Zoey felt like she was under surveillance, an uneasy sensation that left her at a loss for words.
Henry, sensing her discomfort, attempted to break the ice. "Zoey, how did your parents' check-up go last time?" "They're both pretty healthy, thankfully." "And you? Didn't you have a check-up too? How did that turn out?" "All clear, everything's good." Relief washed over Henry, his lips curving into a soft smile as he peeled a shrimp for her.
Henry had a gentle nature, and at thirty, was at an age where both men and women found their stride in charm.
Every tZoey dined out with him, she was pampered and cared for.
This was the kind of simple, unassuming happiness she desired. Besides, her parents were right; Henry's family lived in Zion City, making future visits convenient. She certainly didn't fancy the idea of moving far away - it would make visiting her parents quite a hassle.
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇtToday, she had planned to discuss all this with Henry and to officially define their relationship.
But with someone obviously eavesdropping next to them, she felt too embarrassed to bring it up.
Fitch had ordered his meal but hadn't touched his utensils, sitting quietly like a human surveillance device.
Every tZoey glanced sideways, she caught his gaze, adding to her discomfort.
Barely half an hour into the meal, and Zoey couldn't take it anymore.
"Henry, let's just go." He nodded in agreement, his appetite gone too. Even Henry, with his usually calm demeanor, felt Fitch's behavior was beyond normal.
After paying the bill, Zoey's mind was restless, feeling she hadn't clarified things with Henry.
But then, Henry took her hand, his voice tender. "Zoey, I know what you want to say, and I'm all in." Zoey breathed a sigh of relief, pausing in her tracks.
They stood under the shade of a large tree just outside the restaurant. She looked up at Henry, about to suggest they find a tfor both their parents to meet, but before she could finish her sentence, a nearby car's headlights suddenly flared on.
Blinded by the bright lights, she instinctively raised her hand to shield her eyes.
They had been standing in a dim area, but now, illuminated as if under a spotlight, it could appear to the uninformed that they were up to something shady.
Annoyed, Zoey couldn't make out who was behind the wheel due to the blinding lights.
Follow on Novᴇl-Onlinᴇ.cᴏmTaking a deep breath, she suggested, "Henry, let's just talk at home." Henry's brow furrowed with irritation - yet another interruption to their evening. "Alright, we'll talk at home." They walked away from the glaring、 lights, SP Zoey immediately spotted the luxury car that havedisturbed them, her anger flaring. sw Henry, however, pulled her close. "Zoey, let it go." Initially, Zoey thought it was an accident, but seeing that sman again, she knew it was deliberate.
Her chest heaved with suppressed frustration.
Henry patted her back and opened the passenger door of his car for her.
"I'll take you home." Zoey was silent, her earlier excitement now dampened.
Back home, Curtis greeted her with curiosity. "How did it go?" Feeling better, Zoey reassured him, "We're official now, Dad. You and Mom don't have to worry about me.' Curtis beamed with joy, patting her back affectionately.
"That's my girl. I'll have a buddy of mine check out his family background. If all is well, we'll Iarrange a meeting. And when you're ready to get engaged, just give us the word." Zoey's heart warmed, and she smiled.
"Mhm." Lying in bed later, her phone pinged. Expecting a message from Henry, she was surprised to find a note from her school.
[Ms. March, an investor specifically requested that their child be placed in your class, effective immediately.
When you cto school tomorrow, please take a moment to acquaint the child with the class.] Zoey hadn't submitted any applications; how had this landed on her plate? [Is there a mix-up? I don't even know this person.] [The information we received confirms it. The child will be at school tomorrow.] Zoey felt a wave of misfortune wash over her - what a day!