It was clear that Tony was afraid of Zacharias. Zacharias’ mood was far from pleasant, and he cast a stern look at Tony. “Go back!”
“I won’t. I’ve brought all my luggage here, and I plan to stay for a few days to take care of you, just as per my grandpa’s instructions.”
In other words, it was Josef’s instruction. Zacharias reluctantly nodded. “You can stay for three days.”
“Yay!” Tony celebrated with a triumphant fist pump. Then, he shifted his gaze to Shirley, thrilled at the prospect of finally being able to spend time with his beloved goddess.
Zacharias glanced at her, who lowered her gaze, avoiding his eyes. His mood worsened, and he ascended the stairs.
Tony sensed his uncle’s mood, and as soon as Zacharias left, he approached her and inquired, “Goddess, who upset him?”
Shirley didn’t answer and merely shook her head.
“It can’t be a woman, can it?” Tony speculated. “If Uncle Zacharias were upset about work, someone would have borne the brunt already. He wouldn’t just bottle it up. It must be a woman who has hurt his heart.”
While he was muttering, she had already moved to stand by the door. He noticed her departure and followed her. “Goddess, you’re his bodyguard. So, you must know who he’s been in contact with. Please tell me!”
Shirley replied calmly, “Mr. Tony, please don’t disturb me while I’m working.”
Tony pulled a chair over, sat in front of her, and held a cup of tea while thoroughly enjoying the view. “Goddess, just looking at you is a spiritual delight. I’ve decided to sit here and watch you work.”
She was speechless but chose not to respond. She kept her gaze on the man, who couldn’t withstand her sharp stare for long.
“Don’t look at me like that; it’s giving me the creeps,” he said, moving the chair and opting to watch TV from the couch instead.
As snowflakes gently fell outside, Shirley’s mood suddenly brightened. The sight of snowflakes falling brought her joy.
In the study, Zacharias stood by the floor-to- ceiling window, watching the snowflakes. He sighed as if he had come to a realization. He understood that love couldn’t be forced, especially when it came to Shirley. Trying to seize it would only lead to adverse consequences,
After a day of snowfall, the outside had transformed into a beautiful wintry landscape. She opened the door to catch some snowflakes, and the landscape lights reflected in the snow, resembling beautiful ice crystals. She took out her phone and checked the time.
Not having received a message from Cole yet, Shirley took a deep breath and decided to send him a message.
‘Cole, please don’t misunderstand what happened this morning. Mr. Flintstone and I are just friends.’ She decided to keep her internship a secret, so she referred to her relationship with Zacharias as one of friendship.
After sending the message, she anxiously waited for Cole’s reply. Meanwhile, Cole had just finished his mission and returned to the dormitory. He picked up his phone and saw the message from Shirley. He fell into deep thought.
His work had been affected today because he couldn’t stop thinking about what he had witnessed in the morning. He had seen Shirley holding hands with Zacharias as they walked out of the hospital lobby. While she had quickly let go of Zacharias’ hand upon seeing him, he couldn’t help but notice the look in Zacharias’ eyes, which were filled with affection as Zacharias looked at her.
Cole was painfully aware that he couldn’t escape the harsh reality between him and Shirley. She deserved someone who could offer her a better life and future, something he couldn’t provide. Zacharias, on the other hand, could give her a happy and stable future.
With a sigh, Cole realized that she was wonderful, but he didn’t deserve her.
‘Shirley, I’ve decided to apply for a transfer from this position. I’m going back to the base to undertake other missions,’ Cole replied. He had just submitted the request to his superiors.
