Chapter 171 Peering at Serenity‘s pasta dish, Zachary was feeling bummed out. There she was, eating well. How could she be sitting next to him, enjoying her meal while he was
upset?
The girl… was heartless. Ultimately, they were different from other couples. Theirs was a marriage of convenience without feelings involved.
Bottling up his frustration, Zachary asked glumly, “Isn‘t Ms. Stone the heiress of Stone Group? Why did she look for you? Since when have you two been acquainted?”
Zachary played dumb despite knowing the answer as he got his intel directly from Elisa. He never once mentioned Elisa in Serenity‘s presence.
Serenity recounted the story of how she met Elisa to Zachary.
It aligned with Elisa‘s version of events.
“Ms. Stone came and opened up to me about her feelings for the heir of the Yorks. Her decision to chase after Mr. York wasn‘t quite well received by her family. She was feeling down and asked me for ideas to make advances at Mr. York.”
Zachary raised his brow.
Did Elisa actually seek Serenity‘s help to woo him?
With a deadpan face, he asked Serenity, “What suggestions did you give? Have you ever gone after boys?”
“I don‘t have the experience. My first relationship ended as soon as it began. I‘m basically a blank slate when it comes to relationships.” Tilting her head, Serenity glanced at Zachary and added. “Of course, I‘m better than you. You‘re more of a blank state than I am. Haha. You jumped when I touched your face. You‘re wary of me as if I‘m some pervert.”
Zachary grimaced and gave Serenity a dirty look. Serenity let out a chuckle before turning her attention back to her plate of pasta. She even licked the plate of remaining cheese sauce clean. After she was done, she gave herself a pat on the back. “My mac and cheese is the best.”
“Let‘s have pasta tomorrow.”
Huh?
Zachary extended his arm out to poke her forehead before telling her off. “Aren‘t you trying to get me to eat since you keep bragging about your mac and cheese? We‘ll have it tomorrow then.”
Serenity slapped his hand away. “I‘m pretty good at
cooking. Your family said my food was delicious. Alright then. I‘ll make you some pasta tomorrow if that‘s what you want.”
“Did you give Ms. Stone any tips on chasing Mr. York?”
“I guess so. I taught her all the know–how to harass Mr. York. She should play a damsel in distress on the route that Mr. York often takes. I’m sure he‘d come to her rescue so long as his heart isn‘t made of stone. They would have a chance to spend time together if Mr. York
extends a helping hand.
“Feelings are developed through bonding time. All they need is a chance to be alone. I don‘t know what Mr. York looks like. He was at the party Jasmine dragged me to. However, the crowd was all over him. Plus, he had a group of bodyguards. I didn‘t manage to see him in person.”
Serenity kept her gaze on Zachary while talking. “You can‘t even meet your boss at your workplace, never mind outsiders. If I have a say, your boss is too proud of a man. He refuses to give time to Ms. Stone. I‘m sure he‘ll fall in love with Ms. Stone if he gets to know her.”
It took everything in Zachary to force his raging fury back down. Still maintaining a straight face, he said callously,“ My boss will never fall in love with Ms. Stone. Serenity, you best stay out of it. Should one day my boss find out you were the one giving Ms. Stone advice on courtship, he might take his anger out on you. Your bookshop would
probably close down. “Not to mention, your husband might lose his job.”
Blinking her eyes, Serenity asked, “Is your boss that petty? Everybody has the right to love. What‘s so wrong with Ms. Stone loving him? I heard that no one has ever asked him out, nor does he have a girlfriend even though he‘s old and practically a middle–aged man. Since Ms. Stone took the initiative to chase after him, it means he has his charms. He should be thanking Ms. Stone for that.” What kind of logic was that?
Chapter 172 Furthermore, Zachary was only thirty years old. How did that make him old?
Serenity mentioned more than once that he was a middle aged man.
Zachary had his power of meditation to thank as Serenity‘s words could have stung him to the point of blowing his cover.
“My boss isn‘t old. He‘s not a middle–aged man!” Pulling himself together, Zachary defended himself. Serenity looked at him. “I thought you never met your boss. How do you know he isn’t a middle–aged man? Do you think someone young can run a huge company like York Corporation? Although the business world is not my thing, I know what a big deal York Corporation is in Wiltspoon. York Corporation is neck to neck with that something & Co. in Annenburg.”
Zachary replied after what seemed like an imaginary eyeroll, “FC & Co.”
