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Novel Catalog
Chapter 18
“Oh, you’re right,” Xavier suddenly said, realizing the situation. He quickly took off his coat and sunglasses, then restyled his short, blow-dried hair into a more ordinary style in the rearview mirror of the car. Once he was done, he raised his eyebrows and looked at Veronica. “How’s this?”
“It’s not bad,” Veronica replied, nodding in approval.
“Then, let’s go.” Xavier opened the car door and reached inside, pulling out a few small gifts.
Veronica blinked in surprise. “Why are you bringing things? I was going to take you to the store for a fruit basket.”
“What kind of boyfriend visits his future mother-in-law empty-handed?” Xavier smiled at her teasingly.
“All right, I’ll transfer the money to you later,” Veronica said, rolling her eyes but smiling.
“It’s fine,” Xavier replied with a grin.
The two entered Saint Hospital together. On the way, Xavier asked about Veronica’s adoptive parents and slyly tried to learn more about her birthday, claiming it was so he wouldn’t slip up in front of her mother. In reality, he was just genuinely curious about Veronica. Despite the fact that others might think she wasn’t conventionally beautiful, Xavier found her to be genuine, calm, and refreshingly different from others.
When they reached the 21st floor of the inpatient department, Veronica led Xavier into the ward. “Mom, I’m here with your food,” she announced, trying to keep the mood light.
Xavier followed her in and immediately shifted his demeanor. Gone was the playboy attitude; he greeted Daniella with a polite smile. “Mrs. Murphy, I’m Roni’s boyfriend, Xavier. I just returned from a business trip, so I apologize for the delay in meeting you.”
Daniella glanced at him, taking in his white shirt and slacks. His short black hair and handsome features made him look every bit the capable and neat man he was.
“Oh, you didn’t have to bring anything. Just leave your things over there and have a seat.” Daniella gestured to the sofa and sat beside him. “Your name’s Xavier, right?”
“Yes, Mrs. Murphy,” Xavier replied.
Normally, Xavier had a certain unruly edge to him, slouching on sofas with his legs crossed and arms stretched out as though he owned the room. But this time, in front of Daniella, he sat up straight, his posture perfect, his usual rough demeanor replaced by a more respectful air.
“How did such a handsome and polite young man end up with my daughter?” Daniella asked, her gaze piercing. “You’re here to pretend to be her boyfriend, aren’t you?”
Veronica’s heart skipped a beat. She held her breath, praying that Xavier wouldn’t spoil the act.
Xavier smiled warmly, choosing his words carefully. “Mrs. Murphy, I don’t like it when people say things like that. I’ve never been one to judge people by their appearance. Roni’s looks may not be extraordinary, but I love her for her kind heart.”
“Really?” Daniella raised an eyebrow, studying him.
“Of course,” Xavier said, meeting her gaze.
“Then, have you two thought about when you want to get married?” Daniella asked abruptly.
Veronica’s eyes widened. She hadn’t expected that. Was Daniella worried about her future, or was she testing Xavier?
“Oh, Mom, how can you ask Xavier about marriage already?” Veronica groaned in embarrassment.
“Be quiet, I’m talking to Xavier,” Daniella chided her lightly.
Xavier glanced at Veronica, his nerves showing for the first time in years. He smiled politely and tried to smooth over the situation. “Mrs. Murphy, marriage is something that needs to be discussed between Veronica and me. We don’t need to rush.”
“Okay, stop acting.” Daniella gave him a knowing smile, patting him on the shoulder. “I already know. My daughter, with her ‘ugly’ face, is not worthy of someone like you.”
Veronica felt a lump form in her throat. She hadn’t expected Daniella to see through their little ruse so quickly. “Mom…”
“All right,” Xavier said, raising his hands in mock surrender. He stood up and walked over to Veronica. “Since Mrs. Murphy already knows, I’ll drop the act.”
Just as Veronica was about to scold him, Xavier suddenly stopped in front of her, took a deep breath, and said, “Since Mrs. Murphy is here today, I’ll confess again. Veronica, I’ve liked you for a long time. Will you be my girlfriend? I know I’m not perfect, but I’ll prove to you through my actions that I’m worthy of your trust.”
Veronica’s eyes went wide in shock. “What…?” she stammered, completely caught off guard by the sudden turn of events.
Xavier’s eyes glinted with mischief, and he gave her a subtle look. It took her a moment, but then Veronica realized what he was doing—this was all part of the act! He was playing along to make the performance seem more convincing.
“Huh? … I…” Veronica quickly regained her composure, playing along. “Xavier, I only asked you to pretend to be my boyfriend. Don’t do this. We really aren’t a good match for each other.”
“We’ll find out once we start dating,” Xavier insisted, his voice full of charm. “I’m not someone who judges by appearances. For Mrs. Murphy’s sake today, I hope you’ll give me a chance.”
“Forget it. We can only be friends. I’m not good enough for you,” Veronica replied, feigning reluctance.
Without warning, Xavier grabbed her hand and knelt down on one knee, pulling out a velvet box from his pocket. “I’ve met many beautiful girls, but you’re different. You may not be the prettiest, but you’re kind-hearted, hardworking, and motivated. Someone like you is rare. Veronica, will you be my girlfriend?”
Inside the velvet box was a delicate necklace with a four-leaf clover pendant, sparkling under the light. His words, though dramatic, were delivered with such sincerity that, for a moment, Veronica almost believed him. If he hadn’t given her that sly look earlier, she might have thought he was truly confessing.
Meanwhile, outside the room, a few nurses who had just returned from their lunch break were passing by. They stopped in their tracks, their phones immediately coming out as they filmed the scene unfolding before them.
“Wow, a handsome guy is confessing!” one nurse said in awe.
“He’s so handsome. If someone like him likes a girl like her, it must be true love,” another whispered excitedly.
“I’m so jealous. I want a boyfriend like that too,” a third nurse added.
Veronica felt her face turn red as the nurses continued to cheer them on.
Seeing this, Daniella smiled warmly and said, “Veronica, I think he’s a good man. I was worried about you, but it seems like you’ve found someone who sees you for who you really are.”
Veronica suddenly realized that her mother, despite all her teasing, was truly concerned for her. Daniella wanted her daughter to be happy, even if she didn’t fully understand her decision to hide her appearance.
“Mom, I…” Veronica’s voice trailed off as she looked at Xavier, who was still kneeling in front of her, his expression playful yet earnest.
With a sigh, she finally looked at him and asked, “Then… should we try dating?”
