Min fece flushed a deep shade of red. “Who say I was looking for my aunt? I wasn’t!” she protested, her volce defensive. “I noticed she left ages agol”
“Oh? Then what were you looking for just now?” he asked, one brow arched in playful curiosity.
At that exact moment, a walter passed by carrying a tray of desserts. Seizing the opportunity, Mia quickly grabbed one, holding it up triumphantly. “I was looking for something to eat,” she declared, her face still burning as she hastily popped the dessert into her mouth.
In her flustered state; ship stuffed too much in at once, causing her cheeks to puff up like a chipmunk storing food for winter–adorable in a completely unintended way.
James couldn’t help but laugh. “Slow down,” he said, his deep voice carrying a gentle warmth. “No one’s going to take it from you.”
Meanwhile, a short distance away, Zoe was watching the scene unfold with great satisfaction, her expression glowing with a knowing smile.
“Our Mia really is charming,” she said proudly to Tom. “Look at her! She’s already caught someone’s attention so quickly! Mr. Hawthorne is clearly interested.”
Despite her praise, Zoe’s tone turned thoughtful. But as wonderful as he is, I still think getting married too young isn’t good for a woman. Mia’s been living such a rigid and restrained life–it’s not healthy.
“Tonight, I’m going to have a real heart–to–heart with her. I’ll share some of the more carefree and relaxed approaches to life that we’ve learned here. She needs to enjoy the fun of dating, experience the magic of romance, and let her admirers work hard to win her over. There’s no reason to rush into marriage. Let her enjoy being treated like a princess for a while.”
Tom chuckled, shaking his head at her enthusiasm. “Just don’t take it too far and steer her in the wrong direction, okay?”
“Steer her in the wrong direction? Don’t be ridiculous!” Zoe shot back, giving him a playful. kick under the table. “I’m teaching her how to enjoy life the right way!”