Like York Corporation, FC & Co. of Annenburg was a giant in its respective city. Behind FC & Co. was the multi billionaire Johnson family. The present CEO, Ben Young Johnson was a year younger than Zachary.
FC & Co. had subsidiaries in Wiltspoon but had no conflict in business with York Corporation. That was why the two giants were able to get along so far. “I don‘t know what‘s the name, but I can tell you it‘s one hell of a corporation. Do you think your boss gets a handle on his senior executives if he‘s young? Is he able to run the company resolutely as the CEO?”
With Zachary nodding, she added. “So, he must be old. Otherwise, he won‘t have the experience and assertiveness to override his senior executives.”
Zachary was speechless.
While Serenity had a point, Zachary was not that old. Of course, he would own up to it if a thirty–year–old man was considered old.
“Ms. Stone and I hit it off. She was brave to go after true love. Mr. York is single anyway. I stand behind her on her quest for true love unless Mr. York suddenly gets married or has a girlfriend. Ms. Stone said she‘ll give up if Mr. York is taken. She has her pride and refuses to be the other woman.
“I think Ms. Stone carries all the positive values. She won‘t get in the way of other people‘s marriage or relationship in the name of finding true love.”
Hearing that, Zachary‘s dark eyes lit up.
He could disclose to Elisa that he was married, but he
would withhold information on his wife‘s identity.
Elisa might not be malicious in nature, but Zachary was uncertain whether Elisa would do anything if she were to find out that his wife was Serenity.
Serenity remained his wife so long as they had not signed the divorce papers. Her safety was his priority. “Did Ms. Stone really say that?‘
“Yes, she did.”
“My boss is sick of Ms. Stone‘s harassment. I can convey Ms. Stone‘s statement to my boss. He might just get married in a haste to get rid of her.”
Serenity laughed. “Zachary, from what you know about your boss, do you think he‘s that type of person? He doesn‘t even have a girlfriend. Who is he going to marry? Of course, he could put the word out if he wants to settle down. There are probably a lot of women who are willing to walk down the aisle for him. Is he happy to marry someone he doesn‘t have feelings for?”
Zachary murmured in his mind, ‘I married a woman who doesn‘t have feelings for me.‘
Chapter 173
“I have a suggestion, but I’m on Ms Stone’s side, so I can’t tell you about it ”
Grabbing her plate and utensils, Serenity got up and went to the kitchen Zachary quietly watched as her figure disappeared into the kitchen
A while later, he rose to his feet and walked over Leaning against the kitchen door frame, he asked solemnly, “You’ve only just met Ms. Stone Why are you on her side already?”
“Ms. Stone and I might not have known each other for a long time, but I’ve never even met your boss. Whose side would you think I’ll take? Ms Stone is my type of gal What’s wrong with supporting her to go for Mr York’
“Your boss must be a lofty person Wait till Ms Stone has him wrapped around her little fingers. He’ll be all over her Hahaha. Let’s see if he’s going to be haughty then Isn’t it a fun storyline? I can write a book out of 11
“I have a lot of free time at the shop If the sales of my online business aren’t doing too well. I should try to write a book. That’s another way to earn a living I bet a book about Ms Stone chasing after Mr. York will be a best seller!”
She sure was all about making money
Was the allowance he gave him insufficient?
The only thing on her mind seemed to generating revenue
“My boss won’t be swayed by Ms.
stand by my boss”
Zachary was getting the hang of lying. Lying came naturally now.
“How about a bet? Let’s bet on whether Ms. Stone can bag, your boss. What say you? I’ll owe you three favors if you win, but it must be within my capabilities. If you lose, you can do laundry, cook, and clean the house. That means you’re responsible for all the house chores for two months.
Zachary readily agreed to the terms. “I’ll get it in writing, so we can sign it. I don’t want you. going back on your word.”
Turning around, Zachary was on his way to draw up a wagering contract.
With Zachary being so confident to draw up a contract, Serenity began to waver. Zachary had no chance to get close to his boss despite working at York Corporation, but he knew more about Mr. York than she did.
While most men would find Ms. Stone hard to resist, could Mr. York hold out against Ms. Stone’s persistent flirtations?
There was another thing. What if the heir of the Yorks had a problem as she presumed? He could be swinging the other way. Hence why he was never seen on the news with a woman. He would not be swept off his feet by Ms. Stone’s advances.
“Mr. York! Mr. York!”
