CHAPTER 162: ZOO TRIP

Zeke remembered that Claire had once said she wanted to go to the zoo. He had already planned today’s schedule a few days ago. He asked Andrew to rent out the entire zoo for a full day, just like he had done with the amusement park before. He also arranged for security to keep them safe during their visit. Blake and Nolan had already been informed about it.

He wanted to surprise Claire, so he hadn’t told her. But it seemed he also forgot to tell Cassidy yesterday, too distracted by the night they had shared together.

"When did you plan this? And why are you only telling me now?" Cassidy asked, looking at him with a hint of displeasure.

Zeke gave a sheepish smile. "I’m sorry, baby. I planned it a few days ago. I wanted to tell you, but I forgot," he admitted, feeling guilty.

Cassidy sighed. "It’s okay, I understand. But next time, if you plan a trip like this, I hope you’ll talk to me first."

"Yes, ma’am." Zeke straightened and answered seriously, as if he was truly obeying her.

Cassidy shook her head, softening a little. "So, what time are we going to the zoo?" she asked while holding Claire close.

"Twelve o’clock. We should start getting ready now."

"Let’s go, sweetheart. You need to take a shower before we head to the zoo," Cassidy said, glancing down at Claire.

"Okay, Mommy," Claire replied with bright excitement. She was already eager to go.

The three of them walked back into the villa to prepare for their trip. Rocco, not wanting to be left behind, quickly ran after them.

Upstairs, Cassidy helped Claire pick out a dress for the day. Claire kept pulling out colorful outfits from her wardrobe, twirling in front of the mirror as if she were on a runway.

"This one, Mommy?" she asked, holding up a pink dress with little flowers.

Before Cassidy could answer, Zeke leaned against the doorframe, arms crossed. "Too fancy for the zoo, princess. You’ll scare the animals."

Claire pouted. "No, I won’t."

Cassidy gave Zeke a look, half warning, half amused. "Stop teasing her. It’s cute."

Zeke raised his hands in surrender, grinning.

Cassidy brushed her daughter’s hair while Zeke waited nearby, dressed in a white polo shirt and black pants, matching the colors Cassidy was wearing without even needing to discuss it.

When Claire noticed her parents’ outfits, she pouted. "That’s not fair. You two look like a couple, and I don’t match."

Cassidy smiled at her daughter’s complaint, while Zeke crouched down to Claire’s level. "Do you want to wear something black and white too, princess?"

Claire nodded quickly. "Yes! I want to match with you and Mommy."

Cassidy exchanged a glance with Zeke, her lips curving in amusement. "Alright then, let’s find you something."

She opened Claire’s wardrobe, scanning through the neatly arranged clothes. Zeke joined in, pretending to be serious as if it were an important mission.

"How about this one?" he asked, holding up a white t-shirt with a tiny bow at the collar.

Claire tilted her head, then shook it firmly. "No. That one’s too plain."

Cassidy chuckled and pulled out a black skirt with suspenders. "What about this with the white top? You’ll look just like Mommy."

Claire’s eyes lit up immediately. "Yes! That’s perfect!"

Within minutes, Claire was dressed in her new outfit. She twirled in front of the mirror, then rushed to stand between her parents. "See? Now we match!"

Zeke scooped her up and kissed her cheek. "Now we’re officially a team."

Cassidy laughed softly, brushing a hand over her daughter’s hair. "A very stylish team."

Once everyone was ready, they stepped out of the villa. Nolan had already pulled up Zeke’s black SUV to the front. He was in the driver’s seat, with Blake sitting beside him, his sharp gaze sweeping over the road ahead.

Several other bodyguards were already waiting in their own cars, parked neatly behind and in front of Zeke’s SUV, forming a small convoy.

Zeke opened the back door and helped Cassidy and Claire inside before sliding in beside them. The plan was the same as when they went to the amusement park, tight security, smooth and discreet.

As the convoy rolled out of the villa gates, Claire’s excitement bubbling over. "Daddy, are there going to be giraffes? I really want to see a giraffe!"

"There will be, princess," Zeke replied, draping his arm behind Claire. "And elephants, lions, maybe even penguins if you want to see them."

Cassidy glanced at him, one eyebrow arched. "You really arranged all of this?"

Zeke gave a small, smug smile. "Of course. Only the best for my girls."

Cassidy sighed, but warmth softened her eyes.

