Chapter 179
Yannis thought helplessly, โShe never fails to surprise me. Iโm still alive and kicking, and sheโs already making plans for my ribs!โ Facing those honest, expectant eyes, he could only sigh in resignation and think, โFirst it was my eyes, now sheโs after my ribs? Honestly, there seem to be quite a few things about me that catch her fancy.โ
โAlright then,โ Yannis chuckled, a smile reaching his eyes. โIf I ever kick the bucket, Iโll leave everything to you in my will, including my fortune and even my body.โ
Zinnia blinked and said, โOnce I get you back inโฆ who knows? You might even outlive me.โ
โBut if anything should happen to you, I might get toโฆ youโll easily live to eighty. Honestly, I probably wonโt get to inherit anything from you. Who knows?โ
โOne of your ribs. Then I could keep it as a specimen.โ
Yannis thought wryly, โShe is completely oblivious to common sense. She turns down the inheritance, yet all she ever wants is my ribs.โ
Yannis was at a loss for words. He mused, โTo a doctor like her, money holds no appeal. Sheโs only ever obsessed with collecting human remains as anatomical specimens.โ
โIโm seriousโyou might outlive me,โ Zinnia said. She didnโt care about his inheritance; all she wanted was the chance to get one of his ribs someday.
โZinnia, youโll live to be a hundredโoutliving me for sure. Someone as wonderful as you are is definitely destined for a long, blessed life,โ Yannis said, frowning slightly.
Zinnia shook her head. She thought, โMy body took a beating when I was a kid. Iโm not built for a long life. If Iโm lucky, I might make it to my sixties. If not, maybe just my thirties. Honestly, Iโve probably lived half my life already. This body of mine is barely holding together as it is.โ
She knew her own condition all too well. Though her master had assured her sheโd live to a ripe old age, deep down she knew betterโchances were, she wouldnโt outlive Yannis.
โWith me, youโre definitely going to live to be a hundred,โ Yannis said firmly. โRoderick said as long as you take good care of yourself, your health will be just fine.โ
โZinnia, didnโt you say you wanted my rib as a specimen?โ Yannis teased.
Yannis gently ruffled her hair, his voice warm. โSo you have to take good care of yourself too. As long as Iโm still alive, you need to stay healthyโotherwise, how else will you ever get your chance to collect my ribs?โ
Yannis thought, โGrandpa has already examined Zinnia and confirmed that as long as she gets proper rest, sheโll be perfectly fine. With good care, she is sure to be alright.โ
The next morning, Zinnia slept in until she woke up naturally. When she opened her eyes, she found herself in unfamiliar surroundings. It took her a moment to remember sheโd come to stay at Raymondโs place last night.
โZinnia, you awake?โ Maisie called, knocking on the door.
โCome in, Maisie. Iโm awake,โ Zinnia responded.
Maisie pushed the door open and stepped inside.
Maisie said, โZinnia, thereโs a baby shower happening today. Momโs already booked some makeup artists for us. Time to get up!โ
The baby shower was for Soren, Wendellโs great-grandson. Although the Bacon family wasnโt as well-known as theirs, they still moved in the same high social circles. Wendell had had a significant career in politics, and his influence was still strong. The Spence and Lynn families were old friends of the Bacon family, so they were expected to attend. Wendell cared deeply about Soren, and all the important people in their circle would be there. Their presence was essential.
โOkay,โ Zinnia replied. After freshening up, she put on some casual clothes and went upstairs to the dressing room.
โWhereโs Yannis? Isnโt he coming?โ Zinnia asked, looking around confused when she didnโt see him.
Maisie explained, โYannis had something urgent at work this morning, so he left early for the office. Heโll just meet us at noon.โ
โBeing a corporate slave is so tiring,โ Zinnia sighed honestly. โHe is working all the time and ruining his health. No wonder he makes good money.โ
โZinnia, you really shouldnโt call him a โcorporate slaveโ in front of him,โ Maisie quickly leaned over and whispered in her ear.
Maisie thought, โDamn it, I shouldโve been more careful with what I said earlier so I wouldnโt influence her.โ
โOkay,โ Zinnia said. Seeing Maisieโs nervous look, she nodded obediently.
Yvette said, โMy darlings, youโre here. Come quickโMom had special dresses made just for you. Pick your favorite!โ
The two saw Yvette sitting with a facial mask on, while a stylist worked on her hair. Yvette waved them over. The dressing room held many fancy gowns, and a team of makeup artists was ready. The makeup team greeted them happily as they arrived.
โHow do I look, Mom? Not bad, right?โ Maisie spun around in her dress, smiling proudly.
โBeautiful. You are naturally lovely,โ Yvette said happily, her pretty face softening in a warm smile. She wore a nice pearl-white dress, looking graceful and kind.
โI canโt wait to see Zinnia,โ Maisie said excitedly, looking toward Zinniaโs dressing room. โJust imagine. If sheโs with us, everyone will envy our family.โ
โZinnia, weโre done,โ the makeup artist said gently.
Yvetteโs eyes brightened with admiration. โOh my goodness, youโre stunning!โ Yvette gasped.
Zinnia wore a light pink, mermaid-style dress that sparkled with little diamond-like stars. Her collarbones showed off a delicate pearl necklace. Her long hair was styled up and held with a butterfly-shaped gemstone hairpin, and she wore pearl earrings. Her slim waist, shaped by her flowing dress, showed her graceful figure. Her calves were slim and perfect. Delicate like blossoms, she looked beautiful and special. On her feet, she wore pretty ankle boots with a small heel, adding a touch of elegance. A girl like her was made to wear such fancy dresses and jewelryโonly these could truly match her bright beauty.
After getting ready, the family went to the Bacon mansion. They arrived at the perfect time. The driveway was filled with fancy cars, and a long red carpet stretched out from the garden.
Yvette gently helped Zinnia and Maisie out of the car and told Zinnia softly, โSweetheart, stay close to us today, okay? Donโt wander off. If you need anything, just tell us.โ
Since the Shaws had never taken Zinnia to any social events before, Yvette worried she might feel out of place. Also, the Shaws were expected to attend, and Yvette was worried they might bother Zinnia again.
Zinnia nodded. โOkay.โ
โDonโt worry, Mom, Iโll stay with Zinnia,โ Maisie said kindly, holding her arm.
Feeling their love, a warm feeling grew in Zinniaโs heart as she smiled softly back at them.
Chapter 180