Chapter 99
The aftermath of that kiss was intense.
Zoey spent the entire night dreaming about Alexander, different kinds of kisses, leaving her feeling like she was being roasted in a fiery pit. When she woke up in the morning, she was drenched in sweat.
Zoey had never experienced anything like this before.
Her mood was complicated, and she felt a bit down.
After washing up, she didn't have any appetite for breakfast and left the house in a simple outfit.
Today, she needed to pick up the packaged jade chessboard and pieces.
Just as she was putting on her shoes, someone knocked on the door.
Zoey looked through the peephole and saw Alexander outside, with Oliver carrying several bags behind him.
"What are you doing here so early?" Zoey opened the door, her voice a bit low.
Alexander noticed her displeased expression and reached out to touch her forehead, concerned. "Are you feeling okay? You look kinda rough this morning. Is it because of that kiss?"
Zoey paused her movements. He really liked bringing up things she didn't want to talk about.
She collected herself and coldly brushed Alexander's hand away. "I'm fine. You haven't told me why you're here."
"I wanted to have breakfast with you. I just finished some work and haven't had a sip of water. I was hoping you could join me for breakfast. Is that okay?" Alexander looked at her with a hint of pleading.
He was telling the truth. He had gone to the office at six to sign a contract, had a meeting at eight, and, knowing that the medical school was on break today, he rushed over to find Zoey before nine, hoping to have a warm morning with her.
But seeing Zoey's mood, she didn't seem to be in a good place.
"Alright." Zoey didn't have much of an appetite, but seeing him look so pitiful, she agreed and opened the door to let them in.
She went to wash her hands and prepare the tableware.
Oliver quickly ran to the dining room, put down the pile of things he was carrying, and breathed a sigh of relief.
He was exhausted.
He quietly took his portion to the living room to eat, not wanting to interrupt the two's date.
Zoey came out and found the table filled with delicious food.
Even though it was just the two of them eating, it looked like a feast fit for a king.
"We can't eat all this. Where's Oliver?"
"He's eating outside. He has to go back to the office after he's done." Alexander said calmly, serving her a bowl of porridge. "Eat while it's hot."
Zoey took the bowl, her fingertips accidentally brushing against the back of his hand, and she quickly pulled back.
Seeing her reaction, Alexander raised an eyebrow slightly.
"Zoey," he suddenly said, "You didn't sleep well last night. Did you dream about me?"
Zoey paused her breakfast, refusing to answer.
Alexander chuckled, a hint of pride in his eyes. "Later, you can come with me to pick up the gifts. I have chosen a few things for Grandpa."
Tamsin probably didn't want Zoey to spend too much, so she didn't tell her that tonight was also Finn's birthday.
Finn usually didn't celebrate, but the younger family members wanted to, so gifts were necessary.
"I already picked out a gift for Grandpa. You don't need to spend money on me." Zoey swallowed her food and spoke slowly.
Alexander was a bit surprised. "You prepared a gift? You knew tonight was my grandpa's birthday?"
Zoey shook her head. "No, I just thought I should give him something. I actually should have given it last night, but I was too nervous and forgot."
"I was just about to go pick it up when you arrived."
After breakfast, the two headed to the jade store. When Zoey arrived, the staff and Holden greeted her respectfully.
Alexander was a bit surprised. If he remembered correctly, the owner of this antique store was Ethan, right? How did it become Zoey's?
He was curious but respected Zoey enough not to ask. Some things, he wanted Zoey to tell him voluntarily, rather than him forcing her to reveal.
While waiting for Holden to bring the items, Alexander suddenly asked, "Do I look like your uncle?"
Zoey looked at him in surprise. "Why do you ask?"
Alexander pointed to his suit and then to her overalls. "Standing together, we look like two generations..."
Zoey laughed, deliberately sizing him up and down. "Well... you do look a bit old-fashioned."
Alexander squinted his eyes. It seemed it was time for Oliver to find someone to custom-make his clothes again.
After leaving the jade store, Alexander drove Zoey to a small alley.
At the end of the alley was an inconspicuous old shop with a sign that read 'Stitch & Style.'
"What is this place?" Zoey stopped and looked around, curious.
Someone like Alexander coming to a place like this to buy things? The contrast was unexpected.
Alexander pushed open the door. "A surprise for Grandpa. Mr. Perez's craftsmanship is renowned in Emerald City. He doesn't care about money, only about connections."
So, custom orders here had to be booked a year in advance; otherwise, you couldn't get in line.
The shop's interior was quaint, with various fabrics and half-finished garments hanging on the walls. It looked simple from the outside, but inside, it was a hidden gem that left Zoey a bit stunned.
An elderly man with white hair was cutting fabric at the counter. Hearing the commotion, he looked up, his eyes bright behind his glasses.
Terry put down his scissors and came forward, his gaze quickly falling on Zoey, a look of amazement in his eyes. "Is this the one you mentioned?"
The one you like?
He didn't finish, but Alexander understood. "Yes, she's Zoey, the one I'm pursuing."
Zoey was speechless.
Terry suddenly understood, smiling meaningfully. "She certainly matches you. The suit you ordered under Ms. King's name is ready. Let's check it out."
He turned and called for an apprentice to bring out several brocade boxes. "Based on Mr. Garcia's size and preferences, we made four sets, all with the best materials."
He opened one of the boxes, revealing a neatly folded dark blue suit with intricate buttons and Finn's name on the collar.
"The cuff here," Terry pointed to a hidden pattern, "was added per Ms. King's request with Mr. Garcia's name."
Zoey was stunned. "My request? I don't recall making any requests."
Terry and Alexander exchanged a smile.
"Mr. Garcia remembered you mentioning it casually during a conversation."
Terry smiled warmly at her, suddenly saying, "Ms. King, you have a more refined figure than I imagined. I have an unusual request."
"What?" Zoey asked, puzzled. "What unusual request?"
"With your figure and demeanor, it would be a shame not to wear a dress." Terry's eyes lit up. "I happen to have a finished piece that no one has been able to wear with its charm. Could you try it on?"
Zoey hesitated. She usually dressed simply and had never tried on a formal dress.
"Sorry, I've never worn this type of clothing. I'm afraid I'll dirty it."