Chapter 505
“Is Shawn gone?”
Zachary had not forgotten about his romantic rival.
“I didn’t see him when I came back. Are you still feeling jealous?”
After a brief silence, Zachary replied, “Well, you did say that’s just how I am. I suppose jealousy has become a habit for me.”
If Josh and Grandma May had been present, they would have certainly teased him.
Serenity laughed. “Maybe I should make you eat your greens every day then.”
Since he often turned green with envy, she might as well serve him all the greens he could handle.
“I love eating whatever you prepare for me.”
“Zachary, you really have a way with words. What’s with all the sweet talk lately?”
Zachary’s lips twitched slightly. Nana often complained to Serenity about his lack of romantic gestures. Now that he was trying, Serenity seemed to fuss over his sweet words. Perhaps she wasn’t fond of flattery.
“I don’t want to take up too much of your time.”
“Okay.”
Serenity was the first to end the call.
Zachary lowered his phone from his ear and stared at the screen for a moment, murmuring to himself, “She didn’t even say she misses me.”
Setting his phone down, Zachary quickly composed himself and plunged into his work.
Meanwhile, Serenity finished her hot cocoa and washed the insulated cup. She then took some fruit from the fridge, washed it thoroughly, and arranged it on a platter before carrying it outside.
Mrs. Stone and her daughter were seated at the cash register.
“Mrs. Stone.”
Serenity
Mrs. Stone placed the fruit platter in front of Serenity and said, “Please, help yourself, Mrs. Stone.”
“Thank you,” Mrs. Stone replied gratefully. Once Serenity sat down, Mrs. Stone got straight to the point. “Serenity, you must know why I’m here today. I was separated from my sister when I was eight years old. It has been fifty years, and throughout this time, my sister has always been on my mind.
“I worried about how she was doing with her adoptive parents and feared she might forget about me. After she was adopted, I often inquired about her with the director, but unfortunately, I never received any updates.
“As I grew older and was able to, I pursued various ways to locate my sister. It was challenging at first, but with the rise of the internet, I thought it might make things easier. Yet, my hopes were met with one disappointment after another.”
Elisa had shared these details with Serenity before.
“After I met your sister and Sonny, my intuition told me you are my sister’s daughters. Sonny resembles my sister as a child, and I also saw your sister’s wedding photo at her home—she takes after my sister as well.”
“I was wondering if you would be willing to accompany me for a DNA test?”
Noticing Serenity’s hesitation, Mrs. Stone quickly added, “I will accept whatever the results may be.”
Elisa interjected, “Serenity, if you don’t have time to join us, you could give us a few strands of your hair. We can use that for the DNA test without you needing to be present.”
It would certainly be ideal if Serenity was willing to accompany them to the testing center for a blood test.
“Why don’t you go with my mom if you’re worried about someone watching your shop? I can stay here and take care of things,”
Serenity said, waiting for the mother and daughter to finish before adding, “Hold on, Mrs. Stone and Elisa. I need to call my sister to talk. I’ve explained the situation regarding my mom to Elisa. I truly appreciate that you’ve never given up on finding your sister, but…”
Her mother had been gone for fifteen years, and the realization of that outcome would be difficult for Mrs. Stone to accept.
Mrs. Stone’s eyes filled with tears. She had been feeling down all day yesterday, and the thought that her sister had likely been gone for fifteen years made it hard for her to speak. She couldn’t find the words.
