
“Zacharias’ policies are impossible for us. He’s obviously coming after us. His ascension to power will rid us of our strength. Apparently, he’s dating this woman because he wants the power and backing of her family. They can strengthen his hold on his position.”
“We need to come up with a perfect plan. This time, we cannot let Zacharias escape.”
The trio’s eyes glinted cruelly. These men were Zacharias’ enemies. They were also the ones who sent killers after Zacharias on the highway, but Lady Luck was on Zacharias’ side at that time, and he escaped.