The first thing Zunnie did during her free time that week was to visit her dad. She knew how much he wanted her to settle down and start a family and having some father-daughter time sounded like a good idea.
Papa Bai was in the indoor garden when she arrived. Lately, he had taken it upon himself to start gardening. He was busy pruning a begonia and did not notice she had entered the room.
"Papa, I'm home." She said in a tone to not startle him.
"Ahh, pumpkin what a surprise. Let me wash up."
"Yes, I missed you. You don't have to stop since I'm spending the night at the mansion."
"Really? Is there something going on? You only come home when you're lonely or something's bothering you. Is Alex treating you well? Shall I have a word with him."
"Ha-ha, Alex and I are fine. He finally gave me a ring last night." She extended her left hand, so her father could see her ring.
"It's beautiful. Oh, how I wish your mom was here to see how brilliantly our children have grown."
"Yeah, I really miss her. Shall we visit her grave this weekend?"
Okay, pumpkin. Don't worry too much we both know she's smiling down on you." Wan Bai reassured his daughter as he patted her shoulder.
The two walked back into the mansion with arms linked while they chatted.
Even though Alex had finally gotten her a ring, she still felt bitter-sweet because her mom was not here to share the moment with her. Many years had gone by but her bond with her mom had remained unforgotten.
As she walked toward the mansions with her dear father, Zunnie reminisced the happy days she had as a child when her mom was alive. She was the happiest then and now that she became an adult she craved her mother's smile and motherly love.
"Pumpkin, what would you like for dinner?" Her father asked bringing her back to reality.
"I'll have anything prepared. You know I'm not picky."
"Alright, well I'll Marco surprise us. Shall we have some snacks and watch TV We haven't spent time together like this in a while."
"Sure Papa," Zunnie left and went to the kitchen to get the snacks prepared.
When she returned her father had already found a show to watch. They watched until Zunnie's phone rang. She left the room to answer.
"Hello, Mr. Zi." She said answering Alex's call.
"Honey are you done with work?"
"I am but I'm with my dad at the mansion. I'm spending the night."
"Hmm, you're not coming home. Is everything okay?"
Yeah, I haven't spent much time with him these past few months and my mom's death anniversary is coming up. I wanted to keep him company."
"Okay, next time let me know."
"Alright, I'm sorry but so you know I didn't plan it. Did work go well?" She quickly changed the topic.
"Yeah, I did have an interesting meeting. The design you wanted for the new wing at the hospital needed a few changes. I'll show you the new design when you come back."
"Well, I'm fine with whatever you decide as long as it meets our requirements."
"Don't think too much, your staff will like our design. Go take care of your dad. Sleep well."
After she hung up the phone Zunnie called Sanua. They had not spent much time together because her good friend had been extremely occupied with work.
When she picked up the phone Zunnie hurriedly spoke.
"Don't even think about saying it."
"He-he, well if it isn't…" She ignored Zunnie and continued to say.
"Ah, ah, ah, I said quit it..." She cut her off and giggle into the phone.
"Fine Zunnie boo. Are you getting ready for our trip with my adorable little husband?"
"I haven't told him yet. Will wait when we get closer to the date. Plus, we have Christmas. That's too many surprises for his little heart. Took him shopping for some clothing this week." Zunnie informed Sanua.
"Sounds like a plan. Is everything okay? The anniversary is coming up. Have you been eating? My mom is worried about it and keeps forgetting you're no longer a child. I swear if you stayed with her she would personally spoon feed you. Ha-ha…"
"I'm actually back home with dad. I miss her but being home is good."
"Oh, that's good. Will have to call you tomorrow. My secretary needs something...kisses." San said into the phone before speaking the someone next to her.
"Alright, will see you. Don't work too much."
When she walked back to her dad, he was slowly getting up from the couch holding his back.
Zunnie frowned and rushed to help him.
"Dad is everything okay? You're not over-working yourself, are you?"
"Pumpkin this is nothing serious. I'm just getting old."
"You always say this, when was the last time you went for a check-up?" She asked him frustrated that he used getting old for everything instead of going to see a doctor.
"It's been a while…" Wan Bai replied.
Zunnie furrowed her brow said nothing more and helped him to the dining table for dinner. She would have to call his doctor in the morning to find out what was going on.