Shirley rested her head on Zacharias’ shoulder and happily enjoyed the piggyback ride. “I loved


    piggyback rides when I was little,” said Shirley, reminiscing.


    “You were adorable as a child. Of course, everyone loved to give you piggyback rides.” Zacharias


    smiled. He was reminded of Shirley when she was younger, and he cursed himself for never trying to


    even give her a hug.


    Shirley asked, “Was I really that cute when I was a kid?”


    “Yep, you were,” said Zacharias honestly, nodding. Shirley was reminded of that time he brought up the


    talk about kids. If we have kids, I wonder who they’ll take after. Me or him?


    Christmas wasing soon. Shirley got a call from her mother. Her folks wereing back, so she


    went home and told the servants to clean the whole ce. It would be good to have a reunion. It had


    only been ten minutes after Shirley hung up when her mother called again. It surprised Shirley. Did


    Mom forget to tell me something? She took the call. “Hey, Mom. Anything you need to tell me?”


    “I just talked to your grandmother. She told me you’re dating Zacharias? Is that true?” Ang was


    shocked like she had heard the most fantastical news.


    Shirley pursed her lips. Okay, didn’t think Grandma would spill the tea. Sheepish but honest, Shirley


    answered, “Yes, we’re dating.”


    “Tell us when you’re taking him to see us. We need to get ready for it.” Ang smiled.


    Shirley thought Ang would lecture her. After all, she did start dating without telling her family. She


    didn’t think Ang would talk about the meeting with the parents. “You and Dad have to get ready


    before youe back. Zacharias said we’ll be celebrating Christmas together. Both our families.”


    “Oh, that’s fast.” Ang was delighted. “I thought we’d have to wait for a while.”Belongs to (N)?vel/Drama.Org.


    “You aren’t surprised I’m dating someone, Mom?” Shirley asked, curious.


    “Nope. Who do you think wanted you to get that internship? Not your dad. Yes, it was me all along. I


    wanted you to date Zacharias.”


    Shirley’s eyes went wide. What? Mom got that internship for me on purpose? “So, you’ve been


    nning this all along, Mom? I can’t…” Shirley was at a loss for words.


    “I know. Unbelievable, right? Just a hop and a skip, and hey presto, Zacharias is now your fiancé.”


    Ang was happy she made this decision.


    Shirley was half amused, half annoyed. So, Mom set me up.


    “I’ll tell your father about this. You kids get along now.” Ang hung up.


    Shirley put her phone down and smiled happily. Maybe destiny wanted us to be together.


    Three dayster, Shirley was told that Imogen had been extradited. She would serve her sentence in


    the nation. Her sentence? Life imprisonment. Shirley didn’t feel fazed hearing that piece of news.


    Everyone has to pay for their actions.


    It waste at night. In a private, upscale tea shop, three silhouettes congregated. The light was dim, so


    their faces could not be seen. On the table were photos of Shirley and her parents. The trio fell into


    their thoughts.


    “We cannot go after her unless we’re out of our minds.”


    “Our target is Zacharias. Only when he steps down or disappears will it benefit us, or we’re going to be


    kicked out of the game.”


    “Zacharias’ policies are impossible for us. He’s obviouslying after us. His ascension to power will


    rid us of our strength. Apparently, he’s dating this woman because he wants the power and backing of


    her family. They can strengthen his hold on his position.”


    “We need toe up with a perfect n. This time, we cannot let Zacharias escape.”