“Alright, give me five minutes, Shirley said before she went upstairs to change her clothes. Five minutes later, she came downstairs and got into Zacharias’ car to head to the Vice President’s Residence. On the way, Zacharias looked at documents while Shirley was lost in thought.
Finally, they arrived at the Vice President’s Residence. As Zacharias massaged his temples, Shirley turned to look at him and couldn’t help sympathizing with him for a few seconds. His daily work schedule was too tight.
Zacharias got out of the car while Shirley got out from the other side, standing at the entrance of the Vice President’s Residence. She felt as comfortable as she would in her own home because she had been fostered here when she was a child, and she often came with her father to this place. Sometimes, she would stay here for several days.
A faint smile appeared on Zacharias’ lips as memories from his childhood came rushing back. He remembered when he had come here with his father as a guest and got lost in the backyard, only to meet a charming little girl.
He had never thought that 20 years later, he would return to this place with her and continue being a guest there. The only difference was that the little girl from back then had now grown into a graceful young woman.
When Shirley and Zacharias entered the hall, the helpers immediately came forward. At the same time, the elegant and noble Ruka emerged from a side hall.
“Shirley!” Ruka greeted her with joy. This was a child she had watched grow up, and she was as dear to her as her own.
“Great Aunt!” Shirley reached out and gave her a hug.
“It’s been a while. You look even more beautiful now!” Ruka praised.
“Good evening, Mrs. Husson,” Zacharias greeted her with a smile.
“Good evening, Zach. I’m so glad you both could come for dinner. Your great-uncle is still upstairs in an online meeting. Please have a seat. Dinner is being prepared,” she offered.
Shirley nodded in response. Seeing that there was still some daylight left, Zacharias turned to her and asked, “Miss Lloyd, would you like to take a walk with me in the backyard?”
Shirley had yet to respond when Ruka Intervened, “Yes, let Shirley accompany you to the backyard. She’s very familiar with it since she has lived here since she was a child.”
And so, Shirley could only agree. “Alright, then. Let’s go.”
Led by Shirley, Zacharias walked toward the corridor in the backyard. There was a row of wisteria in full bloom beside it, presenting a beautiful and serene scene.
“I wish we could have met a bit earlier.” Zacharias regretted that he had met her too late. Shirley couldn’t help but giggle. “If we had met earlier, I might not have paid much attention to you.”
Indeed, the old Shirley had blended in with the male team members at the base and hadn’t given much thought to any man. Wanting to be as strong as a man in everything she did, she didn’t have the feminine qualities she had now.
Zacharias also chuckled. “You’re right. Miss Lloyd, you do have high standards.”
Shirley’s standards weren’t high; she just hadn’t awakened to her feelings for men until the three months she met Cole.
Even then, her understanding of love between men and women was quite limited. It was only when she met Zacharias that she truly began to understand love in a romantic sense.
As for Zacharias, he felt regretful about not meeting her earlier. If they had met a few years ago, they would have had more time together. Back then, he wasn’t the vice president, and he didn’t have an overwhelming workload. He would have had time to spend with her, go for a leisurely drive, and do something romantic together.
But now, his position didn’t allow him to do any of that. It didn’t even allow him the simple act of holding her hand and going for a walk outside.
Shirley led him into the garden. Despite it being winter, the garden was filled with various winter flowers, making it look beautiful. The trees had also grown lush. It wasn’t just a simple garden; it was a large, extensive backyard where one could take a half-hour stroll.
No wonder Zacharias had gotten lost here when he was a child.
He pointed to a path. “Back then, I was playing around here when I got lost and couldn’t find my way home.”
