The man’s strong arms hugged her tightly. Looking into his deep eyes, Cordelia suddenly recalled him saying, “We have to get down to business after you eat!”Cordelia’s cheeks flushed, and she held her head low. Just like that, she allowed him to hug her like a good girl.She said shyly, “Hubby, l-let’s wait a little bit.”Zephyr was stunned. “Wait a little bit?”“Didn’t you say you wanted to… Ah! Just wait a little bit. I ate too much!”Zephyr only realized what she was saying after a moment. Holding back his laughter, he said to her with his shaking voice, “I’m taking you out.”Stunned, Cordelia stared at him with her blinking eyes.“What…”Zephyr patted her head.Was he usually too lewd that she had a conditioned reflex to that? She immediately thought of that when he said they would get down to business…He was the one who taught her to think that!He smirked, failing to hide the pride in his smile.Cordelia clenched her fist and punched his chest hard.“Marcus!”“Oka
Zephyr looked at her quietly.Cordelia suddenly saw a complicated expression in his deep eyes. Her heart was pounding, and her palms were sweating. She pursed her lips.She only heard her husband speak with a deep voice a long time later.“I looked for this place for a long time and negotiated with the landlord a few times before renting and renovating it.”Cordelia was stunned.“You said you wanted a cafe.” His face softened as his rough fingers caressed her face. “I kept that in mind.“So I compared a few shops when I had the time, and eventually decided on this one because I think this matches your requirement.His voice was deep, with a pampering hint hiding within. “Wifey, your husband can’t do anything, but I’ll do my best and pay any price to get whatever you want.”What he said sent a jolt to her heart. She held his hand tightly.“You must’ve spent a lot of money, right?”“Hmm, quite a lot.” She would not believe it if he said he did not, so he thought he would be ser
“Darling, this is Ms. Zennie Hamerton. She saved me last time.”“Zennie, this is my—”“I know!” Zennie hooked an arm around Cordelia’s neck and grinned at Zephyr. “This is your husband, Marcus Grist!“Hello, brother-in-law!”Zephyr wore a straight face.“Darling?” Cordelia elbowed him lightly. “Zennie’s greeting you!”Zephyr glanced at Zennie and made a low hum before turning to the back of the counter to check on the oven temperature.Cordelia frowned, confused. She was also a little embarrassed in front of Zennie. The latter would not think that they were unwelcoming, would she?“Zennie, excuse him.” She smiled and said, “My husband’s usually this stern and not quite a people-person… But you’ll find out after spending time with him that he’s a really nice guy!”Zennie nodded, holding back her laugh.Since they were little, Zephyr was a “brat” to Uncle Matthew, and a “poker face” and “reaper” to the others in the family. He actually became a “nice guy” here with Cordelia.I
Zephyr also replied, mouthing, “You’re asking for a beating!”Zennie giggled happily and chomped down on the cranberry cookies, dropping the crumbs everywhere.Cordelia had gone to the front to water the plants, so Zephyr approached his sister with a scowl.“Clean up after yourself!”Zennie jumped due to the sudden voice. She gobbled whatever she had in her mouth down. Even though she was reluctant, she obediently took the broom from her brother and ultimately cleaned up the place, caving into his authority.“Bro, you’re doing great now, huh?” She teased him while she worked. “The greatest husband alive, ain’t it?”Zephyr just glared at her.Zennie grinned and packed the remaining cookies into a bag after she was done cleaning.“Who are you giving them to?” Zephyr asked out of the blue.Zennie was startled, quietly tightening her hand and holding the bag.‘Damn, I was still seen through.’ She wondered how her brother got a pair of bright X-ray vision eyes. She could never hid
Zephyr glared at her angrily but was at a loss for words because of what she said.The girl wiped her tears. “So what about being 18 years old? Who says that 18-year-olds can’t date? Nelly Tanner was all over you when you were 18 too!”“Zennie, one more word from you and!”Zephyr’s overwhelming dominance made the room feel as if it was submerged in a vacuum.Zennie could only hear her heart thump wildly. She hung her head timidly and wrung her fingers together, biting her lips, not daring to say another word.It was then Cordelia came in with Linda and Seth, Fredric following behind them. They were here to celebrate the opening of the shop.Zephyr took a deep breath and did his best to plaster on a relatively natural smile before he went to them. He politely and courteously greeted them, looking very much like the host.Cordelia stood next to him, docile and admiring. Her infatuated look made Linda chuckle, snapping her out of her daze. She blushed and pursed her lips, escaping
Josiah squinted, blinked, and shook his head. ‘Did I see a ghost just now? That homeless fella…’He had just flashed past him, but those eyes and that face—he looked exactly like Zephyr’s!“Josiah? Josiah Bayer!” Fredric called for him on the line. “You didn’t fall into the water, did you?”Josiah did not respond. He forgot to hang up as he went after the man in a daze.The man quickened his steps upon realizing that there was someone tailing him. Perhaps the man was familiar with the area as he vanished after going around the mountainous paths.Josiah stood on the spot, stunned with frozen limbs.The hot spring hotel was not far away from Splendor Mountain on the opposite side, but the area in the middle was public domain, not belonging to the Hamertons.Josiah was fishing in said area without his bodyguards, so he was unable to go after that man even if he wanted to. That homeless guy scavenging the trash can was already gone.“Hey!” Fredric cupped a hand over his phone and c
Zephyr was speechless. He slowly shifted there and looked back at her with each step he took, hoping his wife would take back her order.Despite that, Cordelia kept up an encouraging gaze and smile, putting him in a dilemma.Ultimately, he gnashed his teeth with his mind made up and went to Zennie and the others.The group was chatting merrily and was surprised when they looked up at him.“M-Mr. Grist…” Linda was the first to notice that something was wrong and probed. “What is it?”Zephyr looked tense and stern, standing straight and frozen for a few seconds… before he suddenly flashed his pearly whites!The others widened their eyes and fell back, staring at him in disbelief. A few quiet seconds ticked past, and boisterous peals of laughter erupted in the small cafe.Cordelia rushed over upon hearing the noise and was greeted by the group's guffawing. Zennie and Fredric almost fell off their chairs too! She then looked at her husband… The corners of his lips slowly went down,
Zephyr looked at him icily, an alert and dangerous glint flashing in his eyes.Nicholas chuckled coldly as he looked at the man thoughtfully. “Marcus, the rental and renovation cost quite a dime, huh? Where did you get so much money from?”“None of your concern.” Zephyr looked stony and cold.“I took care of you when we were behind bars, bro.” Nicholas was overbearing. “Hah, you can let me know if you lack money. I’ll lend it to you for sure. I won’t let you suffer!”“Thanks but no thanks.”“I’m not expecting such determination! Marcus, you aren’t like what they say, right? That you’ve been depending on your wife?”Nicholas’ eyes went to Cordelia, who was behind Zephyr when he spoke.Zephyr clenched his fists, the veins on his toned forearms clear to sight.“Stop your nonsense.” Cordelia’s voice sounded suddenly.She stepped in front of Zephyr, her pretty eyes wide, resolute, and fearless. She might be soft in certain matters but stood firm when someone picked on her husband.