"Are you that afraid of the cold?" Layla chuckled."You said that we are going to climb a mountain, right?""Yeah! Just get the long one! I'm not teasing you. You are tall, so you won't look chubby even if you wear long jackets."Eric slid the jacket on and instantly started to feel hot as the store was equipped with a heater that was turned on. "I'll get this one, then!" Eric took it off."Buy a pair of winter trousers, too, or your legs will get cold." Layla stood in front of the shelf and handed him a pair of trousers.He accepted it and checked the size."Is the size right? I took a random one." Layla did not know his measurements."It's perfect." He went into the fitting room with the trousers, while Layla went to the ladies' section and looked at a few clothes that were of a similar style to the ones Eric had chosen. "Miss, would you like to try this one here? It's the same style as the one your boyfriend picked. A lot of couples buy these and wear them as couples wear
Layla's words insinuated that even if he continued to stay in Cambrode, she would not be with him. Eric understood what she meant but kept his composure. "I will check to see if there're any other tourist spots after this.""My assistant made a travel plan. I will get her to send it to you," Layla said."Sure. Why didn't your assistant come with you?" Eric asked."She is coming here today as well. I told her to come with us, but she said she's going there by herself as she doesn't want to get in our way."An hour later, the car stopped at the bottom of the mountain.It was a famous spot for tourists, so it was swarming with people."The snow isn't that heavy here," Eric said after getting out. "Wear your hat and scarf properly. The temperature is lower here."Layal put on her hat and scarf, covering everything but her eyes. Though she was already twenty-five years old, her eyes still looked as innocent and pure as that of a child's."Gloves." He glanced at her eyes and remi
Layla was clearly not interested in the snacks he bought. "I don't like these.""You didn't eat enough during breakfast," Eric said. "There are no expensive snacks here. You can eat these if you get hungry later.""I never said that I want expensive snacks," she retorted. "I just don't like snacks in general.""You like fruits, but they don't sell those here." Eric knew what she liked but was not sure if her preferences had changed."I wouldn't buy fruits even if they sell them here. It's too heavy. It's not like we are spending the night there." She glanced at the line in front of her. "It's quite fast to get there by cable car. It's really cold up there, so anyone who manages to stay there for over half an hour should consider themselves heroes.""Have you bought the tickets for the return trip?" Eric studied the cable car moving in the distance."I bought round-trip tickets."Soon, it was their turn, and Layla took off her gloves to unlock her phone and showed her reservation
Layla thought about it and took out her phone, unlocked it, and handed it over to him."Where are we going to stand?" Layla asked.As more and more tourists arrived, the small piece of land soon began to feel crowded.Some of the tourists even started to walk up the slope to find a better spot to take pictures.Eric looked around while holding her phone and Layla searched around as well."Everywhere is packed," she said. "Just take a few photos here!""Come here." Eric waved his hand at Layla. He had found a corner with fewer people.Layla immediately walked toward him.He found a spot lower down the gentle slope. "The view isn't as great, but we only need to capture the side that looks good on the photo."He meant for them to climb down and go back up once they took the photos.Layla observed her surroundings and realized that it would not be an issue for them to climb down as there were footprints leading down. "Are we really going that far for a few photos?" she said as
"The light seems a bit dim." She glanced at the photo before looking up at the sky. "It's windy here.""You can always edit the photo afterwards," he said. "Are you cold?""A bit. Let's not take any more photos." She took the phone from him. "Eric, I asked you to come here to tell you that we should stop seeing each and contacting each other."She summoned the courage to speak her mind. Her heart was racing by the time she was done, and she immediately bowed her head to avoid looking at him."I can't restart my life until I cut all ties with you." She stared at the snow at her feet. She felt a lump in her throat. She had not felt the urge to cry since she had come to a decision a few days ago."Of course, Layla," Eric said calmly. "If this can help you turn over a new page in your life, I won't object to it. I will never bother you or your family."She immediately looked up. "That's not what I mean. You are a close friend of Mom. I don't want your friendship to be affected by me.
