Chapter 16
Zoey fastened her seatbelt, tilted her head slightly up at him, and asked curiously, “So, where are we going now?”
Levi glanced at her with a small smile playing on his lips and replied, “Taking you home to meet my family.”
Her eyes widened, and she almost gasped. “Wait, what? I didn’t bring anything.” It was her first time meeting his family, and she hadn’t even bought a gift. She’d come straight from class, totally unprepared, both mentally and physically.
“You don’t need to bring anything. Just being there is enough,” he said casually. His words were like a soothing balm, and Zoey immediately felt
more at ease.
The car smoothly made its way to Gordon Manor. This was just a family dinner, nothing extravagant–just a few tables by the lake and only members of the Gordon family.
Looking out the window, Zoey didn’t see any sign at the entrance and thought it might be some public park. After all, she had never seen such a big lake on a private manor, and those buildings and everything around them looked like a palace.
“Oh, Zozo’s here,” came Isabella’s warm voice nearby.
Zoey immediately recognized it and replied softly, “Isabella, it’s great to meet you. How have you been feeling recently?”
“Oh, much better, sweetie. It’s been ages since I last saw you. I’ve missed you a lot,” Isabella said with a gentle smile. “How’s everything at the new house? Has Levi been taking good care of you?”
Zoey felt her cheeks heat up and lowered her head, her voice soft with a hint of shyness. “He’s been so sweet. You don’t have to worry.”
In her heart, she couldn’t help but think of the time when Levi had stayed up all night looking after her when she was sick. The memory filled her with warmth.
“That’s good to hear. As long as you are happy, I can rest easy. Now come on, have a seat. Dinner is about to start,” Isabella said while waving at them.
Zoey and Levi took their seats next to Isabella. It was a cozy family gathering, and since it was informal, no one brought up business matters.
Levi’s parents had passed away in an accident years ago, leaving him alone. He had a few cousins, but none of them had much interest or skills in the family business. They were more than happy to let Levi take the reins of the company while enjoying their carefree, indulgent lives.
Levi had a niece and nephew, fraternal twins, who adored Zoey. The two little ones were buzzing around her constantly.
His niece, with her big, shiny eyes that looked like grapes, tilted her head up and asked, “Hey, aren’t you scared living with Uncle Levi?” Zoey’s face instantly turned red, and the adults burst into good–natured laughter.
“Ella, you should be calling her Auntie Zoey, got it?” someone teased with a grin.
Ella’s pigtails bounced as she puffed her cheeks, calling out, “Okay, Auntie Zoey.”
Ella clambered onto the chair and leaned in close to Zoey’s ear. In what she thought was a whisper, she said, “My brother and I are super scared of Uncle Levi. You’re so brave to marry him.”
With a chuckle, Zoey replied, “Really? But I think he’s pretty nice.”
Ella shook her head, wide–eyed. “Nah, no one dares marry him. He’s so scary. We’re all afraid of him.” Just then, Ella suddenly froze. Turning around slowly, she spotted Levi standing right behind her and watching her with an amused look.
“Whoops, Uncle Levi!” Ella squealed and jumped off the chair, running away as fast as she could. She ducked behind her brother, peeking and saying, “You must protect me.”
The adults at the table broke into laughter, and Zoey couldn’t help but join in, her smile widening as she soaked in the warmth of the moment.
She hadn’t known this kind of feeling before. Back in her own family, it was always cold words and harsh criticism, never this kind of laughter or light–hearted fun.
Levi reached over and gently ruffled her hair and said, “Don’t take her seriously, Zozo. Ella is a little trickster. She’s got everyone wrapped around her finger.”
He was joking, but Ella’s words might make him seem even more harsh and cold to Zoey.
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Chapter 16
Zoey grinned and teased, “Well, I don’t know. If the kids are this scared, maybe there’s some truth to it. You do look kind of scary.”
Levi forced a chuckle and shook his head.
After dinner, Levi took Zoey’s hand, and they drove home.
Once they were gone, Isabella leaned toward her daughter and whispered, “Have you noticed how Levi is around Zozo? Ever since his parents passed, he’s been so serious and distant. I hardly ever see him smile anymore. It breaks my heart.”
t
Levi was indeed reserved and serious before, so the young generations in their family never dared to talk to him or even joke with him.
Her daughter nodded in agreement. “Yeah, I can’t agree more. He’s been more relaxed lately. I don’t think he even realizes it. You really did find him the perfect match, Mom.”
that softer side of him. It’d make his parents so proud.”
can keep bringing out
Tears welled up in Isabella’s daughter’s eyes as she said, “I believe they will be proud of Levi. If they knew Levi was getting married so happy for him.”
On the way back, Zoey was so sleepy that her head kept nodding forward. She soon leaned against the car window and dozed off.
now,
they’d be
Last time, she had fallen asleep on Levi’s shoulder, only for him to coldly push her away. But this time, as she leaned against the window, looking uncomfortable, Levi slipped his hand under her head to cushion it.
‘Of course, I’m not doing it out of concern for her. I just think she’s done well today and made my family happy, Levi thought.
“That was the whole point of marrying her, after all–to appease them. Since she managed to entertain them, she deserves a little kindness. Nothing more. Levi was still in his deep thought, trying to find a valid excuse for his action.
With his hand beneath her head, Zoey slept soundly. When she woke up and realized what was supporting her, she blushed immediately. “Mr. Horton, have you been holding my head this whole time?”
Levi hadn’t expected her to notice before he could pull his hand away. His expression froze for a second, but he quickly reverted to his usual distant demeanor. “Don’t get the wrong idea. I just didn’t want you to break the car window.”
With that, Levi stepped out of the car without sparing her a glance.
Zoey puffed her cheeks in frustration and followed him out. She dragged her feet and walked slowly, while Levi was already near the elevator. When he turned around and saw her still lingering by the car, he frowned and said impatiently, “Hurry up, will you?”
“Coming.” Zoey picked up her pace, but as they neared the building, she tripped and stumbled forward.
Levi’s instincts kicked in before he even had time to think. He quickly stepped forward and caught her, holding her steady with his arms. “You’re always so clumsy. Tripping over nothing?”
Zoey rubbed her sore nose, her voice pitiful. “Sorry, Mr. Horton, but my eyesight isn’t great.” In her head, she couldn’t help but think, ‘Mr. Horton’s chest is like a brick wall. That bump almost made me cry.’
Levi sighed in annoyance, “If you can’t see, then just hold my hand.”
“OK.” Zoey carefully reached for his hand but only grabbed his ring and pinky fingers. She was held and walked forward like a child led by an adult. As they walked, Zoey thought to herself, ‘Ella was right. Mr. Horton is scary sometimes.’
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