CHAPTER 98: CHAPTER 98: WASHING HIS UNDERWEAR

Zoe Walsh chatted with Sophia Lowell for quite a while before taking her to greet some new arrivals.

Zoe had a laid-back personality, and her friends were quite talkative, which helped Sophia relax instantly.

A voluptuously dressed woman sidled up to Sophia, grabbing her arm and scrutinizing her like she was examining a piece of art.

She was Claire Graham, the wife of Eugene Sterling’s colleague.

"Miss Walsh, you’ve kept this daughter-in-law well hidden, haven’t you? It took until now for you to bring her out after they’re already married, worried we might snatch her away?"

"Exactly, Zane sure knows how to keep things under wraps, at least he didn’t return home with a baby in tow!"

Zoe laughed heartily.

She seemed quite pleased with the way others commented.

Sophia’s face heated up.

What are they talking about? We just got our marriage certificate three months ago, and they’re already talking about babies.

Sophia pursed her lips, "We actually have known each other for a long time, it’s just that our relationship wasn’t defined before."

Zoe smiled at Sophia and clenched her hand tighter, as if afraid she’d run away.

"When did you and Zane meet? And when did you two get together?" It was Aurora Rhodes’ mother, Ginger Hale, who spoke.

Sophia had met her at Aurora’s banquet.

The question carried a hint of interrogation, like asking whether the romance blossomed before or after Zane’s injury.

In summary, she was probing if Sophia was with Zane for his money.

Everyone sensed another implication and looked at her.

Zoe’s expression turned a bit displeased.

She knew Ginger had previously tried to talk Zane into considering Aurora Rhodes, only to be turned down.

Sophia remained composed.

She knew Ginger must have believed the rumors circulating from that banquet.

"Met? I really can’t remember when we first met, but I do remember the year Zane got injured, I washed his clothes for a whole month, even his underwear." Sophia whispered that last part to Ginger.

But all the ladies present heard it loudly and clearly.

They were taken aback, not expecting this layer of revelation.

Ginger’s expression turned even uglier.

She never imagined Sophia had been by Zane’s side during his recovery.

And even washing his personal garments.

Zoe couldn’t suppress her laughter.

Sophia, blushing, squeezed Zoe’s hand to indicate she should hold back her laughter.

She hadn’t wanted to bring it up; it was embarrassing.

Who washes a man’s underwear before getting married?

At the time, Zane had locked himself in the room, coming out only after his evening shower.

Sophia knew he was shy and managed his bathing alone, so she would wait outside until he finished.

His clothes would go into the washing machine, but a girl’s intimates needed hand washing, and it wasn’t hygienic to throw his underwear in with them.

So she secretly washed them and then tossed them into the washer.

She continued this for an entire month until Autumn Lowell and Zoe returned.

Zane had been unaware of this.

Even Zoe only learned of it today.

She reflected on how lucky Sophia was to have met a good girl, as anyone else might have disappeared.

"Sophia, Mom."

A rich, deep voice appeared behind Sophia.

Startled, she turned quickly.

Uh-oh, had he overheard?

The man in front of her was tall and imposing, his broad shoulders filling out a black wool coat, walking from a distance with the light behind him, like a warrior coming to meet his princess.

"Zane."

Everyone hurried to greet him.

Ginger said awkwardly, "Zane, you’re here."

Zane walked over to Sophia and Zoe, placing a hand on each of their shoulders.

"Good evening, ladies," he said coolly, with a hint of displeasure.

Claire looked at the couple before her, thinking they made an exceptionally handsome pair.

"True love revealed through adversity; nowadays, where else can you find someone who stood by you when you were down? And Miss Lowell was just a girl herself then, washing Zane’s clothes—certainly not an ordinary gesture."

Ginger eagerly agreed, "Yes, indeed..."

Her face couldn’t hide her embarrassment.

Sophia’s face burned with embarrassment too.

Could we stop this topic already?

She only wanted to teach Ginger a small lesson, to dispel any doubts about her, but who knew Zane would appear.

She was utterly mortified.

Zane playfully squeezed her shoulder, noticing her discomfort, and whispered, "The eggplant’s done grilling, are you hungry?"

Zoe quickly shooed them away.

Being older, she couldn’t stand to see the youthful flirting right in front of her.

"Off you go! Go on and have something to eat; I’ll handle things here."

Zane chuckled, then waited for Sophia’s cue.

Sophia, flushed, said, "Mom, we’ll go eat a little, then."

"Alright, go on!" Zoe gave Zane a subtle look.

The two nodded to the ladies and then Zane wrapped his arm around Sophia, leading her away.

Just as they exited the door, Zane couldn’t help but ask, "You washed my underwear?"

In a man’s world, clothes were all alike—just toss them all in the washer.

Sophia hadn’t wanted to discuss it, but he brought it up anyway.

She nodded, her face turning redder and redder.

Zane looked as though he’d discovered a new world, a smile playing on his lips.

"Did you do anything else I don’t know about?"

"Nothing else."

"Really?"

"Really."

Sophia’s face was all red with embarrassment.

Please stop asking.

She was so embarrassed she wanted to dig a hole with her toes.

"Well, Mrs. Sterling has done so much for me, it seems I should pamper you well."

Zane’s serious tone made Sophia’s heart skip a beat.

Pamper you well?

Pamper your sister—

"No need, it’s all in a day’s work," she said.

Zane tapped her nose, his other hand sliding from her shoulder to her waist.

"Mrs. Sterling, your face is turning red again."

Sophia bashfully tried to push him away with her elbow, wanting some distance.

His voice was enticing, and just a little coaxing was making her ears tingle.

His sincere words would morph into a tender hint, sparking imaginations.

"Zane, all the elders are around, it’s not proper," she reminded him.

Zane tightened his grip, pulling her directly into his embrace, so they walked side by side.

His chest was hot, and the warmth almost seeped through the thick coat.

A faint sandalwood fragrance mixed with body heat, producing a calming scent.

"We’ve slept together so many times, and still, your cheeks are as rosy as a young girl’s."

"Stop talking..."

Though whispered in her ear, it was rather inelegant in such a public space.

"I’ll stop, I’ll stop," Zane teased.

The playful scene was caught by Tim Sawyer and Nancy Sawyer, who had just arrived.

Tim wasn’t sure if the woman nestled in Zane’s arms was Sophia because she looked familiar, so he called out.

"Sophia?"

Zane and Sophia ceased their banter and looked toward the voice.

Everyone stood still, surprised.