Chapter 119
When Zinnia returned to the private room, she found it still buzzing with laughter and chatter. Seeing her friends‘ cheerful faces, she couldn’t help bur
smile.
Maisie waved her over. “Zinnia, you’re back! What took you so long? Are you full? We’re getting ready to leave.”
Zinnia walked over and said, “I’m full.”
Everyone had just finished eating and was getting ready to leave. After gathering their belongings, the group stepped out of the private room.
Yosel was nowhere to be seen, and Zinnia finally breathed a sigh of relief.
“You guys go ahead,” Maisie said. “I’ve arranged cars for everyone outside. I’ll take care of the bill.” As it was getting late, Maisie arranged rides for everyone to get home.
“Thanks for the treat today, Maisie. The food here was seriously amazing,” someone said.
“Yeah, it’s pricey, but totally worth it! Once I get more allowance, I’m definitely coming back here.”
“I’ll definitely hold my birthday party here.”
Everyone chimed in.
By the time everyone had gone downstairs, Maisie went to pay the bill, only to learn that Zinnia had already done it.
“Zinnia, I told you it’s my treat,” Maisie said, giving her a mock–disapproving look.
With the way things are for Zinnia in the Shaw family, Maisie thought they would not give her so much money, but now she spent so much.
Zinnia said with a soft curve of her lips, “You’re like my sis, so we’re family. What difference does it make who treats whom?”
“Oh, you,” Maisie said with affectionate exasperation, gently pinching Zinnia’s cheek.
“Maisie, I’m really happy today,” Zinnia said, leaning into Maisie and letting her pinch her cheek. She silently thanked Maisie for giving her a sister and parents.
“Zinnia, just because of the Shaw family, don’t ever think that no one in this world loves you. You’re so adorable. Everyone loves you.”
Maisie looked at Zinnia’s smile, feeling sad. She gently stroked Zinnia’s hair and thought, ‘Zinnia, you know, it’s not just the Shaws who can give you love. There are so many others in this world who care about you.‘
“Yeah,” Zinnia replied softly.
After leaving the restaurant, Maisie was about to call a cab when she remembered Zinnia lived alone. Grinning, she asked, “Mind if I crash at your place tonight?” Zinnia smiled and replied, “Of course not! I’d love the company.”
Zinnia checked her phone and said, “Maisie, Yannis just texted–he’s asking where we are and says he’ll come pick us up.” She showed Maisie the message, timestamped ten minutes ago.
“Since when is Yannis this nice?” Maisie leaned over to read the message. [Zinnia, are you done eating? I will come pick you up.] The words sent a shiver down her spine.
Even though she knew Yannis treated Zinnia differently, seeing him send such a gentle message still made her tremble. She couldn’t help but think, ‘Is this really the sharp–tongued, cold–hearted Yannis?‘
“I guess so,” Zinnia replied, not really sure why Maisie said that. The first time Zinnia met Yannis, he seemed a bit of a rogue; the second time, a little goofy; the third time, he gave her a gift.
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Chapter 119
Zinnia thought he was actually quite caring and loyal. The fourth time she met him, he cooked for her his cooking was pretty good, so the pare definitely be a sweet husband.
And today, the fifth time, he stood up for her. Honestly, she really thought he was a good guy.
To be honest, she never expected Yannis would actually come to the school. She was genuinely grateful he showed up. She’d already braced herself foe him to say no–after all, they weren’t that close.
“Zinnia, Maisie teased with a playful nudge, “I think Yannis’s really got a thing for you.”
Zinnia blinked in confusion. “Huh?”