"Let's search for a place to brace for impact!" Eric had acted in movies which had scenes similar to the situation they were in, and he knew the basics of what to do in an avalanche. "If we can't run, we need to wait for rescue to come."There was no way to predict natural disasters, and though the screaming had not ceased, Layla felt much more at ease.In the worst-case scenario, she would die with Eric. Her parents had other children, and they would not need to mourn for long over them. The only regret she felt was that she had asked Eric to come to Cambrode. Had she not done it, he would have never come, and he would not be in this disaster."I'm so sorry, Eric." Layla could not see how they would make it out of this alive, and she had to say what was on her mind while she still could. "I shouldn't have asked you to come here. I put you in this situation.""It's not your fault, Layla! We aren't the only people here; no one can predict something like this! Don't feel guilty! Do
The snow crashed down on him with his back taking the brunt of the impact."Eric!" she tried to touch his head. "Eric, move closer! Closer! It's fine if you are pressing against me!"The space was far too small and though she wanted to grab his arm, her arm would bump into the wall as soon as she moved."... It's fine... I'm fine," Eric said weakly. "Just wait. It's not over yet...""Why are you so good to me, Eric? Is it really just because I'm Avery Tate's daughter? Is that really the only reason why you like me?" Darkness loomed over them and though Layla could not see his face, she could sense his breath on her skin. "I regret it now, Eric. I don't want to cut all ties with you.""Let's talk about something else, Layla!" Eric did not know how much longer he could withstand it."If we get out of here alive, I'm marrying you," Layla said. "Eric, if you die and I get to live, I'm not marrying anyone for the rest of my life.""Don't say that, Layla. I should have been dead a lon
The avalanche had disrupted and damaged the communication system in the area, so there was no hope in calling for help.Thankfully, the avalanche immediately made international news.The other two employees of Tate Industries who were in the hotel received the news and started calling Layla and her assistant Emma right away."Ms. Tate won't pick up.""Neither will Emma. The signal has to be out over there! What should we do? Should we order a taxi and go there?""The roads are probably all blocked!""So are we just going to stand here and wait?! If something happens to Ms. Tate, we—""Stop being so pessimistic! Ms. Tate didn't go alone. Eric Santos went with her, didn't he?""So what if he did? There's a gigantic avalanche. It's not like Eric can control it! You have probably seen too many movies and have mistaken him for some kind of hero!""Why are you shouting at me?! I just want Ms. Tate to be safe."The two argued heatedly."We need to call Mr. Foster! Are you doing it
Three years later…Ivy and Robert stood at the airport in Aryadelle, anxiously waiting."It's been three years! Your boyfriend is finally here to see you!" Robert exclaimed before shifting the conversation. "He's not here to break up with you, is he? After all, you haven't seen each other in three years. A lot can change."Ivy sighed, "Robert, can you not jinx it? Although we haven't met in three years, we talk on the phone and video call every day!"Robert quipped, "Digital romance.""Anyway, he promised me that he's going to settle down in Aryadelle this time, and we won't be apart again," Ivy said. Robert smirked. "He's got a strong sense of pride. When he meets Dad later, they might not hit it off, and he'll buy a ticket to leave tonight!"Feeling helpless, Ivy was at a loss for words. Just then, a familiar voice called out, "Ivy!"Ivy immediately looked over to the source of the voice and saw Lucas stepping out of the exit, dragging his suitcase behind him. A smile sp
Mr. Woods did not expect Hayden to be so direct, and he found himself momentarily caught off guard. He had come to ask Hayden for money, but he had not thought about exactly how much he wanted. After all, Hayden's family was extremely wealthy, and he did not want to ask for too little and feel shortchanged, nor did he want to risk asking for too much and having Hayden refuse. It was a tough decision. After a brief internal struggle, Mr. Woods turned to Hayden and said, "I know your family is one of the wealthiest in Aryadelle, so why don't you name the price? I trust you won't mistreat my son and our family." Hayden furrowed his brows slightly. Shelly, noticing his hesitation, quickly chimed in, "Uncle, why don't you make an offer? We're not very familiar with this process. If you insist on us naming a price, we might need to consult my father-in-law." "Elliot Foster, you mean?" Mr. Woods asked. Shelly nodded. "Yes. My father-in-law isn't as easygoing as my husband. After a
"All right. Let's find a place nearby to sit and talk." Mr. Woods breathed a sigh of relief. "Good! Our house is actually nearby. Would you like to visit? Ivy has been with us for many years, and our staff has a close relationship with her." Hayden glanced at Shelly and asked, "Should we go?" "Sure!" Shelly said. Mr. Woods immediately invited Hayden and Shelly into his car and drove them to the Woods' mansion. Upon arriving, Mr. Woods instructed the servants to serve tea and refreshments. He pointed to the butler and said to Hayden, "This is our butler. He hired Ivy's grandmother." Hayden nodded. Mr. Woods then introduced Hayden: "This is Irene's older brother, the renowned businessman Mr. Hayden Tate." "Hello, Mr. Tate. Irene was a wonderful young lady," the butler said. "We all liked her very much. When we heard of her passing, we were truly saddened. Fortunately, she didn't actually pass away! Ivy is a very sensible and resilient girl, one of the strongest I've eve
