The next morning, the usual breakfast table had an extra guest. Only Nanci and Jenny were chatting enthusiastically, while the two men sat across from each other, exchanging silent glares. Nanci cleared her throat, and the two finally began eating their breakfast.
Jenny, sensing the tension, spoke up, “Everyone, eat up! If there’s not enough, just let me know. I can make more in the kitchen!”
Nanci also smiled and said, “Come on, eat up. After breakfast, let’s talk about what we’re doing today.”
The two men answered in unison, “You’re spending the day with me.”
Nanci suddenly felt like her efforts to mediate between them the previous day had been in vain. She turned to Edward and asked, “Aren’t you going to the company today? Don’t tell me you’re still expecting me to handle your work for you. You’ve had a long enough break. Don’t be unreasonable.”
Edward frowned. “Then what are you planning to do with him?”
“I’m just showing him around. You go to the company and handle your work. Once things settle down, we can go out together.”
Hearing that Nanci would be spending the day with him, Brian shot Edward a smug look, his eyes filled with provocation. Though Edward was far from pleased, he knew the company needed him. He simply gave Brian a dismissive glance and ignored him.
“Fine, but be careful. After you’re done showing him around, come find me.”
Brian couldn’t resist adding, “Don’t worry, Mr. Clarkson. With me around, Nanci will be safe and sound. You can focus on your work at the company.”
“Alright, you two. I’m done eating. I’ll head upstairs first. You two keep eating.”
Jenny, observing the tension between the two men, also decided to retreat to her room. “Take your time eating. I’ll rest in my room for a bit. Just leave the dishes on the table, and I’ll clean up later.”
With that, the living room was left with just the two men, their eyes locked in a silent battle. Brian broke the silence first. “For Nanci’s sake, I won’t argue with you. Enjoy your meal. I’ll head to my room to get ready, then I’m taking her out.”
Edward was left alone at the table, his gaze boring into Brian’s back as if trying to burn a hole through it. Deciding it was better not to dwell on it, he quickly called Issac to pick him up for work. Hearing Edward’s familiar voice, Issac felt a surge of energy and immediately set out to fetch him.
Meanwhile, Nanci changed into a fresh outfit and applied light makeup before leisurely heading downstairs. Seeing only Jenny cleaning up in the living room, she asked curiously, “Jenny, where are the two of them?”
“Mr. Mathis is in his room, and Mr. Clarkson just left for the company.”
“Got it.”
Nanci knocked on Brian’s door and waited on the sofa for him to come out.
Brian emerged with his luggage in hand and said, “Nanci, I think I’ll head back to Woodlands now. Everything here is settled, and you don’t need me anymore.”
Nanci quickly took his luggage and said, “What are you talking about, Brian? You just got here and haven’t had a chance to enjoy yourself. I was too busy to properly host you before, but now I have time. Why are you in such a hurry to leave? Come on, let’s go out. It’s almost summer, and I need to buy some new clothes. Help me pick some out.”
“I only came because you were in trouble. But look, I didn’t help at all. Instead, I put you in an awkward position. I should just go back. You’re all grown up now, and you’ll get married soon. I don’t want to intrude on your life. As long as you’re happy, that’s all that matters.”
“If you keep talking like that, I’m going to get mad! Brian, you’re like a family to me. How could I feel awkward? I know you both just want what’s best for me. Stay a few more days or at least one more day. Come on, let’s go out.”
After much persuasion, Brian finally agreed to stay one more night. As they headed out, Nanci moved to the driver’s seat, but Brian beat her to it. “You sit in the passenger seat,” he said.
Looking at him, Nanci laughed and obediently took her seat.
During the drive, Nanci said wistfully, “It feels like I’m getting married and leaving my family behind.”
Brian sighed. “I feel like I’m giving my daughter away. Even though Alderley and Woodlands are close, the thought of entrusting you to another man makes me uneasy.”
Nanci felt a pang of sadness and suddenly said, “If my mom were still here, she’d definitely bless me, right?”
Brian replied gently, “Of course, she would. She’s watching over you, so you have to be happy. And if you ever feel unhappy, remember what I said-Woodlands will always be your home.”
“Thank you, Brian.”
“Silly girl, no need to thank me. Let’s go. We’re here.”
At the mall, Nanci spotted a men’s clothing store and dragged Brian inside. She picked out a few short-sleeved shirts and button-ups for him to try on.
Brian initially refused. “I don’t need new clothes. This is a waste of money.”
