"Leo, that’s enough. Your father isn’t fond of public displays of affection," Catherine chid in, and a warm smile graced her face. The cheerfulness she constantly exuded was reminiscent of Nancy.
It was no wonder that Nancy preferred Catherine over Karen. As the saying goes, blood is thicker than water.
Damon felt my gaze and glanced at before gently placing his arm around Catherine’s slender waist. She looked elegant in a white sundress, a perfect match for him.
Upon feeling Damon’s touch, Catherine leaned her head affectionately against his arm, her face lighting up with a smile.
"Hey, over here." Jones’s voice pulled back to reality.
What was I doing, watching my ex-husband and his sweetheart living their happily-ever-after?
"Co here. Let’s take a picture together. Let’s get soone to snap a shot for us." I beckoned Jones over.
"Us? Together?" Jones seed surprised but quickly flashed a smile, "Sure."
But who could we have asked to take the picture?
Ignoring everyone else, I waited for Leo to finish taking pictures of Damon and Catherine before turning to him, "Leo, could you take a couple of photos for us?"
Leo stopped in his tracks, looking confused.
Damon and Catherine, expressionless, joined us.
"Leo’s photography skills are average, Miss Brooks. How about I take the pictures for you?" Catherine offered.
"Sure." Jones agreed imdiately, handing his phone over to Catherine.
Despite my reluctance, I didn’t object.
Jones and I stood side by side, not too close yet not too distant, more like good friends than a couple.
After Catherine took a couple of shots, she suggested, "Miss Brooks, you two are married, right? You seem a little shy. How about a more intimate pose?"
Jones was about to refuse, probably fearing I would have been uncomfortable, but I interrupted, "Sure. We’re just a little embarrassed." I then hooked my arm around Jones’s and leaned my head against him.
Jones’s body stiffened for a mont but he quickly relaxed and leaned into .
After Catherine took another shot, she suggested, "Try another pose. Jones, how about a kiss for your wife?"
A sudden chill ran down my spine at her words. Damon was staring at Jones and , and his gaze was cold as ice.
Jones turned to as if seeking my approval.
Without a word, I tiptoed and kissed his cheek while he bent down considerately.
Catherine seed pleased, snapping pictures from various angles. Holding up the picture of kissing Jones, she turned to Damon and asked, "What do you think of this one? I think it’s beautiful. The sunset and the couple kissing make it look so good. Miss Brooks and Jones make a lovely pair."
Damon didn’t even glance at the picture. Instead, he took Leo’s hand and walked away.
Catherine’s face faltered but quickly returned to normal. She handed the phone back to Jones, "You guys can pick your favorite photos. I’m going to find Damon."
"Sure." Jones took his phone back.
Watching Catherine chase after Damon, I couldn’t shake off the feeling that she was in a hurry.
I pushed away those thoughts and continued my stroll on the beach with Jones.
As the movie started, Jones and I returned to the big screen where couples had gathered. The ambient lights created a romantic atmosphere.
That was the first ti Jones and I attended an event like that. It was quite fun. I sipped on so wine and found a spot to sit down and watch the movie with
him.
"Damn, Eliana, did you co here to win a beauty pageant? You look stunning!" Luna ca over, her eyes practically popping out of her head as she complinted
Mitch, holding their child, stood by nodding in agreent. His gaze wandered around before finally landing on Damon and Catherine.
He kept glancing back and forth between and them, seemingly comparing us.
Mitch was a notorious gossip. No matter how hard we tried, we couldn’t quell his love for gossip.
"You look gorgeous, too." I complinted Luna, and we started to exchange praises.
Jones, standing by our side, occasionally offered so snacks. If I was too engrossed in my conversation, he would feed .
At first, I was not accustod to such intimacy but after a few tis, I started to get used to it.
After the movie, there was a dance. As the music started, Jones held out his hand, "May I have this dance?"
Under the light, his face was handso and gentle. For a mont, I forgot about my reservations and past grudges against him. In the midst of the romantic atmosphere, I realized I couldn’t refuse him.
"Sure." I smiled and accepted his invitation.
Just when Jones and I began to dance to the music, a sudden cry of alarm rang through the crowd, "Soone’s fainted! Help!"
The crowd beca chaotic, and my mood was instantly ruined.
A woman had suddenly collapsed. Her partner said she had a severe lung condition, and for so unknown reason, she had passed out.
"Is there a doctor? Is there a dical team on the island? Soone, help!" The man shouted frantically,
Everyone else looked at each other, helpless.
That’s when Catherine’s voice rang out, "Step aside. I’m a doctor"
Jones, who was about to step forward, imdiately stopped in his tracks. He stepped back, standing beside as we watched Catherine approach the unconscious woman.
Everyone circled around, watching as Catherine attempted to resuscitate the unconscious woman. She had a small bag with her which was filled with acupuncture needles. The sight of those needles always made my skin crawl. She had even used them on once.
