Chapter 33
The shopping trip lasted two long hours.
Used to the luxuries of five-star transport, Zachary felt completely drained after serving as Serenity’s personal porter during their shopping expedition. Despite his dedication to self-defense classes and a regular fitness regimen, nothing could prepare him for this task. In fact, he would have preferred to be buried under a mountain of work and meetings than to endure a shopping trip with a woman. Just as the car came to a halt, Serenity received a call from Grandma May before stepping out.
“Are you home, Serenity? We’re downstairs,” Grandma May inquired.
Smiling, Serenity responded, “We just got back from the market, Nana. Please wait for us. We’ll be right there.”
“Did you go to the market with Zack?”
This question brought a smile to Nana’s face. She thought to herself, ‘To think my sometimes aloof and prideful grandson put aside his usual demeanor to shop with Serenity at the market.’
Since Zack had chosen to play the role of a pauper, he might as well embrace the experiences of an ordinary person.
“Yes, we went to get groceries,” Serenity confirmed.
“Zack has always been busy with work, so he’s never had the chance to visit the market. It’s great that you took him along,” Nana remarked. “Serenity, make sure Zack does the heavy lifting. He’s strong enough for it. Don’t wear yourself out.”
Zachary began to wonder if Serenity was actually Grandma May’s biological grandchild instead. As Serenity exited the car, she balanced her phone in one hand and opened the rear door with the other. She reached inside, retrieved a foldable wagon, and signaled for Zachary to unfold it.
“Don’t worry, Nana. I won’t overexert myself,” she assured her grandmother.
However, since the wagon wasn’t large enough to carry all their groceries, Zachary ended up shouldering the bulk of the load. Serenity took Nana’s advice to heart and had a relatively easy walk home.
“Nana, we’re on our way now,” Serenity called out.
“Sure thing. See you soon,” Nana replied before ending the call. Serenity tucked her phone into her pocket and
As Serenity pulled the wagon, she chatted with Zachary, who was juggling several bags. “Come on, Mr. York. Nana and your family are waiting downstairs,” she urged.
Walking beside her, Zachary turned to Serenity with a serious expression. “Please, don’t call me Mr. York in front of Nana and everyone else. Just call me Zachary.”
“Sure thing,” Serenity replied, not dwelling on how to address him.
Before long, Nana and the rest of the family spotted the returning duo. Serenity was hauling a wagon filled with fruits, vegetables, meats, and drinks, while Zachary, the most distinguished member of the York family, had multiple bags draped over his arms. They made a striking couple as they strolled together.
“Hahaha—” Rowan, the youngest cousin in Zachary’s generation, couldn’t contain his laughter. At fifteen years younger than Zachary and still in high school, he was known for his open emotions.
Rowan had always been intimidated by his serious and stern cousin. Zachary exuded an air of superiority that even extended to family members, making this moment all the more surprising. He never imagined he would see Zachary come down from his pedestal.
“Rowan!” Nana called out to him, her voice filled with warmth, though her eyes sparkled with joy. She had come to appreciate Zachary’s decision to keep his true identity hidden, as it allowed them to witness a different side of him through Serenity.
“I can’t help it, Nana. I need to let this out a bit longer,” Rowan chuckled. “Serenity should get Zack to hold a spade in one hand and a hoe in the other while piggybacking a baby.” The room fell silent as everyone processed his outrageous suggestion.
