Sienna’s question cut deep.
However, she was leaning more towards the assumption that the woman in question did not exist.
Otherwise, it might be Shermaine.
Even so, it won’t be a problem.
Frankly, the Tysons did not approve of Shermaine either.
“If you’re single, why not give me a try? How do you know that you won’t like me if you don’t give it a shot first? If you’re really in love with someone, how can the both of you last if your family is against her? You should take a chance on me. You’ll be able to appease your family and give me a chance to fairly compete with your beloved.”
Matthew’s expression turned grim. Sienna appeared proper and was not forceful. She was eloquent and appropriate.
Any other man would consider her proposal.
However, this was Matthew.
Matthew rejected her outright. Derision flashed across his obsidian gaze.
“I must reject you, Ms. Grande.”
Matthew immediately sped away in his car.
Sienna was left standing there and watching his disappearing car. She smiled as her resolution intensified.
How cold is that. But I really want him.
Sienna guffawed with what was seemingly delight.
On the other hand, Clarissa was troubled with something else.
She was cracking her head with what to get Matthew on his birthday present.
Although she had planned on giving herself to him, it seemed too direct. It’s not like I can tie a bow around myself and present myself to him in a gift box.
I need an actual present.
She had thought about it long and hard but still could not decide on what to give him. A watch is definitely out of the question. A tie is too lame. Then, there are the standard gifts like books, along with bags and belts. But, I can’t afford any of them which are to his taste.
In the end, she had no choice but to turn to her good friend.
“A gift? Aren’t you already one?”
Ellie was very straightforward. Clarissa blushed furiously.
Thankfully, they were on a video call. If they were next to each other, Clarissa would be at the mercy of Ellie’s teasing.
“No, Ellie. I can’t just wake up and tell your Uncle Matt that I’m giving myself to him as a birthday gift. The timing needs to be right. It seems weird to do it in the morning.”
Ellie burst into laughter, which went on for a while. “That’s even better. I guarantee that Uncle Matt will be more than willing. Spend the day in bed. He’ll never be able to forget such a special and memorable birthday. Why don’t you give it a try?” urged Ellie.
“Ellie!”
Clarissa shrieked. What a lousy idea!
Ellie was still laughing, and it looked like she was incapable of stopping.
Finally, Clarissa scoffed in frustration and hung up.
There’s no point in asking Ellie for help. I’m better off roaming the mall on my own. I might be able to find a good gift there.
One could not go into a regular mall to buy a gift for Matthew Tyson. Sienna walked into a mall that was catered for designers’ brands. There were not many people inside. Perhaps it was due to the fact that it was a weekday. It is expensive to shop here after all. Ordinary people don’t have pockets deep enough to shop here.
She shopped around on her own. After making one round, she still had not found anything suitable. Instead, she had bought a bag for herself. She would be skimping on meals for the rest of the month.
Although she was not poor, she still needed to be careful about her spending after splurging on the bag. At the end of the day, buying bags was her only hobby and she was careful not to go overboard.
After walking around aimlessly, she ended up buying an expensive tie at the suggestion of a friendly sales lady.
Fine. It might be a bit lame, but the lady said that it’s the most practical way to tie a man down. Who cares if it’s lame then?
“Please wait while I wrap up your tie, Ms. Quigley.”
Clarissa nodded and smiled. She sat down and allowed her eyes to drift. While she was waiting, two women walked in.
One of them was middle-aged, while the other was younger.
“He’s so aloof yet you insist on chasing after him. I had no idea that my sister would go to such lengths for a man.”
The younger woman smiled and responded, “But he’s worth it!”
The two women approached and stumbled upon Clarissa. They could not help but glance at the gorgeous woman before they continued shopping.
“Your stubborn personality comes from Dad. All I can do is wish you success. I hope he falls in love with you soon.”
“Thanks.”
“What are sisters for? I took leave from work today to accompany you. Everything will be fine as long as you succeed. By the way, is he going to have a birthday party?”
“Yuliana said that his mother wants to have one.”
“Is she trying to set up some huge blind date using this birthday?”
“I’m not sure. So what if she is? I’m not afraid of those other women.”
“Wow, look at that confidence of yours.”
“What do you think of this, sis?”
“A tie? Not bad. It has good symbolism.”
