Not twins novel (Natasha and Kenneth)
Chapter 148

Chapter 148 Social Expectations

By the time Anthony woke up, there was already a delectable spread of food on the dining table.

Thalia sat at the table, happily eating away. There were lobsters, crabs, and a wide variety of food from some of the best restaurants in town. Anthony got up from the couch and walked to the dining table. "Why didn't you wake me?"

"The food only just arrived and I was wondering whether to wake you up or not!"

For some reason, Anthony no longer felt that hungry. However, he got his appetite back once he saw the delicious food and began tucking into it.

"When I went to collect the food earlier, I bumped into your great-grandfather downstairs," Thalia said as she looked at the boy.

Anthony froze momentarily and gazed up at her. "And?"

"I thought he wouldn't remember me, but he did! He even came up to say hello," Thalia said with a smirk. "I guess beautiful women do leave a stronger impression..."

"You didn't shoot your mouth off, did you?" Anthony asked sternly.

Thalia tossed him a glance. “Don't worry. Do you think I'm that ignorant?"

Anthony flinched at that. Ha. Who knows?

"So, what did he say?" Anthony asked as he slowly reached for a piece of lobster meat. He might be young, but he carried himself with poise and elegance even when it came to eating. "He said to drop by your house for a meal when I'm free," Thalia replied with a chuckle. "Say, is your great-grandfather good at cooking?"

Seeing the glint in her eyes, Anthony instantly shot daggers back at her. "Don't even think about it."

"Why not?"

"How am I supposed to explain to Mommy?"

"I'm your martial arts instructor, aren't I? We can always go with that."

"Mommy's not that easily fooled."

"Does that mean Kenneth is?"

"He doesn't know me well since we don't live together," Anthony explained. Mommy, however, can detect even the slightest change in me! There's no way I can fool her. "Who knows your family might already know that I live here?" Thalia asked with nonchalance as she continued eating.

Anthony froze.

Oh, no! She's right!

When Terence finally got home, he found Natasha and Zachary chatting in the living room.

Upon seeing how happy they were, he smiled in relief. Zachary's a grounded and dependable man. If they get together, I'm sure he'd be able to give Natasha a stable life. Meanwhile, Zachary saw that Terence had returned and immediately rolled up his sleeves to help.

"Let me help you, Old Mr. Watson."

"No, no, no. The two of you can carry on chatting. I got this."

"Nat just got back from the hospital, so I think we should let her rest. Besides, it'd be faster if I helped you with the preparation," Zachary said as he glanced at Natasha. With that, he unloaded the groceries and began washing the vegetables.

Feeling more and more satisfied with Zachary, Terence eventually gave in and allowed him to help out.

While cooking, Terence turned to the younger man. "Zach, what do you think about Nat?"

Zachary stole a glimpse at Natasha, who seemed to be relaxing on the couch with her eyes closed, resembling a cat.

"She's great. I can't describe what's good about her, but I know being around her makes me feel comfortable," Zachary said earnestly.

Terence raised an eyebrow. "Do you not replace Nat beautiful?"

"Oh, you must be joking, Old Mr. Watson. She's too beautiful! However, I know she's more than just a pretty face. In my opinion, Nat's best feature is her personality!"

Terence nodded approvingly. "In that case, do you like her? I hope you don't mind me being so direct, Zach. As her grandfather, all I wish is to replace her someone who can treat her with love and respect. If that's not how you feel, then please ignore what I've just said—"

"I do!" Zachary suddenly interrupted. "Old Mr. Watson, I've fallen for Nat since I first laid eyes on her. I'd never joke about something like that!"

Terence was happy to see how serious and sincere Zachary was, yet he couldn't shrug off the nagging worry at the back of his head.

"What about your family? Will they agree to your relationship? You know Nat's a divorcee and has three kids in tow..."

Upon hearing that, an unfathomable glint flashed across Zachary's eyes.

"I'll talk to my family," he uttered. "I don't know how they feel about it, but please be assured that I stand firm on my decision. That is, as long as you're willing to trust Nat with me..." Terence was stunned, his smile somewhat frozen in place.

He knew it was difficult for any family to accept Nat's situation, and it'd be even trickier with the wealthy, prominent ones.

To them, a woman's background was more important than anything else, so how could they ever see Natasha, a divorcee with kids, in a good light?

Ah, such is life. No matter how much I think Natasha's a gem, she'd always be subject to brutal social expectations. Sadly, there's nothing I can do about that.

Terence smiled and patted Zachary's shoulder. "It's okay. Take it slow."

The latter furrowed his brows. He knew that no amount of promises would work, and the only way to prove himself was through actions.

Soon, Terence had prepared a whole table of mouth-watering dishes.

No matter what the Lynch family was like, one thing Terence knew for sure was that Zachary was a good man. Even if things between the latter and Nat failed to work out, nothing would stop Terence from admiring and appreciating him.

"Let Nat know that lunch is ready."

Zachary nodded and walked toward the couch.

"Nat..." he whispered.

The next second, Natasha's eyelids fluttered open as she flung a hand out, ready to attack.

Zachary quickly reached out and grabbed her. "Nat, it's me."

Natasha glared at him, her hand still in the air.

"Did I scare you?" Zachary added.

Natasha gradually tamped down her hostility and replied, "No. I just had a bad dream."

Zachary smiled gently. "Well, time to get up for lunch!"

"Sure," Natasha mumbled as she got up from the couch and walked to the table with Zachary.

She stretched lazily and took in the aroma of food wafting through the air. "Ah, nothing beats being at home."

"Yes, you get to stay in the comfort of your home, but it'd be such a hassle for Zach to come by and change your dressings."

"Oh, it's no hassle. I'm more than happy to do it," Zachary responded with a chuckle.

Natasha ignored them and sat down at the table.

"Come on, Zach. Take a seat and tuck in," Terence said warmly.

Naturally, Zachary did as instructed.

Then, Terence suddenly recalled something and blurted out, "Hey Nat, guess who I ran into on my way up?"

"Who?" Natasha replied between mouthfuls.

"It's the young lady who sent Anthony back to the hospital when he got lost. Do you remember? She's rather pretty too..."

Natasha flinched. "Her?"

Thalia?

"Yes, that's right. It turns out she lives in the same building as us. Isn't that such a coincidence? Funny how we didn't realize that before," Terence mused. "Anyway, I bumped into her when she went downstairs to collect her takeout. She ordered quite a lot of food, and they were all from famous restaurants. I reckon she must have a big family!"

Coincidence? I'm afraid it can't be that simple.