After getting too much into her head, Serenity followed closely behind Zachary and asked, ”
**
Are all the people around your boss men, Mr. York? I mean, is your boss’s secretary a guy? Is the secretary handsome?”
With his dark eyes glistening, Zachary spoke in a husky voice, “What’s wrong with hiring a male secretary? Many executives have male secretaries. The ratio between male and female secretaries is about the same.”
Serenity had an aha moment. Since Zachary grabbed a pen and paper and sat down at the table to draw up the contract, she threw herself onto the table to hold down the sheet of paper. She also snatched the pen out of Zachary’s hand.
Raising his brow, Zachary stared at her with his profound and dark eyes.
“Um… Hehe… Uh… Mr. York, we don’t have to put it in writing.”
Zachary smirked. “What? Can’t take the heat?”
“That’s right. I can’t. I don’t feel certain. What if your boss likes hunks or has a problem in the manhood department? I would lose. Maybe we shouldn’t sign the wager.”
Zachary was lost for words.
He liked men?
Chapter 174
Josh would be the first to quit and stay as far away as possible if Zachary were interested in
men.
Problem with his manhood?
Zachary had not fallen head over heels for Serenity. Well, he would show her once he took a fancy to her and consummate the marriage!
It took a while before Zachary got up and made an abrupt exit to his room. He slammed the door behind him.
The loud bang was a reflection of his foul mood.
Serenity waited until he closed his bedroom door before getting up. She picked up the paper, crumpled it into a ball, and tossed it into the bin while mumbling under her breath, “It was a good thing I thought it through. Otherwise, I’d have lost to him.”
The lesson today was not to make a bet before getting full intel on the opponent. There was a risk of things blowing up in her face.
As for her proposal of a wager and her sudden change of heart, Serenity was not concerned at all. It was normal to back out of a deal since they had not signed a contract.
While humming a tune, Serenity turned off the living room lights and returned to her little haven. She sprawled on the bed to play on her phone before washing up and turning in for the night.
The following morning, Serenity rout pproached her window and withdrew the heavy curtains. With the window pushed open, a chill crept into her room. Shivering in the cold, she quickly closed the windows.
By the looks of the gray sky, it was going to rain.
The earlier chill announced the drop in temperature.
Since Wiltspoon and Annenburg were in the same region, the weather was roughly the same. It was cold in the mornings and nights during late fall and early winter. Once the sun rose, so would the temperature. It would be warm then.
The temperature drop along with the rain was only a reminder to the people that it was time to layer up with a thin jacket.
Serenity stretched and went to brush her teeth. She then changed out of her pajamas and went from her bedroom to the kitchen to make Zachary a pasta dish. That was his request yesterday. Opening the fridge door, Serenity realized that they were out of fresh produce. The milk was barely enough. She also ran out of cheese which was essential for any pasta dish.
Serenity decided to make a quick run to the market.
She exited the kitchen as Zachary came out of his room. Dressed in a blue tracksuit and sneakers, Zachary looked like he was going for a run.
“It’s a little chilly today. It’s likely to rain too. Are you going out for a run? Don’t forget to bring along an umbrella, so you don’t get soaked.”
Seeing that Serenity was carrying her purse that contained her phone and keys, he asked, “Are you going to the market?”
“Our fridge is running low on inventory. I’m going to get groceries from the market. Do you want to come along? You can run to the market and back.”
Considering the distance between Brynfield and the market, Zachary shook his head. “I’m just going to jog around the neighborhood. You can get groceries from the nearby supermarket. There’s no need to go to the market.”
Serenity responded to Zachary while making her way out, “The supermarket prices are more expensive than in the market. We can’t just spend extravagantly. We must be budget conscious.”
Zachary had no words as he stared at her back.
“The allowance I gave you should be enough for us to live comfortably. Don’t be too frugal. You got to treat yourself. What’s the point of earning money? It’s so we can eat better, have better clothes, and live life without reservation.”
Serenity stopped outside the door and waited for Zachary to come out before closing and locking the front door. She then replied, “Be grateful that you married a wife who is budget conscious and careful not to splurge. Do you think you can afford me if I waste a few hundred thousand dollars on a bag?”
Patting Zachary on the chest, she added. “Consider yourself lucky, pal. You got a good thing going on.”
Zachary was speechless.
Chapter 175
The couple walked down the stairs together. Zachary went for his morning run while Serenity rode her e–bike to the market. She was mounting the bike when Zachary reminded her, “Get extra groceries to bring to your shop. You can cook your lunch. You should stop ordering takeout.”
