淑女的欲望

Chapter 471  Officially Engaged

Zara could only nod upon hearing Scarlett's words, feeling slightly relieved that Carter's mother might like her.

"I'll speak nicely about you to Aunt Martha…" Scarlett continued, reassuring Zara as she noticed the lingering worry in her eyes.

"Thank you, Scarlett," a smile gradually formed on Zara's lips. She knew she could trust her best friend.

...

"What's going on? Why do you need to talk to Aunt Martha?" Suddenly, Xander's voice echoed from outside, catching everyone by surprise. Scarlett and the others turned to look at him in astonishment.

"Oh, hubby, your ninja skills are improving, huh!?" Scarlett playfully commented as she stood up from her seat and rushed towards Xander, burying herself in his arms. "I missed you so much, hubby..."

Xander was utterly baffled by Scarlett's unusual behavior in front of Zara and Carter. This was quite out of character for her. He wrapped his arms around her and hugged her back.

"We've only been apart for a few hours, and you missed me this much?" he teased when Scarlett looked up at him.

"Hmm, it's because of Carter," Scarlett explained, loosening her hug before adding, "Hubby, Carter, and Zara... They're engaged!"

Xander was shocked to hear the news. He looked at Carter, silently seeking confirmation through his eyes.

"Yes, brother. I proposed to Zara, and she accepted," Carter confirmed, understanding the meaning behind his brother's gaze. "We're officially engaged now," he added with a smile before turning to Zara and beckoning her to come closer.

Zara, who had always felt somewhat awkward around Xander due to his intense charisma, now felt even more uncomfortable since Xander was aware of her relationship with Carter. She walked towards Carter and sat by his side on the bed, trying to calm her racing heart and ease the tension of being in the presence of her future brother-in-law.

Still gazing in the direction of Carter and Zara, Xander spoke sincerely, "Congratulations, Carter and Zara. I'm delighted to hear that you've decided to take this step. Hope you both will get married soon..."

Xander then turned his attention to Scarlett, who was still in his arms. He whispered softly, "Congratulations, baby. You don't have to worry about them anymore." His warm smile elicited a smile in return from Scarlett.

She was indeed feeling relieved now that Zara and Carter had found their happiness, and she no longer needed to be concerned about their relationship again.

"Alright, let's head home. We should have dinner with Aunt Martha," Xander continued. Then, he looked at Carter again. "We'll leave you two to continue your conversation; we won't disturb you further." With that, he and Scarlett left the hospital, leaving Carter and Zara to enjoy their moment.

****

When Scarlett and Xander arrived home, Aunt Martha was alone, waiting for them in the living room. She looked beautiful as always in her pale blue knee-length dress with a small flower print around the skirt.

"Auntie?" Scarlett expressed her concern, as she was worried that Aunt Martha might not have been comfortable in the guest room. "Why are you waiting for us here? Wasn't the guest room comfortable enough for you?" she asked.

"Don't worry Scarlett... the room is so beautiful," Martha said, gesturing for Scarlett to sit beside her. "I just wanted to talk to you right away when you arrived," she added, trying to make Scarlett less worried.

Xander didn't interrupt their conversation and continued upstairs, leaving Scarlett to chat with Martha.

"Glad to hear that," Scarlett replied with a smile, feeling relieved. "Auntie, dinner will be ready in thirty minutes, so there's still some time—"

Before Scarlett could finish her sentence, Martha interrupted, "Scarlett, I wanted to ask something." Seeing Scarlett nod, she continued, "...can I use your kitchen to cook for you? I know your chef must be an excellent cook, but being away from my kitchen for too long makes me miss it, and I want to cook."

Scarlett found herself amused by this request. Earlier, she thought Aunt Martha didn't like staying at their house, but it seemed that her real motive was simply missing her time in the kitchen.

"Of course, Auntie, you can cook for us if you really want it. I'll ask the chef to assist you around the kitchen so you can focus on the cooking and won't be bothered with getting the kitchenware," Scarlett happily agreed, as she, too, missed her aunt's cooking.

Martha couldn't contain her excitement as she was eager to cook for her son, knowing how much Carter disliked hospital food.

"Oh, Auntie, there's good news," Scarlett remembered her conversation with Grandpa Robert earlier in the day. "Grandpa Robert said that in a week, Carter won't have to stay in the hospital for his treatment anymore. He can stay here with us..."

"Really?" Martha's smile widened upon hearing this news. She had been eagerly awaiting this development, well aware that her son must have been stressed staying in the hospital's cramped room.

"Yes, that's what I heard from Grandpa today. He also mentioned that Carter's treatment is progressing very well, and he might be able to walk sooner than expected," Scarlett added.

"This is exactly what I needed to hear today. So we can return to W Country sooner..." Martha couldn't contain her happiness. She missed her home and felt guilty about leaving her father-in-law alone, considering his advanced age. Even though there were numerous staff and assistants to assist him, there was no family by his side. This was especially true now that Xander had to unexpectedly return to this city faster than planned.

Suddenly, something crossed Martha's mind, 'Why did Xander come back here so quickly?' Earlier in the hospital, she wanted to ask Scarlett, but she didn't have the opportunity to ask.

Martha narrowed her eyes at Scarlett before posing the question, "Scarlett, why did Xander return here faster than planned?"

Scarlett was stunned to hear Aunty Martha's question. She has not yet told Aunty Martha about her miscarriage.