My Baby’s Daddy novel (Anastasia)
Chapter 2517

Zacharias sighed softly, his actions not entirely clear in purpose, but he proceeded nevertheless. He intended to make Cole understand that he was actively pursuing Shirley. If Cole were willing to withdraw from this competition, it would be best for him.

She returned to her room and checked her phone, only to be met with disappointment when she found no message from Cole inquiring about the morning's events. This left her wondering if there had been a misunderstanding.

However, only Cole was privy to the truth of the matter. At noon, the housekeeper prepared lunch, though Shirley's lack of appetite kept her from descending to partake. Nonetheless, the servant was diligent and delivered a meal to her room. Gratefully she accepted the tray and expressed her thanks.

"Don't mention it. This was an order from Mr. Flintstone himself."

Shirley was speechless. Dining on the second floor, she pondered the purpose of her current role. It seemed less like being a bodyguard and more like a companion to Zacharias, who spent his time idly at home.

In the afternoon, she went to the underground level, where the man had a training room for boxing. Today, she turned the punching bag into an image of Zacharias, unleashing her pent-up frustration with fast and precise punches and kicks.

After an intense series of strikes, she heard applause from the side and immediately turned into a defensive stance. Zacharias was standing there, watching her. Shirley, who was drenched in sweat, lowered her guard, removed her gloves, and walked out. "I guess you were treating the punching bag as if it were me," he said with a smile.

"You guessed correctly," she replied, not denying her intentions. She had indeed wanted to take her frustration out on him.

He grinned. "Once my injury has fully healed, we can have a rematch. She felt a sense of relief after her release, realizing that harboring anger toward him was ultimately fruitless. She simply needed to endure for another three months, at which point she would regain her freedom. She could then choose to minimize her interactions with him.

"Mr. Flintstone, I apologize for my behavior this morning. I will strive to fulfill my professional responsibilities," Shirley said calmly, adopting a more professional attitude. However, Zacharias didn't seem pleased with this change.

Sweating and drained, she passed by him, heading for a much-needed shower.

"Shirley, am I truly that intolerable?" His voice carried a hint of frustration.

She turned to look at him, her eyes falling upon a flawless figure under the dim lighting. However, her heart was already spoken for, and no matter how impressive the man was, she couldn't accept his pursuit.

As she contemplated the idea of easily forsaking her feelings for someone she cared about in favor of falling in love with someone else, Shirley couldn't help but wonder what sort of person she might become. Would she be labeled as fickle, shifting affections so readily? Such a thought troubled her deeply, and she realized that she wouldn't even like herself if she allowed her heart to waver and her attention to be divided. She wanted to maintain a steadfast and serious commitment to the person she cared for.

With determination, she turned to him and said, "I must be honest, Zacharias. I do appreciate your qualities, but the person I have feelings for is Cole. I cannot entertain the pursuit of anyone else." After delivering this firm statement, she left. He was grappling with a sense of helplessness and gripped the railing behind him.

In the realm of love, favoritism was elusive. Love didn't play favorites, and even the strongest individuals had to endure the painful facets of love.

After taking a shower, Shirley made her way downstairs. Unexpectedly, as she passed through the living room, a familiar male voice resonated, "Pretty, did you miss me?"

She looked up and found Tony sitting on the couch, prompting her to smile and greet him, "Long time no see, Mr. Tony." However, he was somewhat annoyed. Initially, he could have lived here and seen her every day, but Zacharias didn't allow it. Shirley had just finished washing her hair, and her long, wet tresses cascaded over her shoulders. Her uniform somehow added to her allure. Just then, the elevator door nearby opened, revealing Zacharias, who emerged from the underground floor.

"Uncle Zacharias! I've come to see you." Tony, who was initially slouching, suddenly sat up straight while trying to appear more dignified.