Love's Change of Heart

At this moment, Matthew returned from shopping and found them on the balcony. "Zoe, what's this about? Why are you two out on the balcony?" he exclaimed.

Momentarily caught off guard, Zoe stammered, "I..."

Daniel turned around and smiled as he explained, "Mr. Hart, I simply wanted to stand here for a moment."

As they conversed, the kitchen door swung open, and Sheila chimed in, "Dinner's ready. Let's chat while we eat. Zoe, come and help out."

Zoe acknowledged her mother's request. As she passed by Daniel, she whispered, "Please refrain from saying anything inappropriate in front of my parents. Just leave after the meal."

Daniel raised an eyebrow but remained silent.

Zoe entered the kitchen and intended to retrieve plates when Sheila approached and inquired, "How did the conversation go?"

"Not great," Zoe replied.

Unconvinced, Sheila retorted, "You two were whispering on the balcony. That doesn't sound like 'not great' to me."

Unwilling to engage in an argument, Zoe grabbed utensils and returned outside.

Soon, the table was set with an array of dishes.

With an expectant and nervous expression, Sheila wiped her hands and took her seat. "Dan, I'm not sure what your preferences are, so I made my specialty. Let's see if you like it."

Zoe, seated beside Daniel, nonchalantly remarked, "He actually prefers canned food and isn't particularly fond of these dishes."

Daniel found himself at a loss for words.

Sheila's face stiffened. "What nonsense are you spouting? We can't serve canned food to our guests. Stop fooling around."

"Well, it's true. I wasn't making it up. He's a foreigner, and his dietary habits differ from ours," Zoe clarified nonchalantly.

Hearing her explanation, Sheila began to believe her daughter and turned her attention to Daniel. "Well... we don't typically eat canned food in our family. I'll have Zoe's father buy some for you."

Daniel quickly interjected, "Thank you, Mrs. Hart, but there's no need to trouble yourselves. While I often have to rely on canned food when I'm abroad with limited options, I actually prefer home-cooked meals."

Sheila's face softened with sympathy, and she promptly served Daniel some dishes. "You poor thing, please have more. While I can't promise much else, I assure you that you'll have plenty of home-cooked meals here. Just let me know whenever you have a craving, and I'll make it for you anytime."

Zoe couldn't help but feel the urge to roll her eyes. "Mom!"

"And you dare to call me? I've been preparing homemade meals for you, but you insist on ordering takeout. Since you don't appreciate the food I cook, I won't bother making it for you anymore." Sheila then turned to Daniel, who was enjoying his meal, and eagerly inquired, "How is it? Is it delicious?"

Setting down his spoon, Daniel nodded appreciatively. "It's delicious. Mrs. Hart, your cooking is the best I've ever had."

Sheila beamed with joy upon receiving such praise.

Zoe couldn't help but roll her eyes in exasperation. How could he eat my mom's dishes and still offer such insincere compliments? He's so fake.

Ignoring her daughter's reaction, Sheila continued serving Daniel. "Have some more. If there's anything specific you'd like to eat next time, just let me know. No need to be polite."

Matthew took out a bottle of white wine. "Daniel, care for some?"

Daniel nodded appreciatively. "Sure, thank you, Mr. Hart."

Matthew thought that someone like Daniel might prefer champagne or red wine, but he was pleasantly surprised to see Daniel willingly accept the white wine without hesitation or refusal. His smile grew even wider as he poured another glass for Daniel. "It's been a while since I had someone to drink with me. I used to hope that Zoe would bring her boyfriend home, but it seems like I can't count on that."

Daniel warmly responded, "Mr. Hart, if you ever feel like having a drink, you can count on me. I have two bottles of white wine that my friends gave me. I can bring them over next time."

Then, he added with a concerned tone, "But alcohol is best enjoyed in moderation. You should take care of your health, Mr. Hart."

Both Matthew and Sheila were pleased with Daniel's thoughtful remarks.

Placing her forehead in her hand, Zoe grabbed her phone and angrily messaged Leanna to express her frustration.

Meanwhile, back in Highside, Leanna was busy cooking in the kitchen, and her phone incessantly buzzing on the sofa.

Louis noticed it and remarked, "You've got messages coming in."

Leanna requested, "Could you bring my phone over here?"

Louis went to the kitchen, handed her the phone, and took the knife from her hand.

Leanna quickly wiped her hands with a piece of kitchen paper before unlocking her phone.

It was a series of messages from Zoe.

Zoe: I can't believe it! Daniel showed up at my house!

Zoe: Is he out of his mind? He's even chatting with my parents!

Zoe: What does he want? Asking me to take responsibility? I might as well end my life for him!

Zoe: I don't understand! I just can't wrap my head around this!

Zoe: It feels like I'm in a dream. He's supposed to be in Lachstein, but how did he manage to find me?

Zoe: I think he's doing this on purpose! There must be something I can't remember that triggered him, and now he's intentionally flaunting his presence!

The messages continued, all filled with criticism directed at Daniel.

Leanna smiled as she responded to a few of them before setting her phone aside.

Louis curiously asked, "Is something wrong?"

Leanna responded, "Nothing. Daniel went to Zoe's house."

After pausing for a moment, he commented, "He's pretty quick."

At his words, Leanna teasingly remarked, "You're not so slow yourself, you know."