Mason let out a cold laugh, saying nothing more. Ella was indeed clever and cunning—there was a good chance this sche had been her idea.
But the fact that so many won couldn’t match up to her... Ella was truly fascinating.
anwhile, Ella and Eric were enjoying breakfast, her smile radiant, clearly in a fantastic mood. They had ordered the inn’s signature breakfast, and just as they were finishing, Richard and Alia arrived, a bit late. Alia rubbed her back with a grimace.
"This inn’s setup is awful! The bed was so uncomfortable," Alia complained.
The remote location of the inn ant that its supplies had to be brought in from a distant town, so it didn’t quite match the comfort of a luxury hotel.
"Hey, where’s that eyesore Rachel?" Alia suddenly asked, only just realizing her absence. "Your cousin sure knows how to sche, Richard. She follows Eric and Ella everywhere like a shadow."
Richard scratched his head awkwardly. "It’s not like I invited her along."
Ella chuckled and recounted the morning’s events briefly. Alia’s eyes widened in disbelief before she shot a smug look at Richard.
"I told you your cousin was trouble! And now she’s sleeping with random n—how desperate can you get?" Alia scoffed.
Richard quickly tried to smooth things over, laughing nervously. "Babe, she may be desperate, but I’m not! Let’s not talk about her anymore. Order your breakfast, will you?"
That morning, Mason, Bella, and Rachel left Treading Immortal Mountain quietly, having been thoroughly outplayed by Eric. Mason, knowing he had lost the upper hand and now short of two assistants, had no choice but to retreat. Eric’s group had been stronger from the start, and staying any longer would have been pointless.
Moreover, soone had leaked the video of Mason and Bella online, sparking the wrath of the mayor of Y City, Bella’s father. Mason was now in deep trouble. Although he was a young master from a powerful family abroad, this wasn’t his territory, and the scandal could have lasting consequences.
With Mason and Rachel gone, Ella felt like a weight had been lifted. The sky seed brighter, and the atmosphere was instantly more peaceful. There was only one day left of their vacation, but Ella was already more than satisfied.
There were still plenty of sights around Silver Creek Valley that they hadn’t explored yet, and the group made the most of the day. One of the highlights was Drunk Moon Mountain, where there was a glass bridge suspended over a gorge. As Ella stepped onto it, she could feel her legs trembling beneath her.
"Oh no, I’m not going any further! Richard, you’d better carry !" Alia, usually bold, was now closing her eyes in terror.
Richard grinned, scooping Alia up in his arms, and kissed her rosy cheeks. "Don’t worry, darling. With your husband here, you’re safe."
Ella laughed softly at the scene, her heart light.
"Don’t be scared," Eric said, gently holding Ella’s hand. "The view is amazing. Just focus on the scenery, not the glass beneath your feet."
Although it wasn’t yet dusk, the weather had turned a bit cloudy, and a light mist clung to the distant mountain peaks. Nearby, a waterfall cascaded down like a shining white ribbon, and the cool, misty air seed to float toward them.
It was indeed a breathtaking view, especially when shared with soone you love. Everything seed perfect, the kind of mont that would last forever in their mories.
In a place like this, Ella thought, it was easy to imagine growing old together, perhaps even settling down here for good.
"It really is beautiful. Even though it’s man-made, this spot is more exciting and fun than many other places," Ella said, leaning on Eric’s shoulder with a contented smile.
Eric tightened his grip on her hand. "If you like it, we can co back next month."
"No way! If we keep coming here, we’ll get bored," Ella replied, laughing.
"Then where do you want to go next ti?" Eric asked.
"Let think about it," Ella said with a smile. "I haven’t decided yet."
Ella’s heart was brimming with happiness. Eric kissed her gently on the forehead, saying nothing more, as they quietly enjoyed this beautiful mont together.
A few tourists passed by, marveling at the breathtaking scenery.
On the other side, Richard was carrying Alia playfully, taking funny photos while sneaking a few shots of Eric and Ella as they stood together, lost in the mont.
"Hey, what are those little things over there?" Ella’s sharp eyes caught sight of so small, gray creatures hopping around in a nearby tree.
"Those are squirrels! Are you getting nearsighted?" Eric raised an eyebrow and gently rubbed her eyes, teasingly adding, "No more staying up late reading!"
Ella laughed and moved his hand away. "It’s not that I’m nearsighted. It’s just been so long since I’ve seen such lively squirrels, I almost forgot what they looked like."
The last ti she’d seen squirrels was in her previous life, on a vacation with Brandon.
She had been 24, newly married and on her honeymoon with Brandon at a famous mountain resort. Back then, she hadn’t enjoyed mountain trips, finding them dull, and preferred traveling abroad. But after getting married, her pampered and indulgent nature softened, and she learned to be considerate of Brandon’s preferences.
Love had indeed been powerful, but it had been wasted on a man who didn’t deserve it.
"What are you thinking about?" Eric’s playful voice brought her back to the present, his warm breath tickling her ear.
Ella instinctively pulled away, laughing. "Hey, behave! We’re in public, and there are children around!"
"You’ve got the wrong idea," Eric chuckled. "I was just telling you... we should head back, or we’ll miss our flight!"
Ella checked the ti—it was already past 4 p.m.
The flight was scheduled for 6 p.m., so they had just enough ti to make it.
Even though she felt a pang of reluctance, Ella knew this trip, filled with unforgettable monts, would remain with her forever.
Hand in hand, they walked back with Richard and Alia, their laughter echoing through the air. Their shared joy and love left an impression on the hearts of the many onlookers, who watched with admiration.
As they reached the airport, Eric received a phone call while Ella sipped her water. After he hung up, he leaned down and whispered in her ear, "The DNA test results are in. Do you want to know the outco?"
Ella rolled her eyes dramatically. Of course, she wanted to know! That man might be her only living uncle!
She swallowed her water too quickly and began choking, coughing violently.
Eric quickly patted her back, helping her catch her breath.
"Tell now!" Ella demanded, her voice hoarse from coughing. She glared at him in frustration. "Eric, don’t keep in suspense!"
Eric grinned mischievously, tapping his cheek. "A kiss first, and I’ll tell you."
Ugh, taking advantage of the situation!
With no choice, Ella gave him a quick peck.
"One more kiss!" Eric teased again, his eyes full of playful mischief.
Ella nearly lost her temper, but before she could, Eric laughed and finally said, "He really is your uncle!"
Instantly, Ella’s eyes welled up with tears. She felt an overwhelming wave of emotion, the joy and relief almost bringing her to tears.
Reviews
All reviews (0)