Imogen, after hearing this, turned her head and congratulated Shirley. “Congratulations. I might be calling you Mrs. Flintstone in no time.”
Shirley’s heart tightened. She felt that her friendship with Imogen was changing. Perhaps… it wouldn’t be as open as it used to be.
The environment had made their friendship more fragile. Shirley smiled. “Let’s just go with the flow. I don’t want to push too hard.”
This time, Shirley didn’t argue. She knew that many things were beyond her control. For example, her feelings for Zacharias. She had rejected him initially, but now, for some reason, she seemed to accept his pursuit.
Beneath Imogen’s calm exterior, her heart was tormented by pain and jealousy. But she couldn’t say it, and she couldn’t show it. She didn’t want Shirley to see her dark side because it wasn’t time for a final falling out yet.
“Shirley, don’t burden yourself. Really, you and Zacharias are a match. I sincerely wish you both well.” Imogen pretended to be sincere.
“Thank you for your understanding.” In an attempt to apologize, Shirley brought a gift-a small box. “Here’s a brooch. It looks great on a suit. I hope you like it.”
Imogen took the box and opened it. Indeed, there was a beautiful brooch sitting inside. She smilingly said, “I really like it. Thank you.”
“If there’s anything you need help with, feel free to ask, Shirley mentioned.
“Alright, you should go back to Mr. Flintstone. After all, his safety is the most important.” Imogen got up to open the door and see Shirley off.
Shirley nodded and left. Once outside, she sighed with relief. She had finally explained things to Imogen.
After Shirley left, Imogen angrily threw the brooch that Shirley gave her on the ground. She sneered. “What do you take me for? A beggar to be pitied?” Imogen didn’t want to endure this insult. For her, everything Shirley gave her felt like charity. None of it was genuine.
When Shirley opened the door, Zacharias was the only one sitting on the couch. Freddie had left. Shirley sat down next to Zacharias. “Do you need help organizing the documents?”
Next to Zacharias were some scattered documents he had just signed.
“I’ll leave it to you.” Zacharias nodded. Shirley started arranging everything then. The afternoon went by peacefully. After finishing the task, Zacharias suggested that she rest for two hours, as they didn’t know what time the evening banquet would end.
Shirley was indeed a bit tired. To ensure that she was in a better condition tonight, she went back to her room to rest.
At half past four in the afternoon, Shirley was awakened by her alarm. She promptly freshened up and came out. Seeing Zacharias still sitting on the couch, she couldn’t help pitying him and even had the impulse to embrace him from behind.
Despite the strong impulse, she managed to restrain herself. She sat beside him and asked, “Do you want to take a break?”
Zacharias massaged his temples. He placed the documents aside and looked at the woman who had just taken a nap. Her cheeks were full, and her complexion was charming. Seeing this, he reached out and pulled her into his arms.
The impulse that Shirley had restrained seemed to be released. She reached out, embracing Zacharias’ neck, and pressed her cheek against his.
Zacharias’ heart beat a little faster. This was the first time she had voluntarily welcomed him. He kissed her hair as though he was praising her. “I picked a gift for you. Go take a look.”
Shirley immediately lifted her head and saw a white evening gown laid out on the other end of the couch. It had a simple and elegant design with a fishtail hem. For such high-end occasions, simplicity often appeared more dignified. An excess of flashy and diverse elements would seem out of place.
Shirley rarely had the opportunity to wear evening gowns, so she looked at the dress with a bit of worry, fearing that she might not be able to look good in it.
“Can I wear this?” She voiced her doubt.
Zacharias was confident in her. “I believe you can handle any dress.”
