When His Perfect Mask Shattered I Awoke (Anneliese) novel Chapter 725

Thoughts of Wendy lingering in the restaurant spurred him into action. Gianna and Pepper flanked him, guiding him toward the car with gentle coaxing and firm hands.

...

Jonathan climbed in beside Steven, shooting him a pointed glance.

"Keep spoiling that sister of yours. Don't come crying when your family gets cleaned out," he warned.

Steven let out a frosty laugh. "Family? That doesn't exist anymore."

When he was nine, his infant sister had died the day she was born, sending his mother into near madness. That day, his family ceased to exist.

It wasn't that he couldn't see through Pepper's feigned sobs and little tricks. He simply didn't care to engage.

Jonathan studied him for a moment, realizing Steven had his own boundaries, and decided to leave it alone.

He wasn't one for other people's family dramas; his only concern was that Anneliese and Wendy got along.

By the time the two returned to the restaurant, Anneliese and Wendy had joined Ellie on the floor, arranging puzzle pieces together.

Noticing them come back, Anneliese touched the stacked dishes to test the warmth.

"Still nice and warm. Do you want to eat these, or would you rather order fresh?"

Jonathan gave a small nod, slid an arm around her waist, and, as if the world had disappeared, kissed her forehead.

"No need. Whatever you set aside for me is perfect. My wife really spoils me."

She had prepared a meal for him, intentionally.

Anneliese flushed and gave him a teasing glare.

Steven was easygoing, too. He shrugged off his coat, picked up a fork, and thanked Anneliese.

They ate and talked casually. Nobody asked about Adrian's well-being; nobody mentioned it.

Two grown men ate quickly. Within half an hour, they were ready to leave.

Steven had a pile of work waiting, and Wendy had a major event scheduled for the next day.

Ellie was originally supposed to be sent to Adrian that day, but when Anneliese heard this, she arranged with Wendy that tomorrow she would pick Ellie up and bring her to The Banyans.

Ellie's excitement was palpable. She had never gone alone to a friend's home before, her eyes sparkling as she nodded.

Before leaving, Anneliese tapped her head. "Pinky swear. Wait for me tomorrow, okay?"

In Steven's arms, Ellie reached out, linking pinkies, her smile stretching her eyes into crescent shapes.

Once they drove away, Jonathan drew Anneliese close.

Whatever the reason, he felt he owed her something.

He wasn't one to follow convention, but for this, he wanted to do it right.

He wanted dates that felt romantic, a proposal she would never forget, and a wedding that would astonish everyone.

He envisioned blessings from loved ones, maybe even a honeymoon baby—letting the child witness the most passionate love imaginable. The thought alone stirred him.

...

Gianna and Pepper escorted Adrian back to the Malone Residence. As soon as they entered the foyer, a maid rushed forward.

"Mr. Malone, Mr. Zane has arrived—"

Before she could finish, Gianna's eyes lit up.

"Wait, who did you say? Zane's here? He must be here for me!" she squealed, certain he had come for her.

She didn't even remove her shoes, darting straight into the living room.

There he was: tall, familiar, reclining on the couch.

Zane wore a long black trench coat, lounging against the cream leather. The elegant decor could not diminish the intensity he radiated. When his gaze met Gianna's, it was sharp and dark enough to command the light. Her surprised smile faltered without her realizing it.