Silence settled over the room once he left. Eleanor let out a soft sigh, crouched back down, and continued hanging the rest of her clothes in the closet.

Down in the garden, Evelyn and Serena were blowing bubbles on the lawn. Ian walked over carrying a ball. The expansive stretch of grass was perfect for parents to play with their children.

Hearing her daughter's bright laughter, Eleanor stepped out onto the balcony, leaning against the railing to watch Evelyn's adorable antics.

lan was kicking the ball around with Evelyn. The scene of the two of them getting along so harmoniously was a beautiful sight.

From the second-floor balcony of their own villa, Magdalen and Gina enjoyed the breeze and the view, watching the father and daughter below with fond smiles.

Dinner was served at the estate's restaurant. The large windows looked out over a meticulously landscaped water feature, and the food was exquisite. The atmosphere was light and joyous.

After dinner, the family strolled back to their villas. The estate took on a magical, antique charm under the moonlight, illuminated by glowing lanterns and serenaded by chirping insects.

As they walked, Evelyn suddenly spotted a tiny firefly hovering over the grass. She sprinted toward it excitedly. "Dad! There really are fireflies here!"

But there were only one or two flickering in the grass, and they quickly vanished. Evelyn rubbed her nose in disappointment. "Where did they go?"

lan crouched down and affectionately ruffled her hair. "Fireflies don't usually hang around this spot for long. Tomorrow night, we'll go to the native meadows behind the estate. There are tons of them there."

"Can we go tonight?"

"It's too late tonight, and everyone is tired. Let's get some rest and go tomorrow, okay?" lan reasoned with his daughter patiently.

Being a sensible girl, Evelyn nodded her little head. "Okay, fine!"

As they reached the villas, Magdalen called out a reminder. "Everyone get to bed early! We have a full day of fun tomorrow."

"Goodnight, lan. Goodnight, Ellie," Serena waved, leading her mother and grandmother into their villa.

Eleanor, lan, and Evelyn headed toward their own villa down the path.

Once back in the living room, Evelyn refused to go straight to bed. She still wanted to play.

Eleanor had no choice but to let her. She stayed in the living room to keep her company. Ian sat on the sofa, watching his daughter happily entertain herself with the provided toys. Suddenly stripped of their work obligations, the two adults found themselves at a loss for what to do.

It was rare for Eleanor to spend the night completely surrounded by nature. She stepped out onto the small patio extending from the room and gazed out at the

jet

veling

pitch black forest in the distance listening to the occasional rustle of

startled birds.

A moment later, a figure stepped up beside her. His tall frame exuded an

undeniable, commanding presence.

"Do you like the quiet?" he asked, his voice low and magnetic.

"Yes. I love it," Eleanor nodded.

"Me too. We should come here often."

Eleanor took a deep breath of the crisp air. The mountain breeze carried a refreshing chill that

completely swept away the summer heat. The sky was blanketed in

stars,

vastly brighter and clearer than back

in the city.

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Suddenly, something lightly brushed against Eleanor's hand. She looked down to

see lan's hand quietly covering hers.

His palm was warm and dry. With a force that was impossibly gentle yet allowed no

room for refusal, he fully enveloped her left hand in his.

Eleanor's body gave an imperceptible flinch. Her instinct was to pull away.

But the man tightened his grip.

Eleanor turned her head to look at him. He was already gazing back at her intently,

his deep eyes shimmering with a captivating light.

"Eleanor," he murmured. "Just let me hold it for a moment."