As the words of her brother echoed in her mind, a sudden rush of memory engulfed Georgia. Tomorrow was the much-anticipated Saturday, the day she had committed to Jack for a visit to their ancestral home to see their beloved grandmother.
The mere thought of reuniting with her grandmother sent a surge of excitement through Georgia's veins. She slapped her forehead in realization, her eyes lighting up with a newfound energy. Swiftly, she jumped out of her bed, slid her feet into her slippers, and dashed towards the door with an eager resolve.
Beside her, Jack's features were temporarily frozen in surprise. Before he could grasp the intention behind Georgia's sudden enthusiasm, she had already sprinted past him, her feet pounding down the stairs and out of sight.
It was a scene that left Jack momentarily perplexed. His lips curled upwards, forming a faint smile as he whispered to himself, "Intriguing."
Georgia's hurried descent down the staircase was marked by a sense of purpose. She reached the ground floor in swift strides, her voice ringing out as she addressed Aunt Rong. "Aunt Rong, did my package arrive today? Have you received it?"
Aunt Rong's response was swift and affirmative, a hasty nod accompanying her words. "Yes, young miss, we received quite a few packages. They're all placed on the small balcony."
Georgia hardly needed any more encouragement. The information she sought spurred her into action, her footsteps carrying her directly toward the small balcony. The sight of her packages there brought an immediate sense of relief, her burdens eased.
These parcels held special significance. They were a carefully curated collection of gifts she had purchased for her grandmother. Uncertain of the most appropriate choice, she had opted for diversity, acquiring a variety of options that might bring joy to her beloved grandmother.
With purposeful dedication, Georgia gathered the parcels and placed them in an orderly manner within gift boxes. A soothing calm enveloped her as she carefully arranged the gifts, each box signifying a piece of her affection for her cherished relative.
Little did she know that Jack had followed her downstairs, a curious intrigue about her actions piquing his curiosity. As he observed her diligent preparations, he couldn't restrain his inquiry. "May I inquire about your endeavors, Miss Georgia?"
Startled by his voice, Georgia pivoted on her heel to face him, her body positioned protectively in front of the still-unwrapped packages. She explained with a mix of assertion and warmth, "These are gifts I've chosen for my grandmother."
Jack's interest was undeniably piqued, and he found himself inquiring about the nature of the gifts. "Might I inquire about the nature of these presents?"
With a twinkle in her eye and a hint of playful secrecy, Georgia responded, "You'll have to wait until tomorrow to find out."
His lips curled into a small smile, Jack permitted, allowing her a moment of privacy to complete her task. She led him to the side and gently ushered him away. As he retreated, he couldn't help but marvel at her actions—how her demeanor had transformed from the poised professional he often interacted with, to a woman full of anticipation and eagerness.
A surge of warmth enveloped Georgia as she watched him step away. She returned her focus to the task at hand, ensuring each box was meticulously prepared. Once satisfied, she couldn't contain her contentment, realizing that everything was now in place for her long-awaited visit to her grandmother.
The following morning dawned with the promise of a special day. The anticipation she felt was akin to the nerves of an important exam. Georgia's heart raced as she readied herself, completing her morning routine with an almost frenzied enthusiasm.
As the final touches fell into place, she descended the stairs, only to be greeted by the sight of Jack seated at the dining table. His attention was captured by a report from Du Yue, which he soon set aside upon Georgia's arrival.
Acknowledging her presence with a subtle nod, he offered a gentle suggestion, "Have your breakfast, and we'll set off shortly."
Absorbed in her thoughts and excitement, Georgia's appetite seemed to have vanished. She pushed around her food with a lack of interest, her attention stolen by the events that lay ahead.
Observing her distracted state, Jack set down his coffee cup with a soft thud. His gaze rested upon her with an amused gleam, and he inquired, "Is something bothering you? Is there something on your face?"
Roused from her thoughts, Georgia's hand instinctively brushed against her cheek, her eyes wide with surprise. "What? Is there something on my face?"
Jack's voice was soothing, laced with a playfulness that made her heart skip a beat. "Are you feeling nervous?"
Attempting to retain her composure, Georgia stammered, "N-Nervous? Of course not!" Her denial was swift, but her actions betrayed her, the nervous tremble in her fingers belying her words.
Chuckling softly, Jack assured her, "There's no need to be anxious. Our grandmother is a kind-hearted soul; she won't bite."