Nanci pretended to be upset. “If you don’t try them on, I’ll be mad at you. You never go shopping for yourself, and now you have me with great taste picking things out for you. Isn’t that great?”
Reluctantly, Brian took the clothes to the fitting room while Nanci continued browsing. She picked out a few items she thought would suit Edward and asked the saleswoman to pack them up, along with the clothes Brian was trying on.
Nanci sat on the sofa waiting for Brian to come out. When he did, she exclaimed, “See? I have good taste in clothes. Come look in the mirror!”
The saleswomen nearby whispered to each other, “That man is so handsome!”
“Handsome or not, he’s taken. Didn’t you see his girlfriend?”
“What a shame…”
Brian examined himself in the mirror and nodded. “Not bad.”
Nanci smirked and asked, “Brian, you’ve got money, looks, and charm, but I’ve never seen you with a girlfriend. Are you…”
Brian lightly tapped her head. “Stop overthinking. I just haven’t felt like dating. Being alone isn’t so bad.”
“Really? Being with someone is so much better. You have someone to talk to, share your thoughts with, and do meaningful things together. Doesn’t that sound nice?”
“I prefer being alone. I don’t want to adjust to someone else’s habits.”
Nanci sighed. “No wonder you’re single. Go try on the rest of the clothes.”
Brian tried on a few more outfits, and the saleswoman showered him with compliments. Nanci simply smiled politely and told the saleswoman, “Please pack these up for me. Thank you.”
Brian protested, “That’s too much. I don’t need all these. Just two will do.”
Nanci rolled her eyes. “Are you planning to wear the same two outfits every day? You’re a grown man. Take care of your appearance. It’ll make a good impression on others.”
“Why should I care about making a good impression on others?”
Nanci ignored him and told the saleswoman, “Just pack them up. Don’t mind him.”
Brian headed to the counter to pay, but the saleswoman said, “Sir, the lady over there has already paid.”
Brian walked back to Nanci, annoyed. “Shouldn’t the man pay? You’re making me look bad!”
“I bought a few things for Edward too, so I just paid for everything together. You can treat me to lunch later, and I won’t argue with you about that.”
“Fine.”
Nanci continued shopping until someone tapped her on the shoulder. She turned around.
“Nanci, long time no see! Brian, you’re here too? How come neither of you reached out to me after coming back?”
Nanci smiled. “It has been a while. What are you doing here? Are you alone?”
Amelia complained, “I was abroad for work and just got back today. I was supposed to meet my boyfriend here for lunch, and then I saw a familiar figure. Turns out it was you!”
Nanci laughed. “Oh, so that’s how it is.”
“You’re still laughing?! You didn’t even bother to invite me out for a meal. How heartless!”
“Has it been that long? Didn’t we have a meal together recently?”
“That was almost a month ago! Anyway, you and Brian go ahead. Adam’s here, so I’ll catch up with you later. Let’s meet up soon!”
Brian smiled. “Go ahead. We’ll catch up another time. There are plenty of opportunities.”
After Amelia left, Nanci asked, “Brian, don’t they make a cute couple?”
“I remember her boyfriend has been around since I first met her. They’ve been together for so long. They do seem a match made in heaven. It takes a special kind of person to handle her.”
Nanci turned to him with a mischievous grin. “Do you like girls like Amelia?”
Brian quickly replied, “Don’t be ridiculous. She has a boyfriend. I wouldn’t want to ruin her reputation.”
Nanci teased, “Haha, if you really like her, maybe I could…”
“Stop! Let’s go get something to eat.”
At the mention of food, Nanci dropped the subject. She was just teasing, knowing Brian wasn’t that kind of person. As she pondered what to eat, her eyes landed on a restaurant upstairs. She pointed and said, “Brian, how about that place?”
Brian didn’t object, and they took the elevator up.
At the restaurant, Nanci ordered a few dishes that looked good and handed the menu to Brian.
“Just these, thank you.”
While waiting, Nanci took a selfie and sent it to Edward, who replied instantly, “You look beautiful today!”
Nanci giggled, and Brian, seeing her reaction, thought to himself, “Is love really that wonderful?”
The two chatted through lunch, and after finishing, Nanci patted her stomach contentedly. “This place is great. I’ll bring Edward here next time.”
“So, where to after lunch?”
“Of course, we need dessert!”
They headed to a dessert shop, where they ran into Amelia and Adam again.