Until this day, I still hadn’t figured out whether I was able to conceive due to Catherine’s treatnt, or because of so unbreakable karmic bond between Damon and .
Regardless, being able to have two adorable children was the greatest fortune for .
"Perhaps we should wait for the dical professionals. You can’t just randomly poke her with those needles!" soone in the crowd spoke up, doubting Catherine’s dical skills.
"If we wait for the professionals, she’ll be dead," Catherine responded curtly, not paying any mind to the skeptics. She proceeded with her acupuncture without hesitation.
Everyone was holding their bated breath, as if afraid a re whisper might have disturbed Catherine.
I knew she was capable. When she had returned to the country, many had offered generous sums for her consultation. But she kept a low profile and made few appearances. Thus, many didn’t know who she was unless they were ill and had specifically researched her.
After about ten minutes, the woman who had passed out slowly opened her eyes. Her breathing was still sharp and shallow, but she was clearly getting better.
"That doctor is incredible!" The man who had initially opposed Catherine was then exclaiming in awe.
"Is that acupuncture? It’s really impressive! Which hospital is she from?" Another asked.
"She’s young and pretty too," soone else comnted, clearly attracted by her appearance.
Regardless of the comnts, they were all in praise of her.
With his mother being complinted, Leo bead with pride. He ran over to Catherine, planting a kiss on her cheek, and then asked Damon loudly, "Dad, isn’t mom amazing?"
Damon smiled. It was a genuine smile of appreciation as he replied, "Yes, she is."
Flattered by his praise, Catherine blushed, clearly pleased.
So recognized Damon and started discussing Catherine’s identity. I took my leave before anyone recognized and started discussing the scandalous tale tied to my na.
Jones followed as we left, and we returned to the hotel for so rest.
"Are you okay?" Jones asked softly when we got back to our room.
"I am," I replied, sitting on the sofa and flexing my tired feet. "I’m just tired. Dancing and walking around all day have worn out."
Jones chuckled and ca over to kneel before , reaching out to hold my foot. "Would you like a massage?"
I recoiled at his touch, quickly pulling my foot away. "No, I’ll just take a shower. You can go first."
"Okay." Jones was always accommodating, never arguing with . He grabbed his clothes and headed for the bathroom while I went out to the balcony, where I could see the large screen from afar, where people were still gathered.
As I stood there enjoying the breeze, I heard a noise from the adjacent balcony. Standing there was a tall, slender figure. It was Damon. He was lighting up a cigarette and looking out towards the dark sea.
Damon noticed , and our eyes t for a mont. Neither of us spoke, nor looked away. After a few seconds, I broke our gaze. There was no need for this silent confrontation. It would have only led to complicated feelings.
My phone rang. It was a video call from my mother. The first thing I saw were the adorable faces of Serena and Brandon.
"Do you miss mommy?" I asked them, my heart instantly warming up at the sight of the two.
"Of course, they miss you!" My mother replied with a laugh.
"How’s the nanny? Is she taking care of the kids properly? Rember, they need to be fed scientifically."
My mother answered my questions, and we chatted about the kids. Then she asked about Jones and how our day had been.
I glanced at Damon. He wasn’t looking at , but I knew if I had spoken a bit louder, he would have been able to hear .
"It was great. I had a very relaxing day with him. He’s very gentle and caring towards . Don’t worry," I replied, raising my voice.
Damon’s face twitched, as if he wanted to turn and look at but refrained from doing so.
"Dad, I can’t write this word no matter how hard I try!" Leo’s voice ca from next door. I saw him walk out onto the balcony, holding a pen and a tablet.
Even on vacation, they were still practicing English words. I was sure that this must have been Catherine’s idea. She was eager for Leo to fit into English society in hopes of gaining the affection of Silas and Lisa. But if he couldn’t write English words, it might have been a bit difficult.
Damon stubbed out his cigarette and patiently taught Leo how to write the word. Despite his serious deanor, it was clear to that he truly loved the child. Catherine erged, fresh from a shower in a purple silk nightgown. Her hair was still wet, and her figure was alluring.
’Damon, go take a shower," she said softly.
"In a minute," Damon replied, continuing to help Leo.
Catherine then noticed . She looked surprised for a mont before flashing a smile and saying, "Ms. Brooks, you’re staying next door? What a coincidence."
"Yes, it is," I responded with a smile, though I secretly wished it weren’t so.
Jones had finished showering. He went to the balcony, draped in a towel with his upper body exposed. His broad shoulders and toned physique gave off an aura of security.
When he appeared beside , Damon’s gaze fell on us. It was cold and emotionless.
But I didn’t need to concern myself with his feelings or thoughts. All that mattered was my own happiness.
Damon entered the room without uttering a word, leaving just Catherine and her son, Leo, out on the balcony.
Catherine watched Damon’s retreating figure. Her face was calm and gentle. It seed as if she wasn’t bothered by Damon’s mood swings.
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