“Got it.”
“I’ll have the Wiltspoon Hotel deliver meals to you every day if I catch you with another takeout.”
Serenity turned her head to shoot him an angry look. “Squanderer!”
Zachary made a wry face.
Not too far away, the bodyguard, who pretended to pass by, nearly snickered after overhearing Serenity.
Refusing to spend another minute with the squanderer, Serenity rode her bike away.
“The girl doesn’t know what’s good for her!” Zachary waited until she was long gone before making that snide comment.
Serenity looked around the marketplace and bought a lot of fresh vegetables and long-lasting melons to stuff the fridge. The potatoes, carrots, and onions were placed in a ventilated bag on the floor.
After a change of clothes from his morning run, Zachary emerged and looked at her haul. He was twitching by the corner of his ”
Still, he said nothing.
Serenity got straight to making the pasta dish.
She bought some pork belly too. First, she got the ingredients ready by slicing the pork and dicing the tomatoes. She proceeded to stir the tomatoes on the stove until pureed.
Zachary watched from the kitchen door before moving to the balcony. He sat on the swing and admired the mini garden while swaying with the breeze. It was rather relaxing. No wonder Serenity would take the time to sit here every day.
Ring, ring…
Zachary’s phone rang.
It was an incoming call from Josh.
Zachary took the call but kept his voice down in case his wife in the kitchen might hear him.
“Boss, Serenity’s ridiculous relatives found a mediator. They’re going to try and resolve issues with her.”
Many matters concerning the CEO’s wife would pass through Josh’s hands. He would be the first to know of any update.
With his eyes turning cold and dark, he asked callously, “Haven’t you shut them down?”
“No. It’s going easy on them if we squash them right away. We should fool around with him a little so they lose everything they own bit by bit. Now that’s what I call revenge.
“Since they have their backs against the wall whether in their work or business, they’re more anxious than the missus. They had looked for Serenity to resolve their differences, but the missus refused. They have now turned to a mediator from some TV program for help.”
Zachary replied indifferently, “I don’t care whatever TV program it is. Just deal with them. Don’t let those people harass my wife.”
Josh chuckled. “You seem angry.
“Alright. I’ll get it done and put the word out that the TV producers can expect their shows to be canceled if any of their mediators bothers the missus. These mediators make crass comments without knowing the full story. They sure have the nerve to talk people into forgiving and forgetting when they had never experienced the hardships themselves.”
For all the things the Hunts had done to Serenity and Liberty, anybody with a bit of decency would not persuade Serenity to settle with the Hunts.
It was easy for the mediators to say anything when it was not their heads on the chopping block.
“Boss, did the missus give you any packed breakfast today? Can you ask her to pack extras? I want to sample her cooking.”
“Get lost!” Zachary abruptly ended the call. Josh remarked, “Tch, tch. Would
k at that! Jealousy isn’t a nice color on him.”
Chapter 176
Now things were starting to get interesting
Serenity had no idea that her man nipped another one of her headaches in the bud in those mere minutes.
After the spaghetti was cooked to al dente, Serenity plated it together with the tomato sauce base. She also sprinkled diced pork belly and basil on top, but only a dash of chili powder on her plate. It was only a quick sprinkle as Serenity was worried it might be too spicy than she could take.
Statistics showed that Wiltspoonians were not fond of the extra pow in their meals.
“Mr. York, breakfast’s ready.”
Serenity carried her plate out of the kitchen while beckoning Zachary, who was on the swing. to the dinner table.
Zachary was without a word, but he left the balcony.
Seeing that his breakfast was not served on the dining table, he quietly went into the kitchen. and brought out his share.
“You can add as much chili powder as you like. My sister loves hot spices, so she put together a bunch of hot flavors to make her own.” The sisters had rather different palettes despite sharing the same mother. Serenity would usually add a pinch of chili powder to her pasta dish, but most of the time, she would hold off the hot spices.
Her sister loved a lot of heat in her food. She would pour copious amounts of chili powder into her cooking whether it complemented the cuisine or not Liberty had a few potted plants on her balcony, but instead of flowers, she opted for peppers around the world that could adapt to Wiltspoon’s seasons.
“I don’t like anything greasy or
Serenity lifted her chin and smu. Zachary “Oh, you can’t eat greasy and spicy food, huh? Maybe I should add fats and chili powder in the food for you to try
Zachary was speechless.
He let slip his teeny weeny weaknesses.