The cars moved steadily down the road, guarded yet smooth, just like a private trip should be.

The convoy finally pulled into the private entrance of the zoo. As Zeke had arranged, the entire place was cleared, no visitors, only staff quietly moving in the distance.

When the SUV stopped, Nolan quickly stepped out to open the door for Cassidy and Claire, while Blake scanned the surroundings with his usual sharp focus.

Claire hopped out with sparkling eyes, her little hands clapping in excitement. "We’re at the zoo!" she squealed, practically bouncing on her feet.

"Yes, princess," Zeke confirmed, stepping out after them and placing a hand on her shoulder. "We’re really at the zoo today."

Claire tugged on Cassidy’s hand, urging, "Come on, Mommy, Daddy! Let’s go see the animals!"

Hand in hand, the three of them started walking deeper into the zoo.

First stop, the giraffes.

"Whoa, they’re huge!" Claire’s eyes went wide, pointing up as one of the giraffes leaned down toward them.

A zoo staff came over with a basket of leaves. "Want to feed them, miss?" he asked kindly.

"Yes!" Claire almost jumped. Zeke scooped her up with one arm, steadying her little hands as she held out the leaves. The giraffe’s long tongue snatched them in one go.

"It tickles!" Claire squealed, laughing so hard her head almost hit Zeke’s chin.

Cassidy couldn’t help laughing too, quickly pulling out her phone to record. She caught Zeke’s face in the frame—he looked like he was trying to stay cool, but the soft smile in his eyes gave him away.

After a while, they hopped into the special zoo car driven by one of the staff. Blake sat up front beside him, keeping a close eye on everything like usual.

Claire sat squished between Zeke and Cassidy, bouncing on the seat. "Are we really gonna see lions and tigers up close?" she asked, half excited, half nervous.

"You will," the staff smiled from the driver’s seat. "Don’t worry, the car is safe. We’ll get close enough so you can really see them."

Zeke pulled Claire closer with an arm around her shoulder. "See? Nothing to worry about, princess."

Sure enough, a tiger came into view, stretched out lazily under the trees.

"That’s a Sumatran tiger," the staff explained. "They’re smaller than other tigers, but very rare and powerful."

A little further, two lions were lounging on the rocks. One lifted its head and stared right at them, its mane catching the sunlight.

"Mommy!" Claire grabbed Cassidy’s arm, whisper-shouting. "They’re real! They’re right there!"

Cassidy smiled, patting her hand. "I know, sweetheart. Beautiful, aren’t they?"

Zeke leaned down, his voice dropping low like he was telling a secret. "Did you know lions are called the kings of the jungle?"

Claire’s eyes went even wider. "Then does that make the tiger the queen?"

Zeke chuckled, ruffling her hair. "Maybe."

The tour car rolled forward, the staff guide pointing toward a shaded area where cheetahs lounged.

"These are the fastest animals on land," he explained with a grin. "They can go from zero to sixty miles per hour in just a few seconds."

Claire gasped. "That’s faster than Daddy’s car?"

Cassidy laughed softly. "Not quite, honey. But close."

The staff then shifting the car toward another enclosure. "On your right, we have the elephants. This family here is three generations together—grandmother, mother, and baby."

Claire pressed her face to the glass, squealing when the baby elephant flapped its ears. "He’s so cute. Mommy, look. He’s waving."

Cassidy’s expression softened as she watched her daughter’s excitement. "Yes, he is. Adorable."

Zeke’s gaze lingered more on Cassidy than the animals, a quiet smile tugging at his lips before he looked back out the window.

The car slowed again, stopping near the enclosure. "Would you like to feed them?" the staff asked.

Claire spun around to Zeke instantly. "Can we?"

Zeke didn’t even hesitate. "Of course."

The staff handed Claire a small basket of specially prepared treats. Her eyes sparkled as she held it out toward the baby elephant. The little one shuffled forward, trunk outstretched, and gently took the food from her hand.

"Wow. He’s so soft." Claire giggled, brushing her fingers over the elephant’s trunk.

Cassidy leaned closer, helping her guide the treats. "Careful, sweetheart. He’s gentle, but still strong."

Zeke crouched down next to them, resting a hand lightly on Cassidy’s back. "Look at her. She’s fearless."

Claire laughed. "I’m brave like Daddy!"

Zeke grinned, ruffling her hair. "Brave and smart. Just like Mommy."

***