Chapter 12 - Unexpected Dinner

Serena was just watching Vernon putting some ingredients into the shopping cart and she was watching him because she wanted to know about him slowly.

She was easily mesmerized by someone, especially when it was a man she liked and even had a place in her heart.

It didn't matter to her that she just liked him without reciprocating. But that was just the beginning because, within a few hours of meeting, Vernon even showed his interest in her from the look in his sharp eyes.

"Well, Mr. CEO is going to cook for me. What a surprise!" she said.

Vernon chuckled and smiled. He even seemed to be meticulous in his choice of ingredients, even reading up on the ingredients, cooking methods, and so on.

As a woman, Serena felt as if her self-esteem had fallen just because of Vernon's meticulousness. No wonder he became a CEO, apparently even without a secretary he could organize things.

"What do you like?" asked Vernon without looking at her.

"I like looking at you."

Whether it was a joke to ensnare him, it was actually a statement. Vernon just turned his head and remained cool to face Serena.

"I mean, food, Serena."

"Surprise me."

He chuckled and nodded, and then they headed for the cashier and Serena pulled out her card.

"I'll do it," Vernon said, refusing her outstretched hand to give the cashier the card.

"What? No. You're shopping for ingredients at my apartment."

"I'll pay, Serena. Besides, I'll process the ingredients when I visit."

Instantly Serena was shocked, transfixed, and even stunned to hear him say something she did not expect. Although he spoke as if he was indifferent and even cold, but the meaning that sounded so quickly conveyed in Serena's head.

-He's coming over to process the ingredients? Is he kidding?!- she thought.

Serena could hardly believe what he just said. She thought maybe he said that because he just wanted her to let him pay for all the groceries.

After shopping, Vernon's cell phone suddenly rang just as he was about to start the car engine.

He looked at Serena as if asking for approval.

"It's fine. Just pick it up."

Then Vernon picked up the call. "Yes, Mom?"

Serena was surprised when it was his mother on the other end of the line when she heard Vernon mention the word 'Mom.'

What she meant was, why would Vernon ask permission to pick up the call if it was his mother?

"Why does it have to be now? I'm busy," Vernon said.

Then Serena's hand grabbed his arm and shook at him. She didn't like the idea of someone using the alibi of being busy for their mother when Vernon was clearly not.

Vernon sighed and massaged the bridge of his nose. "OK, fine. But I'll bring someone."

The call ended and Vernon looked at Serena who was confused. "There's dinner at my parents' house. And I want you to come."

"What? Vernon, no! I ... I'm not wearing any proper dress and I haven't even showered and I—

"I'll take you to the salon and we'll go back inside for you to buy your clothes, whatever you need," he cut Serena off.

Serena felt a cold sweat coming on. Suddenly she was nervous just because she was invited to have dinner with Vernon's parents.

It was too soon for her to get to know them. But even in urgent situations, Vernon did whatever she needed.

"But, everything I use and wear is pricey."

"Tsk! You think I'm poor, Serena? I can afford even this one building," Vernon scolded, disliking the idea that he had no money.

But that was not Serena's intention. She had meant to refuse but somehow couldn't immediately refuse like before.

“Come on.”

Even Vernon had gotten out of the car and opened the door for her to get out.

Serena sighed and inevitably got out.

Back inside, Vernon even led her to the women's fashion and makeup stores. Without him asking, he even brought Serena into a famous store, which Serena was used to going to.

-Ok. Choose the cheaper one even though cheap is still expensive for those who can't afford it,- her mind spoke.

When Serena put some makeup into a small basket, apparently Vernon was quite good at the prices listed. Reflexively, he took the small basket Serena was holding and returned the selected items to their original place.

"Hey!" Serena protested.

"Choose the one you usually wear, Serena. If not, I'll return it again.

As if Vernon was her possessive boyfriend, she had no choice. She took the makeup she usually wore until the argument was over.

Finally, it was over and Vernon took her to the most expensive salon that he knew celebrities frequented.

"How do you know about this salon?!" asked Serena in surprise as the car parked in the parking lot.

"Just guessing but of course, I know this salon is very famous."

Serena couldn't believe it but she didn't want to ask more because for now, she had to hurry up and get ready. This was the Vernon family she was going to meet, for which first impression was very important.

"I'll wait in the waiting room," he said.

Serena was thrilled when she was beautified. She was already beautiful but she heard from the therapist that Vernon told her to beautify herself.

How could she not blush? Of course, she was excited and embarrassed. They weren't even dating yet, but he was already behaving more like a boyfriend to his girlfriend.

Finally, an hour later Serena was done. With her heart pounding, she came out from inside and looked for Vernon in the waiting room.

In fact, Vernon was already looking at her, as if he was waiting for her to finish.

His expression changed when he saw the results of her makeup and the clothes they had bought earlier. His blood rushed just from seeing the beauty of the Creator. His heart was beating like he was in love again.

"What? Is it too much?" asked Serena, trying to be nonchalant.

"No, it's not. It's just ... you look stunning.”