Zoey felt like she was under surveince, an uneasy sensation that left her at a loss for words.
Henry, sensing her difort, attempted to break the ice. "Zoey, how did your parents'' check-up gost time?" "They''re both pretty healthy, thankfully."
"And you? Didn''t you have a check-up too? How did that turn out?"
"All clear, everything''s good."
Relief washed over Henry, his lips curving into a soft smile as he peeled a shrimp for her.
Henry had a gentle nature, and at thirty, was at an age where both men and women found their stride in charm.
Every time Zoey dined out with him, she was pampered and cared for.
This was the kind of simple, unassuming happiness she desired. Besides, her parents were right; Henry''s family lived in Zion City, making future visits convenient. She certainly didn''t fancy the idea of moving far away - it would make visiting her parents quite a hassle.
Today, she had nned to discuss all this with Henry and to officially define their rtionship.
But with someone obviously eavesdropping next to them, she felt too embarrassed to bring it up.
Fitch had ordered his meal but hadn''t touched his utensils, sitting quietly like a human surveince device.
Every time Zoey nced sideways, she caught his gaze, adding to her difort.
Barely half an hour into the meal, and Zoey couldn''t take it anymore.
"Henry, let''s just go."
He nodded in agreement, his appetite gone too. Even Henry, with his usually calm demeanor, felt Fitch''s behavior was beyond normal.
After paying the bill, Zoey''s mind was restless, feeling she hadn''t rified things with Henry.
But then, Henry took her hand, his voice tender. "Zoey, I know what you want to say, and I''m all in."
Zoey breathed a sigh of relief, pausing in her tracks.
They stood under the shade of arge tree just outside the restaurant. She looked up at Henry, about to suggest they find a time for both their parents to meet, but before she could finish her sentence, a nearby car''s headlights suddenly red on.
Blinded by the bright lights, she instinctively raised her hand to shield her eyes.
They had been standing in a dim area, but now, illuminated as if under a spotlight, it could appear to the uninformed that they were up to something shady.
Annoyed, Zoey couldn''t make out who was behind the wheel due to the blinding lights.
Taking a deep breath, she suggested, "Henry, let''s just talk at home."
Henry''s brow furrowed with irritation - yet another interruption to their evening. "Alright, we''ll talk at home."
They walked away from the lights,
Di away from the
Spotted Zoey immediately
the luxury car th
disturbed them, her anger them, her anger ring.
Henry, however, pulled her close. "Zoey, let it go."This content ? N?v/elDr(a)m/a.Org.
Initially, Zoey thought it was an ident, but seeing that same man again, she knew it was deliberate.
Her chest heaved with suppressed frustration.
Henry patted her back and opened the passenger door of his car for her.
"I''ll take you home."
Zoey was silent, her earlier excitement now dampened.
Back home, Curtis greeted her with curiosity. "How did it go?"
Feeling better, Zoey reassured him, "We''re official now, Dad. You and Mom don''t have to worry about me."
Curtis beamed with joy, patting her back affectionately.
"That''s my girl. I''ll have a buddy of mine check out his family
background. If all is well, we''ll
arrange a meeting. And when you''re ready to get engaged, just give us
the word."
Zoey''s heart warmed, and she smiled.
"Mhm."
Lying in bedter, her phone pinged. Expecting a message from Henry, she was surprised to find a note from her school.
[Ms. March, an investor specifically
requested that their child be ced in your ss, effective immediately. When youe to school
tomorrow, please take a moment to acquaint the child with the ss.]
Zoey hadn''t submitted any applications; how had thisnded on her te?
[Is there a mix-up? I don''t even know this person.]
[The information we received confirms it. The child will be at school tomorrow.]
Zoey felt a wave of misfortune wash over her - what a day!