His Housewife Had Secret Identities novel Chapter 680

"So, what did you need my help with?" Niamh asked, taking the initiative.

"Well... it's a social engagement."

"A social engagement?" Niamh was a little surprised. "You need me to be your arm candy?"

Elmer gave a wry smile. "It might be a bit more difficult than that."

"Then what kind of engagement is it?" she asked, tilting her head. Elmer had successfully piqued her interest.

"First, you have to tell me if you'll agree."

"But you won't even tell me what it is..." Niamh complained. She didn't understand why he was being so mysterious when he knew how curious she was.

Elmer parked the car in the underground garage of a shopping mall. "First, let's get you something to wear."

"I haven't even agreed yet!" Niamh said, crossing her arms stubbornly after they got out of the car.

"But if the dress is pretty enough, I might be persuaded to sacrifice my virtue for a night," she added with a wink.

Elmer laughed at her antics. Niamh had assumed the "social engagement" was just another one of the business galas she'd attended before. If there was one thing she was confident about, it was her appearance. If Elmer, a distinguished PhD returned from abroad, needed a beautiful date for a special occasion, she was the perfect choice.

In the end, Elmer chose a modest, long-sleeved, knee-length dress for her in a muted gray. The conservative style of the dress made her question the nature of the event she was about to attend.

"Mm," she mumbled. Elmer's reassurance did little to calm her nerves. She trusted his character; after all, they had known each other for years and were inseparable in high school. She believed he wouldn't lie or misrepresent their relationship. But... the fact that his parents insisted on meeting her for dinner, knowing she wasn't his girlfriend, meant something. How was this any different from bringing a girlfriend home to meet the parents?

Even now, Niamh could still remember the sting of Elmer's mother slapping her face all those years ago. Despite the time that had passed, a deep-seated resentment remained.

Niamh turned to look out the window at the dazzling city lights. She had no idea how tonight's dinner would unfold, and her heart began to pound in her chest.

Back at Thomas Manor, Jonathan was still unconscious.

But unlike the past few days, tonight he was murmuring constantly in his sleep. Clifford, the doctor, the caregiver, and Hazel had all heard it, but none of them knew if this change was a good sign or a bad one. Jonathan said many things, most of it mumbled and unintelligible. But one word, repeated over and over, was crystal clear.

"Darling..."