Love at First Novel by Gu Lingfei

Chapter 1042
“When did I say I was going back to the manor tomorrow for a barbeque?” Zachary asked.
If Duncan wanted to have some barbeque, could he not eat somewhere else? Why did it have to be at the manor?
“And squid, lamb, and big prawns. Anyway, I like eating whatever you roast.”
Duncan continued talking to himself about the food as if he did not hear what Zachary said.
Zachary proceeded to hang up immediately after that.
Though, Duncan’s words did make him think about the idea. Tomorrow was Sunday and they did not need to go to work. Plus,
he had never brought Serenity to the manor before. He would do as Duncan said and invite a few friends to the manor for a
barbecue. There was indeed a barbecue area back at the manor.
He could even bring Serenity back to stay for a few days and let her familiarize herself with the surroundings. The beautiful
landscape there might cheer her up too.
While the plan brewed in his head, Zachary texted Duncan: [Got it. Call Josh too, and tell him to bring Julian along if he’s free.]
When Duncan received his buddy’s reply, he breathed a sigh of relief.
His cover was nearly blown.
Anyway, even if Zachary had not taken the hint, he would have gone to look for Zachary the next day and clung to his side for
the whole day.
Duncan readily agreed.
After Zachary finished texting Duncan, he walked out of the kitchen and to the balcony. Serenity looked at him and asked, “Is
dinner ready?”
“Almost. Are you hungry? The soup’s ready. Why don’t you have some soup first?”
“No, I don’t have an appetite.”

Making the trip back to her hometown struck a chord within her and evoked memories of the past. Unable to hold back, tears
streamed down her face. Even if they had already left, Serenity was still consumed by her memories.
Zachary hunched down to her eye level and reached out to lightly touch her face. He said softly, “I’ll bring you to Wildridge Manor
tomorrow and we could stay there for a few days. The scenery is stunning and the beauty of nature is well-preserved. Although
the manor was built by man decades ago, it has long since become a part of the landscape. It’s the flowering season now and
the manor has quite a few flower fields. It’s absolutely charming.
“Duncan called me just now and suggested a barbecue. I asked him to invite Josh and his cousin too. We have an area
specifically for barbecuing at the manor. Do you want to invite Ms. Sox, your cousin, and the rest?”
Zachary recalled that Liberty’s diner was going to officially open for business the day after tomorrow and she would not likely be
able to join them for the barbecue.
He added, “Tomorrow, first thing in the morning, we’ll go pick Sonny up. Then we’ll go back and I get Mrs. Lane and Jim to go
over and help Liberty out. That way, she won’t overwork herself.”
Serenity quietly looked at him as she listened to his arrangements.
“What do you think, Seren? Your call. If you don’t like it, we can always change the plan.”
Serenity reached out and hugged him. Feeling touched, she said, “Thank you, Zachary! It’s so good to have you!”
When faced with any hardships, he did not give up on her.
When she was in a bad mood, he tried everything he could to cheer her up.
This man had changed a lot for her sake.
Zachary hugged her back before gently pulling away and said warmly, “We’re going to be husband and wife for the rest of our
lives, so we should support each other. When I’m sick, you take care of me. When you’re in a bad mood, I’ll cheer you up.”
He took her hand and interlocked their fingers. Their hearts were of one accord.
“When my sister’s diner opens in two days, I’m definitely going over to help. Let’s just stay at the manor for a night and come
back first thing in the morning on the opening day.”