Chapter 68
Asher paused, giving Grace a brief glance before shifting his gaze to Drake standing behind her. His voice was deliberately casual. “Drake, where are your gentlemanly manners?”
Grace froze.
She stared at Asher in disbelief.
Drake’s expression darkened slightly as he met Thalia’s calm gaze.
Perhaps Thalia hadn’t truly forgotten him after all, he thought. Perhaps she was merely putting on a
brave face. If he were to help another woman cross right in front of her, would she feel jealous?
With this thought, Drake extended his hand to Grace, his tone deliberately gentle. “Don’t worry, Grace. I’ll help you across.”
Grace lowered her eyes and spoke through gritted teeth, her voice so quiet only Drake could hear: “What
are you playing at? I wanted Asher to help me.”
Drake responded, “If he won’t help you, would you prefer to remain stranded in the middle of the
-stream?”
“I don’t need your help either.”
“Suit yourself,” Drake said, suddenly releasing her hand.
“Ah!” Grace cried out dramatically, nearly losing her footing in the stream. Instinctively, she grabbed Drake’s hand tightly. “Just help me across first.”
Drake gave a cold laugh, mentally rolling his eyes.
Seeing that Grace was no longer in any actual danger, Asher turned away and continued walking.
The group progressed with frequent stops, and evening soon approached.
The setting sun cast a golden glow across the horizon, with birds returning to their nests and the sky ablaze with spectacular colors. The scene was breathtakingly beautiful.
At one particularly scenic viewpoint offering a perfect view of the sunset, Sebastian stopped first to take photographs.
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Those following behind also paused to capture the stunning vista.
Victoria, panting and leaning heavily on her hiking pole, finally reached the spot and was immediately captured on camera by Sebastian.
He grinned mischievously as he reviewed the image on his digital camera. “That’s absolutely brilliant–perfect meme material in ultra–high definition.”
Victoria glared at him. “Sebastian, delete that this instant!”
“Not a chance. This gem deserves to be savoured properly.”
Victoria found a large rock to sit on and tilted her head to admire the sunset.
“I’m far too knackered to argue with you now. I’ll sort you out properly when we get back.”
When Thalia and Asher reached the viewpoint, the sunset’s golden rays bathed their faces and bodies in a warm orange glow, softening even Asher’s typically sharp features.
“You two are absolutely perfect together,” Sebastian remarked, aiming his camera at the photogenic couple and pressing the shutter.
In the photograph, Thalia was squinting slightly as she gazed at the sunset, while Asher stood beside her, his eyes fixed on her with absolute devotion and adoration.
Sebastian showed the image to Asher. “Just look at that expression–I’m half in love myself. What’s that poem again? ‘You stand on the bridge watching the scenery, while the one watching the scenery is watching you from the tower.“”
James laughed. “Well, well, quoting poetry now, are we?”
Sebastian gave him a sidelong glance. “It’s a famous verse–even I know it. I may have been more interested in sports than books at school, but you can’t honestly believe I’m completely uncultured.”
Victoria scoffed. “Those with the least learning are always the most eager to show it off.”
“Really now,” Sebastian protested, “must you undermine me at every turn? Can’t you at least pretend to
respect your brother in public?”
Asher examined the photograph on Sebastian’s camera with clear appreciation. “Your photography lessons weren’t wasted. This is excellent. Send it to me later.”
Sebastian held up two fingers. “For this price.”
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Victoria looked disgusted. “You’re charging for a photograph? Look at you, acting like some shameless merchant. How embarrassing–please don’t tell people you’re my brother.”
“Hush,” Sebastian retorted. “What would you know about this, you child?”
Asher didn’t seem offended, his eyes dancing with amusement. “Twenty thousand pounds?”
Sebastian shook his head. “This is the photo of the century between you and Thalía. For something this perfect, you’re offering just twenty thousand? Firm price: two hundred thousand! You can display it on the big screen at your wedding. Look how perfect it is–the atmosphere, the lighting–absolutely magnificent!”
Thalia couldn’t remain silent any longer and laughed. “Sebastian, you truly are a shameless merchant. Two hundred thousand for one photograph? Are you really trying to extort us like this?”
“Deal,” Asher agreed without hesitation. “Email it to me. WhatsApp will compress the quality.”
Sebastian’s face lit up with delight as he gave Asher a thumbs–up. “Brilliant! I do appreciate a decisive
man!”
Thalia watched in astonishment, her lips twitching slightly, though she ultimately said nothing.
Well, it wasn’t her money being spent. Let him do as he pleased.
As Thalia gazed at the spectacular sunset before her, she felt a profound sense of peace. It was as though her very spirit had expanded with the vast horizon. She narrowed her eyes, spread her arms wide to embrace the wind, and let out a joyful shout.
The accumulated fatigue of many days seemed to vanish in that moment, leaving Thalia feeling lighter
than she had in ages.
Victoria joined in with her own exuberant cry, their delighted voices echoing through the valley, startling
birds into flight.
Grace, utterly exhausted, finally reached the viewpoint, panting heavily. Hearing Thalia and Victoria’s enthusiastic shouting, she frowned in displeasure, her expression clearly disapproving.
Beside her, Eliza rolled her eyes and muttered, “Victoria had the nerve to say I lack class, but look at her screaming like that. How is that behaviour befitting a proper lady? All that racket–hardly the conduct of someone from good society.”
Vanessa added, “Eliza, don’t lower yourself to her level. What sort of people would associate with Thalia anyway?”
With one comment, Vanessa had managed to insult both Thalia and Victoria, making Grace and Eliza laugh
Ateanwhile, Charlotte suggested. “With such a beautiful view, why don’t we take a group photo?”
“Brilliant idea!” Victoria jumped up from her rock. “Sebastian, take it for us.”
Sebastian protested, “How can I be left out of a group photo?”
His gaze fell on Grace as he offered his camera. “Grace, would you mind taking it for us?”
Sebastian, in his straightforward manner, hadn’t noticed Grace’s feelings toward Asher, assuming her earlier clinginess was merely sibling affection.
Victoria quickly grabbed Sebastian’s arm and took back the camera. “Absolutely not.”
The camera still contained the photos of Thalia and Asher. Knowing Grace’s nature, Victoria worried she might try something–perhaps damage or lose the camera, destroying both the photos and their two hundred thousand pound value.
Sebastian looked confused. “Why not?”
Victoria quietly called him a “bloody idiot” before saying aloud, “Let’s just not have them take it. I’ve brought a selfie stick–we can use our phones instead.”
“How can a phone camera compare to a proper DSLR?”
“It can’t, but it’s good enough,” Victoria replied, already pulling out her selfie stick and setting up her phone. “Charlotte, Thalia, come stand beside me.”
Charlotte and Thalia took positions on either side of Victoria.
Asher stood next to Thalia, James beside Charlotte, and Sebastian, shrugging, naturally placed himself
next to Asher.
Victoria extended the selfie stick and smiled brightly. “One, two, three, cheese!”
The three women smiled radiantly, each making peace signs, while the three men merely offered slight smiles. The resulting image was surprisingly harmonious.
Victoria took several photos, with the women changing expressions and poses for each shot, while the men maintained the same demeanor throughout.
Chapter 68
Grace watched from the sidelines, jealousy rising in her eyes. Why hadn’t they invited her to join the group photo?
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