Serenity found Zachary a bore as the latter solemnly ate the food with a straight face She could lose her appetite by having meals with him.
Pulling out her phone, Serenity scrolled on the news while enjoying her breakfast
Serenity was then able to finish her breakfast quickly and licked her plate clean.
She put away her phone and got up to bring her dirty dish to the kitchen. As she got on her feet, she noticed the spaghetti and the sauce were polished off the man’s plate. However, the pork belly bits and basil were piled up in a corner of the plate.
Given that Zachary worked a lot, Serenity added more pork to his plate lest he was starving
To her surprise, he did not even touch it!
He skipped on the basil too
“Zachary,”
Serenity slammed the table to get his attention. Her eyes shifted to his plate when Zachary looked at her. She asked, “Why didn’t you eat the pork?”
Zachary did not make a sound.
The heir of the Yorks never ate more than a handful of pork belly in his lifetime!
The saturated fats and grease were more than he could take
“I can overlook the basil because not many are keen on the taste, but don’t waste the meat The price of pork has gone up.”
Still keeping to himself, Zachary got up and walked off with his plate in hand.
With Zachary walking away from the conversation, Serenity whined, “I would have eaten the meat myself had I known. He has no stomach for what I do for him.
Zachary threw his leftovers into the bin and washed his dish before leaving the kitchen Seeing that his wife was still at the dinner table, he took out his wallet and retrieved a hundred dollar bill. He approached Serenity and handed the money to her
“What’s this for?”
“I wasted the food you bought, so I’m paying you back for it Quit grumbling like an old granny. I can’t get used to high fat content, so you don’t put it on my plate next time It was true that he had no stomach for what she did for him
Chapter 177
Serenity pushed Zachary’s money away. “I didn’t know that you don’t eat food that’s high in saturated fat, but I won’t put it on your plate next time. Put away your money. Can you stop flashing your cash? Do you think you’re made of money?”
Zachary should dish out several million in cash by the way he was flaunting his money. She could then count the money and admit that he was made of money.
“Why didn’t you say anything when I was cooking the pork? What’s the point of having a mouth? Well, that’s a waste of one of your five senses if you don’t know how to speak up…” A wad of notes was placed on her empty plate.
Serenity’s rambling came to a screeching halt.
Without giving her a chance to return the money, Zachary turned on his heel and left.
Serenity took a glance at the money on the plate and moved the gaze to the man on the run. The man already had one foot out the door by then.
“Zachary, do I look like a beggar to you?”
The door slamming shut was his response.
Now that the door was closed, Zachary could no longer hide the smile on his face.
Back in the house, Serenity picked up the stack of bills on her plate while mumbling, “You must think you’re all that because you’re loaded? You gave me the money. I didn’t ask for it myself. You can only buy silence ‘e time. Let’s see how long you can keep up with the act.”
ne up to a little over two thousand bucks.
Serenity counted the money, and
“Tch. Over two thousand bucks. I dare you to throw me a sack of cash!”
Serenity chewed Zachary out.
Zachary’s hush money was rather insulting.
Of course, she was happy to accept it if he enjoyed paying her in exchange for her silence. Putting the money in her pocket, Serenity went into the kitchen to wash the dish and tidied up the countertop. She packed some groceries separately to bring to the shop for lunch before setting off to work.
She had just left the house when she received a call from her sister.
“Liberty.”
Serenity would always take her sister’s call right away in case something terrible might have happened to Liberty.
“Seren, are you at work yet?”
“I just left the house. I’m walking down the stairs. What’s up?”
“I fed Sonny. Can you come over to take Sonny to your shop? I’m going to start looking for a job today.” The bruises on Liberty’s face had gone down. After a talk with her sister, Liberty decided to find a job today and get on a healthy diet too.
“Alright. I’ll be right over. Pack Sonny’s bag with toys, formula, and a few pants.”
Sonny was only two years old and could barely speak. He was not potty trained yet and often peed his pants, so a few extra pairs of pants was needed.
“I got everything ready.”
“It won’t take me long.”
Since Serenity was bringing along her nephew, she drove her four-wheeled vehicle to work. She needed to get a child car seat installed on the backseat for Sonny’s safety.
Serenity turned back to her house to grab the car keys. After much thought, she went into the kitchen and took some vegetables out of the fridge. She could prepare soft-cooked vegetables for Sonny later at the shop. Sonny could have his formula milk before his nap.
The little man must have his bottle before sleep. Otherwise, he would stay awake and fuss.
