Chapter 579:
Even Ferdinand was caught off guard.
âCongratulations,â he offered with a knowing smirk, glancing from Allison to Kellan. âMs. Clarke, if only you knew how moody Mr. Lloydâs been the past few days.â
But Kellanâs sharp look cut him off, his silence practically daring Ferdinand to keep talking.
Rebecca noticed the way Allisonâs and Kellanâs fingers were intertwined, understanding everything in a single glance. She sidled up to Ferdinand and nudged him. âI heard there are two lively deer on Sunset Hill, perfect for some photos the elders will love. How about we go track them down?â
With a quick wink, she hooked her arm through his and began pulling him down the path in the opposite direction.
Ferdinand, taken aback, glanced over his shoulder.
Wait â Sunset Hill had deer?
As Ferdinand and Rebecca vanished down the trail, silence once again settled over the area. Sunlight filtered softly through the branches, casting a warm, golden light that dappled the ground below.
âAllison, I felt truly happy just now,â Kellan said, standing beneath a tree with the sun brushing his shoulders, warming his usual cool demeanor. âIt almost doesnât feel real.â
He dropped his gaze, an unreadable expression crossing his face. At times, he couldnât shake the worry that moments like these might dissolve like a dream.
gαâηÏνððsâ¤com brings your imagination alive
âWeâre a couple now, so I canât keep you as my secret boyfriend,â Allison teased, entwining her fingers with his and giving his hand a light squeeze.
Her voice was soft but steady as she smiled up at him. âAnd Iâm right here with you. How could this not be real?â She couldnât help but notice how Kellanâs usual aura of controlled danger seemed different now. In the past, every movement of his carried an air of intensity, projecting both power and restraint.
But now, after committing to their relationship, he had become the one who seemed to worry about losing this connection.
âWeâll take things at our own pace and see where it goes. If, at some point, it doesnât work outâ¦â
âIt will,â Kellan interrupted, his tone unwavering. âFor me, thereâs no question. It can only be you.â
A warmth bloomed in Allisonâs chest, her heart skipping a beat as the world seemed to slow around them. âDid anyone ever tell you that this lake resembles you?â she asked, nodding toward the deep, still lake nearby.
âWhyâs that?â Kellan followed her gaze.
Allison slowly explained, âBecause itâs calm on the surface, but underneath, thereâs a depth, a pull that could sweep someone away if theyâre not careful. That reminds me of your eyes.â
As she looked up, Allison missed a step on the uneven wooden stairs.
âAh!â she gasped, stumbling backward.
.
.
.