Finally, the wine-tasting session ended, and it was time for the formal dinner and dance. Shirley breathed a sigh of relief; she hoped to finish quickly and return to the hotel. This kind of place wasn’t quite suitable for her.
As romantic music filled the air, many guests approached Zacharias during the dinner to greet him. At that moment, a man of similar age smiled and approached. “Zach, you’ve changed so much… for the better, of course!” The man was dressed in a handsome white suit, a typical foreign hottie.
“William, it’s been a while.” Zacharias smiled and embraced him. Watching their brotherly embrace, Shirley wondered if Zacharias had friends here too.
After a hug, Zacharias turned to Shirley. “Shir, this is my schoolmate, William.
His father is the prince of Flor.” “Nice to meet you,” Shirley greeted with a smile. A hint of a knowing smile laced William’s eyes as he said to his good friend, “Zach, you lucky man. Your companion is a beauty.” Zacharias smiled silently, giving no remark, and then William said to him, “I’ll have to greet other guests. I hope you two can have a wonderful time tonight.” Zacharias noticed that Shirley seemed uncomfortable with her feet. He took her hand and said, “Let me take you to rest.” A VIP lounge had been set up, and Zacharias led Shirley into one of them. After the waiter brought in drinks, Zacharias closed the door.
After finally getting some private time, Shirley breathed a sigh of relief. She lifted her evening gown and took her left foot out of the shoe, revealing a red and swollen area around her small toe.
At that sight, Zacharias crouched down, reaching out to hold her ankle and inspect. Shirley, feeling a bit shy, tried to withdraw her foot. “I’ll be fine after some rest.” “It’s swollen. I’ll have someone bring you a new pair of shoes,” Zacharias said with concern. Shirley shook her head. “No need, I can endure it. It happens whenever I wear heels.” “Don’t wear them anymore then. Just put on what’s comfortable,” Zacharias suggested, planning to call someone to bring a pair of shoes.
Comments
The readers' comments on the novel: Night of Destiny (Anastasia and Elliot)