Chapter 927: Chapter 926
Evening had fallen.
Rosemary had barely finished her dinner when a message from Ophelia popped up on her phone. It read, [Heading out now. I’ll be at Reflections Villa in 20 minutes.]
With a swift thumbs-up emoji reply, Rosemary looked up and announced to her parents, "Mom, Dad, a friend of mine will be stopping by for a visit soon."
"A friend? " Kenneth and Louisa were pleasantly surprised and excited to hear that their darling daughter had invited someone over. It wasn’t an everyday occurrence.
"What does your friend prefer to eat and drink? I’ll have it prepared right away," Louisa said, her own hunger forgotten amidst the surprise. Rosemary hadn’t had friends over since she moved back home six months ago, so this friend must be quite special to her.
"She’s not picky, anything can be fine. There’s no need to fuss," Rosemary reassured her parents,standing up from the table, "You guys enjoy your meal. I’m going to wait for her by the entrance."
"It’s chilly outside, put on an extra layer!" Louisa called out after her daughter. Once Rosemary had left,Louisa turned to Kenneth, trying hard to contain her joy. "Our daughter’s finally inviting friends over.
This is wonderful. What do you suppose young girls like to eat and drink these days?"
"If she’s friends with Rose, then I’d wager they have similar tastes and interests," Kenneth speculated,glancing at the half-eaten plate of food in front of his wife. "You can finish up your food. I’ll have the
staff prepare some fruit and snacks. Rose’s gone to welcome her, so her friend must be close."
Louisa couldn’t sit still to eat, rising from her chair. "I’ll go tell the boys to come downstairs. When their sister’s friend arrives, they should at least say hello, have a brief conversation. This is Rose’s first time bringing someone over; we need to make a good impression and show some warmth!"
The staff were left puzzled, unsure if they should clear the table or wait, as the couple had left their meal halfway through, clearly too preoccupied to eat.
Rosemary stood at the entrance of Reflections Villa, quickly replying to a message from Romeo. Soon,the glare of headlights approached.
A sleek black sports car, its engine purring, pulled up in front of her.
"Hey, sweetheart," Ophelia said, greeting Rosemary with her radiant smile, her hair rolled into a chic bun,which added a playful charm to her appearance.
Her beauty was like a plum blossom thriving in the snow; subtle yet breathtaking, never clamoring for attention yet impossible to overlook.
"How long have you been waiting? Aren’t you cold?" Ophelia asked as she stepped out of the car and gently rubbed Rosemary’s rosy cheeks. "I shouldn’t tell you about my arrival time. You’re nearly frozen.
And look at your little red nose!"
Pulling out a dozen gifts from the trunk, Ophelia struggled to carry them all.
Rosemary quickly moved to help, teasing with a light smile, "What are you, Santa Claus with your bag of presents?"
"I’ve got to make an impression as your friend," Ophelia chuckled, realizing their combined efforts weren’t enough. She had intended to call over a security guard for help, but as she looked up, she froze in surprise.
Following Ophelia’s gaze, Rosemary saw her parents and brothers emerging from the house to greet them, the reception grander than she’d anticipated.
"What’s going on?" Ophelia was bewildered, having only planned a casual visit.
"You must be Rose’s friend. I’m Rose’s mother. It’s a pleasure to have you," Louisa greeted with an elegant and warm smile. She intended to shake hands, but seeing Ophelia’s arms laden with gifts, she
quickly interjected, "Dear, you shouldn’t have brought these gifts. Coming over is a gift enough. Here, boys, help out!"
The brothers stepped forward to lend their hands, with Sean being the first to take the present from Ophelia’s hands. When the girl thanked him, he was on the verge of introducing himself, but her hand was promptly taken by her mother in the next moment.
"This child, she’s a real beauty, just like our Rose. Those features, that grace, simply stunning," Louisa said warmly as she gently took her hand. "It’s chilly out here, let’s head inside to chat."
"Hey there, I’m Rose’s dad. Right this way." Kenneth said with a welcoming gesture and a beaming smile.
Ophelia hadn’t expected such a grand reception just for coming to visit Rosemary. She was utterly flabbergasted. "You’re too kind, even coming out to greet me personally."
"You’re Rose’s friend; we’re just as thrilled as she is that you’re here. Welcome! Do come by more often when you have the time!" Louisa said enthusiastically, linking arms with her and Rose. "We’ll grab a bite
in a bit, and then Rose can show you around. Oh, and these gentlemen are Rose’s brothers—there’s Hunter, Chase, Clark, and Sean. There’s also another brother named David, who’s been tied up with work and hasn’t made it back yet."
When she got to Sean, he instinctively held his breath.
Dressed to the nines tonight, he looked as though he’d just returned from an evening gala, shedding his usual aloof coolness for a more polished charm.
At first, his brothers were puzzled by his attire since it seemed a bit too formal for home.
It wasn’t until he offered an excuse about attending a friend’s wedding and carefully timed his return.
A closer look revealed that from his hair down to his shoes, including the color of his socks, everything was different from his usual style.
But with so many brothers to meet, Ophelia could hardly take it all in, nodding with a smile, "Hello, it’s a pleasure to meet you all."
Sean was about to say something when he overheard her asking Rosemary, "Why does your house have so many bodyguards?"
It looked like the place was on high alert, as if something had happened.
"Something came up at home recently, which has prompted an increase in security—but rest assured,it’s safe here. Feel free to relax and enjoy yourself. And if you get tired, you’re welcome to stay over.
We’ve got plenty of guest rooms; pick whichever you like. I’ll have Rose show you around later so you can choose." Louisa explained.
"You’re so kind, thank you for your generosity, Mrs. Collins. My place is only a twenty-minute drive from here, which is quite close, and with the holidays coming up, I wouldn’t want to impose. But thank you again for your warm hospitality."
"Thank me? Dear, you’re being too formal."
For the first time, Ophelia was experiencing the warmth of the Collins family. She exchanged knowing looks with Rosemary as if to say: OMG! Your family is just so welcoming and friendly!
"You don’t need to change shoes; just come on in," Louisa invited her warmly as they entered the main house.
"No, no, no, I’ll change them. Your floors are so clean, and the atmosphere is so cozy. You are all so warm and kind. Rose must feel so blessed and happy coming home to this."
Louisa beamed with joy upon hearing her words, "You’re such a charmer. Oh, I just realized, we didn’t even ask your name?"
"The daughter of the Almond family, Ophelia," Hunter and Sean suddenly chimed together.