Chapter 1102
“Daddy, look, there’s a little rabbit over there,” Evelyn suddenly whispered, pointing at the grass.
Ian followed her gaze and saw a wild rabbit nibbling on the grass. He gestured for his daughter to be quiet and gently picked her up, stepping closer.
Nestled in her father’s arms, Evelyn quietly watched the rabbit eat until it hopped away. “Daddy, I want to go hiking again next time,” she said, still full of excitement. “Alright. When I have time, I’ll bring you hiking again,” lan replied with a warm smile.
They continued toward the summit. The higher they climbed, the steeper the trail became. Eleanor’s stamina couldn’t keep up with her daughter’s, so she and Gavin fell behind while lan stayed with Evelyn.
“Evelyn has amazing energy!” Gavin remarked.
“Always has been,” Eleanor managed between breaths, a proud smile touching her lips. “She’s always been like that p>
When they finally reached the top, Eleanor was so tired she found a rock and sat down. Evelyn was playing in the grass nearby, with Gavin keeping an eye on her.
lan walked over to Eleanor. “Tired?” he asked softly.
Eleanor looked at the view of the blue sky and white clouds and shook her head.
But her fair cheeks were flushed with a healthy pink from the exercise, and tiny beads of sweat dotted her forehead. Ian instinctively took the handkerchief he’d used for his daughter from his pocket and gently dabbed at her forehead. The gesture startled them both.
Eleanor frowned and looked up, her eyes filled with a distinct coldness. “You don’t have to. Thanks p>
lan withdrew his hand, his gaze lingering on her face. Her expression was a clear reminder to respect their boundaries and a stark reminder of their current relationship.
“Sorry,” lan said in a low voice, putting the handkerchief back in his pocket.
“Evelyn had a great time today. Thank you for arranging this,” Eleanor said, looking out at the distant scenery.
“It’s what I should do,” lan replied in
a deep voice before getting up and walking over to where Gavin was spreading out a picnic blanket. Hệ began placing the food they d Brought on it, with Evelyn happily helping.
Eleanor joined them shortly after, taking out the fruit and snacks she had packed in her bag to share.
During the picnic, Evelyn was a little
ray of sunshine, her innocent chatter making everyone laugh. Eleanor’s
attention was mostly on her
daughter, though she occasionally stared into the distance, lost in thought.
Whenever she drifted off, a pair of eyes from beside her would rest on her, filled with deep, hidden emotions and an unspoken sentiment.
“Daddy, this sandwich is so yummy,” Evelyn said, holding it up to his mouth. “Have a bite p>
lan took a small bite and said to his daughter, “If you like it, have some more p>
“Mommy, what are you looking at?” Evelyn asked, curiously leaning in front of Eleanor.
Eleanor realized she had zoned out and smiled. “I was just looking at the clouds.” lan knew she wasn’t looking at the clouds. She was thinking about someone.
On the way down the mountain, Evelyn got tired halfway and ended up on lan’s
back. By the time they reached the car, she was fast asleep.
lan got into Eleanor’s car, holding the sleeping Evelyn in his arms. Eleanor was also tired; it had been a long time since she’d done such strenuous exercise. She rested her head against her hand, leaning on the car window, and gradually drifted off to sleep as well.
About ten minutes later, the car took a sharp turn, and Eleanor’s head tilted sideways, landing with a soft thud on lan’s shoulder.
The unexpected contact made him freeze for a few seconds before a gentle smile touched his eyes. He subtly adjusted his posture to let her lean more comfortably.
While waiting at a long red light, lan looked down at the sleeping face on his shoulder.
For a second there, Eleanor let her guard down completely. She looked so peaceful, it reminded me of the past.
He remembered waking up in the morning and finding her nestled in his arms, lazy and content like a child. If he stared at her for too long, she would playfully cover his eyes and grumble, “Don’t look p>