Chapter 668
chapter668
It was the first time Mackenzie had seen Emmanuel looking so flustered, and she found the sight unexpectedly endearing. In the past, she had little patience for such modesty, but over time, their dynamic had shifted into something more nuanced and personal.
“Alright, stay still,” she said, picking up the bottle of antiseptic.
Emmanuel nodded, though his face remained flushed. He knew she was simply tending to his injuries, but the close proximity and the focus in her eyes made him feel uncharacteristically self-conscious. The advice he’d been receiving from the elder members of the family about "settling down" seemed to echo in his mind, making every small interaction feel more significant than usual.
Noticing his rigid posture, Mackenzie looked at him curiously. “Why are you so tense? Your skin feels like you’re running a fever.”
“It’s nothing,” he replied stiffly, trying to steady his breathing. It’s hard to stay composed when you’re being this attentive, he thought, though he didn't dare say it aloud.
Mackenzie wasn't easily fooled. Realizing he might be overthinking her simple gesture of care, she gave his shoulder a playful, firm pat—right near the edge of his bandage. “Don’t let your imagination run away with you, Emmanuel. I’m just making sure you heal properly!”
“Ow!” Emmanuel winced, jumping slightly at the sudden contact. “Ms. Quillen, are you trying to help me recover, or are you testing my pain threshold?”
“A little of both,” she retorted with a smirk, turning away to hide a faint smile. You had it coming for being so dramatic, she thought.
Fortunately, Emmanuel’s phone rang, breaking the awkward tension. He quickly answered it, grateful for the distraction. “Hello, Mom?”
“Manny, why didn’t you come home last night?” Alessandra’s voice was filled with maternal concern. “You didn’t mention you’d be staying out.”
“I’m at the Yociam Residence with Mackenzie, Mom,” Emmanuel explained, glancing back at his wife.
Mackenzie crossed her arms, her expression shifting to one of quiet satisfaction. Her gaze seemed to say, Of course you are. Where else would you be?
“Oh, I see. That’s perfectly fine then!” Alessandra’s tone immediately brightened. “It’s good to hear you’re spending quality time together. I’m looking forward to good news soon!”
At the mention of "good news," Mackenzie’s eyes narrowed playfully, and she silently mouthed, “Don’t you dare agree with her.”
“We’re just focusing on work and recovery right now, Mom,” Emmanuel said quickly, wanting to avoid any further "torture" from the woman standing just inches away.
“Alright, I won't keep you. Just a reminder—Milani’s wedding is tomorrow. Will you and Mackenzie be joining us?”
“I think I’ll stay here to keep Mackenzie company,” Emmanuel replied. “She has a lot to catch up on, and I should be here to assist.”
“Understood. I’ll attend with Ryder then.” Alessandra hung up, letting out a small sigh as she looked at her other nephew.
She had heard from Emmanuel that the recent introduction with Tia hadn't sparked the interest she had hoped for. Alessandra understood that for a young, independent woman, the idea of joining a family with a child could be daunting. However, she wasn't ready to give up on Ryder’s happiness.
She had recently learned that Milani’s cousin, Ruby, was also looking for a fresh start. Alessandra saw the wedding as the perfect opportunity to make an introduction.
On the other side of town, Ryder had brought his son, Tommy, to spend the holiday with Alessandra as she had requested. He was well aware of his aunt’s tireless efforts to find him a partner. While he didn't consider himself particularly charming and would have preferred to avoid the social pressure, he couldn't bring himself to disappoint Alessandra. Just as Emmanuel had done in the past, Ryder prepared himself to face the upcoming introductions with a sense of quiet, dutiful resignation.