Clarissa was not intentionally trying to listen in on their conversation. However, the store was empty except for them and the saleslady. The sisters were also not talking in hushed tones. Hence, Clarissa was still able to hear most of their conversation while she scrolled through her phone.
By the time the sisters were done picking the tie, Clarissa’s gift was wrapped. She glanced at their tie. It was nice and was a deep color. The man she likes is probably not the friendliest person.
Clarissa smiled, nodded at the saleslady, and walked out of the store with her present.
Soon, the ladies’ tie was also wrapped.
Clarissa walked to the car park. She did not usually drive, but it was during office hours. It was easier for her to familiarise herself with the roads in D City this way, and it was not crowded. She drove one of Matthew’s cars out.
Clarissa had just driven away when the sisters walked out.
Mrs. Reed said to Sienna, “All the young and pretty girls nowadays are rich! Why are men so generous to throw their money at these girls?”
Mrs. Reed’s tone was veiling scorn.
Sienna smiled. “How can you be certain that that girl is like that? Her family might be rich, or she might be capable and earned the money using her own merit.”
Mrs. Reed shook her head. “You give people too much credit. No girl her age can afford the car she’s driving, her branded bag, and the tie she bought. I’m just guessing. Who knows?”
Even if it was just a guess, Mrs. Reed was certain the pretty girl was living off a man’s wealth.
Sienna shook her head and chuckled. “Let’s go.”
Clarissa returned to the Zen Highlands and hid the tie away. It seems like recently, all I’m doing is sneaking around. It makes me feel like a thief.
But this is the process of gift-giving. I can’t help but feel excited.
A few days later, Old Mrs. Tyson brought up Matthew’s birthday when he returned to the Tyson residence.
“You’ve been busy the last couple of years and even spent your birthdays very casually. I’m taking charge this year. I’m going to do it up. No one has come to visit me recently. The house is too empty and I don’t like it.”
Old Mrs. Tyson’s comments were directed at Matthew.
Shermaine used to visit her often, and the house was full of life. But now that Shermaine was filming overseas, there was no one left to accompany Old Mrs. Tyson. It was natural that the house felt empty.
Who could rebuke this reason?
It was useless for the person in question, Matthew, to protest.
Old Mrs. Tyson had already decided. Regardless of Matthew’s refusal, he would need to spend his birthday at home.
An elaborate birthday banquet awaited him on that day.
“If you don’t show up on that day, I will sever all ties with you.”
After hearing that threat, Matthew gave up.
Since Matthew did not oppose her, Old Mrs. Tyson smiled calmly and said, “Okay, enough about this. I heard Yuliana mention that Sienna told her directly about her plans to court you. That girl sure is interesting. I like a straightforward girl. People should just be open. I like her. Do you really feel nothing for her?”
Matthew did not reply. He fished out a cigarette and started smoking.
“Why are you smoking?”
Old Mrs. Tyson was not happy. “Fine. Can’t you take a little nagging? I’ll stop. Having you as a son is definitely some sort of punishment I’m serving for my bad karma.”
“Don’t be angry, Mom. What are we going to do for the birthday banquet?”
Yuliana took her husband’s hint and rushed to soothe Old Mrs. Tyson. She was afraid that Matthew would really erupt if this went on.
While Old Mrs. Tyson was distracted, Matthias said to his brother, “Mom is old now. She needs some excitement. It’s just a birthday banquet. You can leave after showing your face here for a little bit. It won’t take much time.”
Matthew made a sound of acknowledgment after some time.
Matthias patted Matthew’s shoulder with relief.
The two brothers fell silent. Matthew left after he was done smoking.
When he arrived at Zen Highlands, he found Clarissa sitting on the sofa with her legs crossed. A wool blanket was draped over her legs. She looked up and smiled at him when she saw him. The beautiful sight thawed Matthew’s frozen heart.
“Why are you back so early?”
She knew Matthew had gone to the Tyson residence for a meal. However, he was home earlier than usual.
Matthew did not reply. He walked up to her and lifted her up. Clarissa yelped and her limbs instinctively wrapped around his body.
Clarissa smiled coyly. “What’s up with you?”
Matthew replied in a low and magnetic voice, “I miss you.”
He planted his lips on hers.
