Filed to story: Returning to Her Not-So-Poor Family
“Mr. McMillian, are you fond of chess? I’ve liked it since childhood, not quite as skilled as Jamie Noelle though.” Lindsay glanced at Mirabella as she spoke, “But my mentors always said I had a unique style.
If you ever get bored and need some company, I’d be delighted to join you.”
Phillip was taken aback, his gaze fixed on Mirabella for a moment, “Jamie Noelle??”
He then turned to the other gentlemen, “Bella’s Jamie Noelle?”
How was he not aware of this?
The group of elders nodded, observing him with an amused look that seemed to say, “You’re just finding out now??”
Philip recollected the memory of long ago, when Enid had gifted his spouse a set of checkers. Mirabella had immediately spotted them as knock-offs. Enid was relentless, refusing to believe her gift was not genuine. Mirabella, without missing a beat, had presented a real set and graciously passed it on to Shirley.
That set had been a gift from Eugene to Mirabella, who then re-gifted them to Shirley.
The whole affair had tugged at Eugene’s heartstrings for quite some time.
It never crossed his mind that she was Jamie Noelle.
How come she was Jamie Noelle.
“My girl, you’ve really impressed me!” Philip said with admiration, clapping Mirabella on the shoulder.
“You should join me for a game or two sometimes and keep me company.”
Lindsay, overhearing this, saw an opportunity for Mirabella and quickly chimed in, “Besides checkers, I also enjoy playing the piano and composing lyrics. If Grandpa Philip would like some music or to dabble in some creative writing, I’d be more than happy to share.”
“When it comes to the arts, Mabel’s no slouch either,” Amanda interjected, emerging from the crowd with a kindly smile. “Don’t let her young age fool you. She’s already passed grade eight piano exam, and she spends her time painting.”
“My Sylvia is just as talented,” Mr. Gardner piped up, stepping forward, ready to boast about his own granddaughter’s prowess. But before he could continue, a murmur spread through the crowd.
Romeo had arrived!!Dressed in a sharp suit, he exuded a remarkable presence, with his lean figure cutting a dashing silhouette, His entrance alone captivated the attention of many.
“Is that Romeo??”
The cluster around Philip dispersed as everyone made a beeline for the newcomer.
Philip explained to Eugene, “I thought I’d have my grandson give the other parents a once-over, that’s all right with you, isn’t it?”
Eugene’s invitation had been for Philip alone.
But Philip had brought Romeo along.
Eugene, seeing through the ruse, said with a grin, “I suspect you’re just trying to play matchmaker, giving the young couple a chance to spend time together.”
Philip’s scheme had been spotted sooner than he expected, and he beamed with delight.
Meanwhile, Mirabella watched her fiancé surrounded by a crowd, a sly smile playing on her lips.
Phyllis had always dreamed of marrying Romeo, and as she spotted him, she dashed forward to take the lead. Just as she neared him, she stumbled, poised to fall right into his arms.
Whether Romeo caught her or not, she was destined to end up in his embrace.
But in the next second, Romeo smoothly sidestepped, avoiding her fall perfectly.
Phyllis crashed onto the lawn, in so much pain she couldn’t get up.She hadn’t anticipated that Romeo wouldn’t even pretend to catch her!
Roxanne, delighted at Phyllis’s embarrassment, quickly picked up a piece of cake from nearby and trotted over to Romeo.
“Hi Romeo, I’m Roxanne. Grandpa Philip used to carry me when I was little.” She handed him the cake with a smile. “You just got here and I guess you haven’t tried the birthday cake yet. It’s quite delicious tonight. Give it a taste.”
Romeo glanced her way and then looked away just as quickly.
Roxanne, struck by a sudden thought, blurted out, “Something nobody’s ever tried before.”
Without pausing for a second, Romeo strode past her, leaving behind a crisp, invigorating scent.
She couldn’t help but inhale deeply, savoring the aroma. Was this the allure of a mature man?
She liked it a lot.
Through the thick crowd, Romeo spotted the young girl surrounded by a group of old men, all smiles and laughter. Just as he considered approaching, another figure stepped in his path.
“Are you one of Mr. Eugene’s guests too? I see everyone’s eager to chat you up. It must be so bothersome, right?” Madeline feigned ignorance about Romeo’s identity, putting on a quirky face. “I could pretend to be your girlfriend to fend off some of those admirers for you.”
Romeo gave her a cold glance. Was she Daydreaming??
Did he look like someone who needed a fake girlfriend??
Mabel knew that to deal with a man like him, beating around the bush wouldn’t work. She declared her feelings openly in front of everyone.
“Hello Romeo, my name is Mabel. I’ve liked you for three years.”
The guests were taken aback. How bold was the girl to confess her feelings in front of so many people.
“Three years ago, you attended a business event of your group, and it was covered by CTV. I saw you on TV, working so diligently, and I just fell for you. Tonight, Serena brought her new boyfriend here, so I’m guessing you two must have split. You’re always so busy, I don’t know if I’d ever get the chance tocare for you, to be there for you, even if not as a girlfriend. You could date several girls at once, I don’t mind. I’m confident that one day I’ll catch your eyes.”
After pouring her heart out, Mabel waited eagerly and nervously for the response of the man in front of her.
To call him a man might be inaccurate, as Romeo was actually only in his twenties.
But to call him a young guy seemed off too, given his sharp, mature features.
“I’ve already got someone I like,” Romeo said, brushing past them and heading straight to Mirabella.
“When did you get here?”
“Just after seven.”
“Alright, let’s give the young couple some space, shall we? Let’s go inside for a couple of more drinks.”
Eugene signaled the old gentlemen to move away, leaving room for the young pair.
Mirabella looked at Romeo with interest. “Quite popular, aren’t you?”
Romeo flashed a charming smile. “There are not so many dudes here tonight. If there are more, it might take me weeks to reach you.”
Mirabella couldn’t help but laugh. “Stop it.”
“I heard you made tonight’s cake?”
With that, Mirabella handed him a slice of cake. “How did you know? Want a taste?”
“Grandpa was bragging about it just now; he said your cake made him happier than winning the lottery.
I was dealing with some work at the time, but all I could think about was your cake.” Romeo took a bite with his fork.”How is it?”
“Yummy. Will you make one for my birthday too?” He scooped up another bite and brought it to her lips.
The cream touched her lips, sending an involuntary thrill through him, an irresistible temptation.
Watching her lips, Romeo suddenly had an urge to kiss them.
Mirabella saw the cake right at her lips, too close to refuse. She took a bite and said playfully, “Is that too much?”
It was all too deliberate.
Was he just trying to show everyone that he was no longer available?
” Not at all, I am already low-key for not making a public announcement with fanfare.” Romeo said, offering her another bite with a smile.
“I’m stuffed,” Mirabella admitted, having polished off a substantial meal.
“Could you make me one?” he asked.
He longed for a cake like that, one that was his and his alone.
“When your birthday comes, tell me what style you want in advance.”
Was that a yes??
“Really? I can choose the style?” Romeo’s smile softened his entire demeanor, his gaze tender and unyielding as it remained fixed on Mirabella.
Whispers rippled through the crowd.
“Is Romeo dating Jamie Noelle? They’re looking well matched, like a couple!”
“Weren’t there rumors about the Collins and the McMillian families having a marriage arrangement?
Isn’t Serena supposed to be Romeo’s fiancée? Yet here she is with Martin tonight, and Romeo’s feeding Jamie Noelle cake. What’s going on?”
“Could it be that they’ve had a spat and are trying to make each other jealous with this public display?”