He was not ready to wean off the bottle.
It did not take Serenity long to arrive at her sister’s neighborhoo
Chapter 178
Liberty was downstairs waiting for her sister.
She carried her son while a diaper bag and a rucksack hung off each arm. Liberty looked around, failing to notice a new car driving by. More accurately, she was not on the lookout for a four–wheeled vehicle as her sister often rode an e–bike.
Serenity pulled up in front of her sister and rolled down the window. “Liberty.”
Taken aback at first, Liberty ensued with a smile. “I thought you were riding your bike today.” She knew that her brother–in–law bought her sister a car, but Serenity rarely used it. This was the first time Serenity drove here with the new car.
Serenity got out of the car and grabbed the diaper bag from Liberty. She opened the door to the back seat and put the diaper bag in. She asked, “Is everything in there, Liberty? The formula is the most important thing.”
“It’s all there.”
Liberty handed her son over to her sister. With Serenity carrying Sonny, Liberty drew close to kiss her son on the cheek and urged him, “Be a good boy to your Aunt Ser, Sonny. Mommy will be back soon.” 11
Sonny was close to his aunt, so he did not make a fuss when he was handed to his aunt. Sonny even waved his mother goodbye.
Liberty felt a little sad.
Her son was only two. She had int. to enroll him in a kindergarten before rebuilding her career. Yet, reality forced her to look for a job ahead of her plans.
“Liberty, is my brother–in–law back yet?”
It had been days since the fight between the couple.
Liberty replied dejectedly, “No. He sent me a text message to return the money for living expenses since he had not been eating at home. He wants me to refund his portion of the money.”
She was cut to the quick by every little thing Hank did.
It gave Liberty nothing but agony.
She was so blind to love such a man, marry him, and bear his child.
The man repaid her with disgust and abuse less than three years into the marriage.
“Liberty, did you refund the money to him?”
After a brief silence, Liberty replied, “I gave back the money. Since he’s so strict on going halves, I won’t take what’s not mine.”
Serenity pursed her lips, keeping her thoughts about her brother-in–law to herself. It was what it was. She asked with concern, “Do you have enough money, Liberty?”
Fishing out the two thousand bucks of hush money from Zachary, Serenity slipped it onto her
sister’s palm. “Take this. Just tell me when you don’t have enough. Don’t feel burdened about it. Just think of it as a loan.”
Liberty returned the money to her sister. “I have money. I invested some of the money you’ve given me in the past. Although it’s not much, every little bit counts. The money should last me for a while until I find a job.”
She was grateful that Serenity advised her to keep half the money for emergencies back when the latter was providing her with living expenses. Otherwise, Liberty would be feeling the pinch now that her husband cut her off financially.
Since Liberty did not want the money, Serenity put it back inside her pocket and gave Liberty words of encouragement. With Liberty hurrying them along, Serenity took her nephew and said, “Come to the shop for lunch later. I brought groceries from home to cook in the shop.”
Zachary banned her from ordering takeout and requested that she cooked her own meals. He would have meals delivered from the Wiltspoon Hotel if Serenity skipped on homemade meals.
The Wiltspoon Hotel was a seven–star hotel with a plate of ordinary greens pricing higher than a lunch set in a fast–food restaurant. Zachary would order a lot from the menu if he were to have them delivered to her shop. God knew how much that would cost.
The man spent all his money without looking at the price tag. He should be more careful with his money.
Squanderer!
Money aside, Zachary’s actions did make Serenity feel warm and cozy inside.
“Alright. I’ll grab a quick bite at a restaurant if I’m far away. I’ll have lunch at your shop if I’m nearby though.”
“Sure.” Serenity gave a few word
ice before driving away with her nephew.
Chapter 179
Serenity drove to the shop and saw a familiar car parked out the front. It was Shawn.
Shawn came by to deliver food to his cousin again. Instead of breakfast, he brought along some pastries made by his family’s personal chef. His excuse was that the pastries were too much for the family to finish, so he came to share them with his cousin.
Jasmine did not read too much into his excuse as she and Serenity would not say no to food. Plus, Jasmine knew that all the pastries at the Lowes were baked fresh every day.
Since Shawn brought them over, Jasmine helped herself to quite a bit.
Shawn was worried his cousin would finish the pastries before Serenity made it to the shop. Looking out the shop, Shawn asked, “Jas, is Serenity coming today?”
“She will but a little later.” Jasmine answered, unconcerned.
