Night of Destiny

“Don’t worry about it. There’s still some time before lunch is ready. Let’s just play for fun.” Tony mainly wanted to find some sense of accomplishment playing against Shirley, for he believed he could win a game and regain some dignity.

Josef happened to receive a phone call, so Shirley pulled up a chair and sat down. Tony eagerly prepared to start the game.

Shirley, lacking experience, played based on the few techniques she knew. As the game progressed, she realized she had miscalculated a move and lost.

“Haha! I told you my skills aren’t bad!” Tony boasted. Shirley propped her chin on her hand and started taking the game more seriously. Just then, a tall figure entered from behind. Shirley looked up and made eye contact with Zacharias, who pulled up a chair and sat next to her.

Tony became anxious. “Uncle Zacharias, you can’t interfere. This is our duel.”

Shirley didn’t ask for Zacharias’ help either, but as she picked up a piece to make a move, she heard a light cough from the man beside her. She turned to look at him, and he smiled, reaching out to pick up her piece and placing it in a different position.

“Uncle, you…” Tony glared in frustration.

Zacharias smirked. “Any problem?”

“None at all. I can still outmatch you two!” Tony said, squinting and analyzing the game intently.

Shirley originally didn’t stand a chance, but with Zacharias sitting beside her, she suddenly gained a sense of confidence. It seemed as though she didn’t need to worry about losing; she had developed a mentality that she would win for sure.

Tony played each move very seriously. Actually, he was rather experienced. Shirley habitually turned her head to the man beside her, and only after receiving his approval would she make her move.

After one game, Tony lost again. Shirley, on the other hand, was delighted. The feeling of victory was pure and joyful.

“Let’s play again. I’m sure I can’t keep losing to you guys, Tony said with increasing determination. As Shirley picked up a piece, unsure where to place it, a warm hand gently held hers, deciding a position for her.

Her heart skipped a beat. The warmth from the man’s hand seemed to penetrate her soul, both alluring and heartwarming. Moreover, this sense of being controlled reminded her of the feeling of kissing him- of willingly surrendering to him, which was a delightful and wonderful sensation.

Tony didn’t notice the peculiar atmosphere on the other side of the chessboard. He had no idea that while he was focused on the game, the couple across from him engaged in affectionate behavior.

Even though Zacharias was flirting, he remained level-headed, and by the end of the game, he broke Tony’s carefully designed chess formation.

“I give up,” Tony conceded, frustrated. Coincidentally, lunch was ready, too.

“Mr. Zacharias, Mr. Tony, lunch is ready.” A servant announced to them. Hungry, Tony stood up and said, “Come on, it’s time to eat!”

Shirley stood up with Zacharias, staying close by her side. His behavior of prioritizing her made her feel as though she hadn’t come to Flintstone Estate for lunch as a bodyguard but as his girlfriend, meeting his parents for the first time.

When the notion came to her, Shirley couldn’t help blushing. With Tony bringing a lively atmosphere to the table, lunch wasn’t dull.

“Zach, try not to make public appearances again. I was really worried about you this time,” Josef said.

“Understood.” Zacharias nodded. Then, Josef shifted his gaze, which was laced with a smile, toward Shirley. “Miss Lloyd, thank you very much for being with Zach, taking care of him, and protecting him.”

“Just doing my job,” Shirley said, feeling somewhat embarrassed. NôvelDrama.Org is the owner.

“You’re not getting any younger, Zach. As important as work is, you need to consider your love life,” Josef reminded.

Tony, on the side, immediately chuckled. “Grandpa Josef, don’t worry. Uncle Zacharias already has someone he likes.”