Ivy's eyes were red as she said, "Hayden, Lucas' mother has passed away, so I won't be able to spend time with you for a few days." "It's okay. Given what has happened, we're not in the mood for fun either. After we attend his mother's funeral, Shelly and I will return," Hayden said. Ivy nodded. "How are funerals handled here?" Hayden asked. Given Lucas' relationship with Ivy, his younger sister, he felt a sense of duty to help Lucas with the funeral arrangements. "It's similar to how it's done back at home. Wealthy people can have elaborate funerals, and those with less money can opt for simpler ceremonies. Those who can't afford much at all can forgo the ceremony and opt for a simple burial," Ivy said. "What if someone wants a more elaborate funeral?" "Hayden, do you want to help with his mother's funeral? He doesn't have any close relatives here, so there's no need for an elaborate ceremony," she explained. "I see. Go and talk to him about it. I'll help with whatever I
Lucas hung up, tears welling in his eyes. Ivy stood by his side and asked, "What's wrong, Lucas?" "My mom has passed away. You should keep your brother company! I need to head back to the hospital." "I will come along! Aunty seemed fine just now, so why did she suddenly pass away?" The two hurried toward the car, completely forgetting about Hayden and Shelly. Hayden and Shelly watched as they left awkwardly, and Shelly said, "Honey, let's go to the hospital. I think Lucas' mother has passed away." "Sure." The two caught a taxi and hurried after Lucas. Meanwhile, in the hospital, Lucas arrived to first encounter the doctor and then his father. Mr. Woods tried ingratiating himself with his son, saying, "Lucas, I came to the hospital to see your mother, but when I arrived, she had already passed away. What a shame!" "Are you sure she had already passed away before you came? I was here earlier today, and when I saw her, she was still alive!" Lucas said. Mr. Woods reto
Mr. Woods sneered, "What do you mean? Are you looking down on me? Although the Woods family has fallen on hard times, we're still a prominent family in Taronia! Lucas may be foolish, but are you any wiser? If it weren't for me backing Lucas, would the Fosters even look at him?" "Shut up! The Foster family isn't narrow-minded like you! Ivy's family doesn't dislike Lucas, so don't go causing trouble! They don't want to see you at all!" Lucas' mother retorted. Mr. Woods scoffed. "Is that so? Do you really think they don't look down on him? Why wouldn't they? Are they planning to make Lucas marry into their family instead of the other way round?" "It's none of your business! You never cared about Lucas, and now that he's independent, he doesn't need you anymore! You wouldn't have come to me repeatedly if Ivy wasn't Elliot Foster's daughter and if she wasn't interested in Lucas. Do you really think I have no idea what you are plotting?" Mr. Woods countered, "What nonsense are you ta
Ivy did not hesitate, immediately shaking her head. "I'm not leaving. Don't worry about me; just focus on yourself." "Staying here is just a waste of time." "I've been studying and interning so hard for so long. What's wrong with taking a break now?" Ivy argued. Before long, Hayden and Shelly had finished their shopping, and Ivy and Lucas immediately joined them to go to the hospital. Lucas' mother had no idea that Ivy's brother and sister-in-law were coming to visit her, so she appeared a bit uncomfortable when they arrived. She tried to sit up, but her body failed her. Ivy raised the head of the hospital bed. "Aunty, my big brother and sister-in-law came over to Taronia for a visit. They wanted to see Lucas and you." "Oh, this is really embarrassing. It's a blessing for my son to know Ivy..." Lucas' mother muttered sheepishly. Shelly reassured, "Aunty, don't say that. Lucas is outstanding. Otherwise, Ivy wouldn't have fallen for him." Lucas' mother continued, "I've
Throughout the meal, Ivy found it hard to enjoy her food. Lucas and Hayden discussed everything that mattered, and the conversation went smoother than anyone had anticipated. Hayden was not upset, nor was Lucas. It was a better scenario than what Ivy had hoped for, but she still felt depressed. "Lucas, my husband and I would like to pay your mother a visit. Would that be okay?" Shelly asked after finishing her food. "Sure," Lucas said. "Don't we need to ask your mom first?" Ivy asked. "It's fine. We can just head over right away and introduce them once we arrive." Lucas' mother grew weaker every day and had stopped using her phone altogether, so it was her nurse, whom Lucas had hired, who reported his mother's condition to him daily. "You restarted your business and have to take care of your mother simultaneously; you're really strong. Most people would crumble under the pressure," Shelly commented. "Ivy had a tougher life before. She didn't crumble, so I won't eith
After what Ivy said, Lucas added, "I want to focus on my career for now. Marriage is secondary until I become more successful." Hayden sneered. "Running a business isn't as simple as it seems. What if you fail or never achieve anything out of the ordinary?" "If that happens, I won't drag Ivy down," Lucas said. "At least you know your place." Ivy felt as though her cheeks were on fire. "Hayden, even if Lucas fails, I won't give up on him. I won't let him go just because of his financial state." Shelly grabbed Hayden's hand again, signaling to him to control his temper; he could be rude to others, but he could not be so demanding with Ivy. Ivy sensed that she was slightly out of line, and her tone eased. "Hayden, we shouldn’t judge people based on their wealth. Our family is rich enough, and there really aren't that many people out there who can compare to our financial state, so why does it matter how wealthy my partner is?" "Ivy is right. Love matters most. Even if we man