Chapter 193
After stowing her and Leo’s bag away, Mirabella descended the stairs to find Leo still rooted in the same spot. His normally cool demeanor seemed oddly endearing compared to Zach’s polished appearance. Somehow, Leo came off as much more charming.
Feeling his sister’s gaze, Leo turned to look at her, but by then, she had already redirected her attention elsewhere. However, the hint of a satisfied smirk at the corner of her mouth didn’t escape his notice.
Blinking, Leo felt that curious, indescribable sensation creep up inside him once more.
Unaware of his scrutiny, Mirabella headed to the kitchen and flung open the refrigerator. With Marian off for the day and Leo not exactly looking like the culinary type, it seemed the task of preparing dinner would fall to her.
Her phone buzzed in her pocket at that moment. Juggling vegetables in one hand, Mirabella fished out her phone with the other and saw it was the old man calling. She hit the speakerphone button. “Dad.”
“Sweetheart, have you made it home yet?” Shawn’s cheery voice came through.
“Yeah, just got in,” Mirabella replied, closing the fridge door and then inquired, “Are you and Mom coming home for dinner tonight?”
“No, darling, your mother and I have a gathering to attend and won’t be back early. Also, I gave Marian the day off. Don’t worry about dinner. I’ve ordered something special for you. It should be arriving soon, so keep an eye out for the delivery, will you?”
Leo, who had been pouring himself a glass of water nearby, froze at the sound of his father’s voice on speakerphone. The phrase ‘I gave Marian the day off‘ kept echoing in his head. “Ah, got it,” Mirabella responded, already returning the untouched vegetables to the fridge.
“Alright then, I’ll let you be. Just be careful at home on your own,” Shawn paused, adding another line as an afterthought, “Don’t open the door for anyone, you hear? It’s not safe, especially at night.”
Mirabella’s face twisted with confusion. Her dad was acting a bit off today; he never usually made those kinds of remarks. Glancing over at Leo standing just outside the kitchen, she responded dutifully, “Don’t worry, Dad, Leo’s here, too.”
Shawn, who was about to hang up, suddenly turned a shade of green at the mention of Leo, his disdain coming through loud and clear, “Why is he still there?”
If Leo had thought the earlier disdain was just his imagination, there was no denying it now. With his water glass in hand, Leo felt like retreating into a shell.
Watching a clearly bewildered Leo, Mirabella pondered momentarily before speaking up. “Dad, I’m on speakerphone.”
Shawn, who had been about to say. ‘Get him out of our house,‘ choked on his words. Silence reigned on the line for a long stretch. Finally, Shawn’s voice hurried through. “Ah, gotta go, your mom and I are heading out to dinner.” And with that, he hung up promptly.
Mirabella cocked an eyebrow, devoid of any guilt for the mischief she’d caused, and pocketed her phone. Stepping out of the kitchen, she announced nonchalantly, “Dad ordered us takeout. so no need to cook tonight.”
Leo stared at his sister, looking utterly bewildered. After a long pause, he forced a stiff smile. “Well… that’s… great.”
Mirabella pursed her lips, suppressing a giggle. How could anyone have such an adorable brother?