As Jasmine lived rather close to the shop, she usually set up the shop and took care of business in the morning.
Serenity was in charge of watching the shop at night.
“There’s a difference between a married and a single woman. Serenity would often help with the house chores, cooking, and groceries before her brother-in-law nitpicked on her when she was living at her sister’s place. Not much has changed after she’s married. She always keeps herself busy.”
Jasmine peered at her cousin and said with a smile, “Don’t worry about me finishing the pastries. I can eat, but I can’t eat everything all at once. I’ll save some for Serenity.”
With Jasmine reading his mind, Shav ed in embarrassment and replied, “Serenity loves pastries. My family’s chef went to Beans and Cream to pick up a bit of their technique and experimented at home. I think the food tastes better than before.”
“The food at Beans and Cream is indeed delicious.”
Jasmine had been there on a blind date. Although the date was not a success, Jasmine enjoyed a good meal because the pastries were absolutely tasty.
Hearing a car pulling up, Jasmine said to her cousin, “Can you see who’s there?”
“Oh.” Shawn caught Serenity getting out of the car when he walked out. He said with a smile,’ When did you get a car, Serenity?”
“I
“It was bought a while ago, but I haven’t been driving. My sister is off to look for a job today, so she asked me to care for Sonny. I thought it would be safe for Sonny if I took the car instead
of the bike.
“Aren’t you working today, Shawn?”
“Yeah, I am. I dropped by to deliver some pastries the chef baked. You girls can have a little taste. I’m heading off to the office soon. Serenity, about tomorrow’s lunch…”
“Don’t worry, I’m not going to back out from buying you lunch. Be there or be square.”
Tomorrow was Saturday.
She promised to treat Shawn to lunch on Saturday as a thank-you for driving her home and getting her e-bike fixed.
Shawn replied with a grin, “I wasn’t worried that you’d go back on your promise. I was concerned you might be too busy and want to take a rain check, that’s all.”
“Nah.”
Serenity was grabbing the diaper bag when Shawn came up to help her with it.
“Thanks.”
After expressing her gratitude, Serenity reached into the backseat to carry her nephew out. She complimented the little man. “You’re such a good boy, Sonny. You didn’t make a fuss or cry. Let me give you a kiss.”
She then gave her nephew a smooch on the cheek.
Shawn was envious, wondering when he would ever get a kiss from Serenity too.
“Sonny, this is Shawn.”
Serenity taught her nephew Shawn’s name.
“Hello, Shan.” Sonny greeted Shawn with his cutesy voice.
Staring at the innocent, adorable, and polite kid, Shawn stroked Sonny’s head with a smile. ” Hello, Sonny.”
Chapter 179
Serenity drove to the shop and saw a familiar car parked out the front. It was Shawn.
Shawn came by to deliver food to his cousin again. Instead of breakfast, he brought along some pastries made by his family’s personal chef. His excuse was that the pastries were too much for the family to finish, so he came to share them with his cousin.
Jasmine did not read too much into his excuse as she and Serenity would not say no to food. Plus, Jasmine knew that all the pastries at the Lowes were baked fresh every day.
Since Shawn brought them over, Jasmine helped herself to quite a bit.
Shawn was worried his cousin would finish the pastries before Serenity made it to the shop. Looking out the shop, Shawn asked, “Jas, is Serenity coming today?”
“She will but a little later.” Jasmine answered, unconcerned.
As Jasmine lived rather close to the shop, she usually set up the shop and took care of business in the morning.
Serenity was in charge of wa
the shop at night.
“There’s a difference between a married and a single woman. Serenity would often help with the house chores, cooking, and groceries before her brother-in-law nitpicked on her when she was living at her sister’s place. Not much has changed after she’s married. She always keeps herself busy.”
Jasmine peered at her cousin and said with a smile, “Don’t worry about me finishing the pastries. I can eat, but I can’t eat everything all at once. I’ll save some for Serenity.”
With Jasmine reading his mind, Shawn blushed in embarrassment and replied, “Serenity loves pastries. My family’s chef went to Beans and Cream to pick up a bit of their technique and experimented at home. I think the food tastes better than before.”
“The food at Beans and Cream is indeed delicious.”
Jasmine had been there on a blind date. Although the date was not a success, Jasmine enjoyed a good meal because the pastries were absolutely tasty.
Hearing a car pulling up, Jasmine said to her cousin, “Can you see who’s there?”