With a half-smile, he rose from the table, casting a meaningful glance at Du Yue. The latter, understanding the cue, presented Georgia with an elegant dress. It was a princess-pink ensemble, exuding an air of sophistication and gentility—a perfect fit for a grand occasion.
Georgia cast a critical eye upon her current attire—a simple white shirt—and then back to the offered dress. She hesitated for a moment before voicing her uncertainty, "Do you think I look alright in this?"
Du Yue's response was both honest and gentle. "You look lovely, but the old lady might appreciate this style more."
Her decision was made, Georgia quickly finished her breakfast, and her enthusiasm renewed. She seized the dress and announced, "I'll change right away!"
As she disappeared into her bedroom, Jack couldn't help but notice the transformation in her. The excitement she radiated was endearing, and a soft smile tugged at his lips.
Du Yue offered a knowing smile of his own and whispered to Jack, "Mr. Jack, it seems the lady might struggle with this style."
A slight shadow crossed Jack's face at Du Yue's words, his tone turning cool as he inquired, "Explain."
Recognizing his reaction, Du Yue immediately corrected himself. "I meant no disrespect, Mr. Jack. It's just that the style might be challenging for her."
Inside her room, Georgia quickly shed her former attire and donned the pink dress. As she descended the stairs once again, the curious gazes of Jack and Du Yue met her. Du Yue's gaze held a trace of astonishment, while Jack's eyes displayed a hint of surprise.
Georgia's cheeks tinged with color as she stood before them. Her palms smoothed down the fabric of her skirt, her voice tinged with self-consciousness as she asked, "How do I look? It feels a bit strange to me."
The compliment she received from Jack sent a surge of warmth through her. However, her words were laden with an insecurity she couldn't hide. Her initial unease ebbed as he assured her, his voice soft and reassuring.
As Jack stood and motioned to leave, Georgia approached him with a delicate grace. The faint, sweet scent of her perfume wafted towards him, a scent he couldn't ignore, enveloping him and clouding his thoughts.
For a moment, he turned his attention to the side. Taking advantage of this brief reprieve, Du Yue discreetly spoke in a hushed tone, "Mr. Jack, it seems this style might not suit the lady…"
Jack's demeanor shifted subtly, his expression turning slightly colder. His gaze fixed upon Du Yue, his voice edged with tension. "What do you mean?"
Caught off guard, Du Yue realized his misstep and immediately corrected himself. "I-I'm sorry, Mr. Jack. I spoke out of turn."
Georgia's presence interrupted their exchange as she gracefully approached. The slight swish of her skirt filled the air, drawing Jack's attention back to her. Despite her initial discomfort, she had transformed into a vision of elegance.
She drew closer to Jack, a touch of uncertainty coloring her words. Her fingers toyed with the fabric of her skirt as she spoke, her tone a blend of curiosity and concern. "Is this dress… alright? It feels a bit strange to me."
Jack's response held a gentle assurance, his words accompanied by a soft smile. "It's perfect. Let's go."
With her preparations complete, Georgia felt a renewed sense of readiness. She cast a fleeting glance at the gift boxes stacked neatly in the trunk. The tokens of her affection, are ready to be presented to her grandmother.
The engine roared to life, propelling them forward toward the much-anticipated destination. As the car maneuvered through the suburban landscape, Georgia's thoughts wandered towards the impending meeting with her grandmother. Her anticipation was palpable, mixing with a surge of nervousness that kept her heart racing.
Beside her, Jack's gaze shifted from the road to her profile, a subtle smile playing at the corners of his lips. Her nervous energy intrigued him, prompting him to ask, "Are you truly not nervous?"
Caught off guard, Georgia faltered for a moment, her thoughts slipping into disarray. She stammered, "Well, I mean, I'm not exactly nervous. I just want to be prepared."
A trace of amusement colored Jack's tone as he continued to prod. "But I distinctly recall you saying otherwise earlier."
The blush that crept onto her cheeks was undeniable, and her words came out in a rushed flurry. "I-I might have misspoken earlier. It's just that there's so much I want to make sure I get right."
With an amused glint in his eyes, Jack offered a calming reassurance. "Don't worry. Pay attention to her eyes; that's the most important thing."
The significance of his words settled heavily upon Georgia. The mention of her grandmother's eyes was a poignant reminder of their deep bond, one that extended beyond mere words. Her fingers trembled slightly as she tried to steady herself against the wave of emotions that surged within her.
As they neared their destination—a sprawling villa nestled on a hillside—a renewed sense of anticipation gripped them both. The journey was nearly at an end, and the moment they had both been waiting for was finally within reach.