“Oh.” Shawn caught Serenity getting out of the car when he walked out. He said with a smile, When did you get a car, Serenity?”
“It was bought a while ago, but I haven’t been driving. My sister is off to look for a job today, so she asked me to care for Sonny. I thought it would be safe for Sonny if I took the car instead of the bike.
“Aren’t you working today, Shawn?”
“Yeah, I ain I dropped by to deliver some pastries the chef baked. You girls can have a little taste I’m heading off to the office soon Serenity, about tomorrow’s lunch…”
“Don’t worry, I’m not going to back out from buying you lunch. Be there or be square.”
Tomorrow was Saturday
She promised to treat Shawn to lunch on Saturday as a thank-you for driving her home and getting her e-bike fixed.
Shawn replied with a grin, “I wasn’t worried that you’d go back on your promise. I was concerned you might be too busy and want to take a rain check, that’s all.”
“Nah.”
Serenity was grabbing the diaper bag when Shawn came up to help her with it.
“Thanks.”
After expressing her gratitude, Serenity reached into the backseat to carry her nephew out. She complimented the little man. “You’re such a good boy, Sonny. You didn’t make a fuss or cry. Let me give you a kiss.”
She then gave her nephew a smooch on the cheek.
Shawn was envious, wondering when he would ever get a kiss from Serenity too.
“Sonny, this is Shawn.”
Serenity taught her nephew S.
“Hello, Shan.” Sonny greeted Shawn with his cutesy voice.
Staring at the innocent, adorable, and polite kid, Shawn stroked Sonny’s head with a smile. ” Hello, Sonny.”
Chapter 180
Carrying her nephew, Serenity walked alongside Shawn into the shop.
“Oh, Sonny’s here. Come, Sonny. Give me a hug.” Jasmine got up and took Sonny from Serenity’s arm. She sat down and asked Sonny, “Do you want some pastries?”
Sonny looked at his aunt.
“Give him a piece. Don’t let him have too much or he won’t eat his lunch.”
Serenity took the diaper bag from Shawn and put it under the cash register.
“My sister decided to look for a job today. She asked me to look after Sonny. She’ll come here in the afternoon.”
Jasmine gave Sonny a piece of pastry.
Instead of accepting it, Sonny opened his palms and said, “Dirty.”
Jasmine put down the food and carried him to the kitchenette to wash his hands.
She believed Liberty had raised Sonny well. As for the claim about Sonny being naughty, that was just kids being kids. Parents would be worried that something must be wrong with their kid’s head if the child simpl a corner all day like a bump on a log.
Kids had it hard. They woulaid off for being naughty and questioned for their intelligence when they were not.
Jasmine gave the pastry to Sonny after coming out of the kitchenette. Sonny took the pastry and thanked her politely. “Tank you, Jazz.”
“You’re such a good boy.”
Jasmine had thoughts about getting married and having an adorable child whenever she saw Sonny
“Liberty finally made the first step. I told Shawn about it, but Shawn is still learning the ropes. right now, so he can’t get Liberty a job in finance. I asked my uncle, but he said they’re not hiring at the moment.”
Jasmine felt sorry as she brought it up.
She could not help Liberty.
Shawn felt bad too.
Although he was to take over the company, he was young and still trying to get the hang of things. Since Shawn was not ready to take the helm, he had no authority to assign people to vital departments and important positions.
Shawn could be of help if it were a non managerial position
Serenity replied, “It’s okay I believe my sister will find a job.”
Zachary mentioned that his company’s finance department was not hiring either.
“Liberty used to work in finance She has the experience, so I’m sure she won’t have problems finding work”
Jasmine was confident about Liberty returning to the workplace. She trusted that Liberty would be taking her pick of companies instead of the other way round.
Shawn opened her mouth, wanting to say something. However, he held his tongue in the end.
“Shawn, you should get to work. Uncle might deduct your wages if you’re late every day.” Jasmine urged her cousin to leave.
Shawn begrudgingly glanced at his cousin. He had not spoken much to Serenity.
“Yeah, Shawn. Hurry to work. Don’t arrive late and leave early. The whole organization is watching you,” Serenity remarked.
The stress of being an heir could be overwhelming. The family could just drop anyone who failed to pick up the slack and handle the responsibility.
Shawn was not the only heir left in the Lowe family. He had cousins waiting to take his place.
He might be up for the job, but Shawn would face obstacles to succeed his father if he simply did as he pleased.
With the girls rushing him to work, Shawn had to take his leave.
