Chapter 1756
The trio gathered in the cozy cabin nestled in the heart of the countryside.
Skyler led Cornelia and Hannah inside. âNelly, doesnât this place give you a sense of déjÃ
vu?â
Cornelia looked around, taking in the neatly organized and homey interior. âItâs got a similar vibe to your chalet in Nice, right? Though this oneâs quite a bit more spacious.â
Skyler nodded, a touch of pride in her voice. âYeah, I sketched the blueprints myself and had the craftsmen build it to spec.â
Cornelia took Skylerâs hand and squeezed it tightly. âSkyler, I canât even begin to tell you how overjoyed I am to see you again.â
Hannah chimed in, âMe too.â
Skyler smiled warmly. âSeeing both of you again makes me very happy too.âe2
Cornelia opened her mouth, intending to ask Skyler about the past years, but she found herself unable to voice her queries. As she looked at Skyler now, so peaceful and serene, she realized she didnât need to after all.
âTake a seat, you two. Iâll brew us some tea.â After inviting Cornelia and Hannah to sit down, Skyler prepared two cups of tea with her own hands and handed them over. âThis is a local blend. Tell me what you think.â
Hannah lifted the cup to her nose, inhaling the aroma before taking a delicate sip. âSteven loves his tea. Iâve never been a fan. No matter how fine the tea, it all tastes the same to me.â
Skyler turned to Cornelia, who took a gentle sip under their watchful eyes, and then another. âI canât really tell good tea from bad, but this tastes fresh and slightly sweet.â
Skyler laughed. âOur local tea is top-notch, but due to our remote location, it doesnât sell well. Most of it goes for bargain prices.â
Cornelia replied, âDistribution isnât an issue. If the teaâs good, I can find buyers and ensure a fair deal for the farmers.â
âLetâs not worry about that now,â Skyler interjected, pulling out a grill. âIâve prepared some barbecue for us. Letâs eat and chat.â
There wasnât just barbecue; Skyler had also brewed her own rice wine. Both Cornelia and Hannah were astonished. âSkyler, how on earth can you do everything?â
Skyler replied with a smile, âTo put it nicely, Iâve got a knack for this stuff. Less nicely, I had to learn to make a living.â
Cornelia and Hannahâs eyes brimmed with tears. âSkylerâ¦â
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Chapter 1756
Skyler reassured them, âNell, Hannah, donât feel sorry for me. These past three years have been some of the happiest of my life. Away from the hustle and bustle of the city, away from those who hurt and looked down on me, doing what I love, living off the land-l couldnât ask for a more carefree life.â
For the first twenty-odd years of her life, Skyler had never truly lived for herself.
After faking her death to escape Zavier, she found her sanctuary in this secluded spot and started anew. At first, times were tough. Fortunately, she quickly landed a job as a substitute teacher at the local school. Because of her excellent teaching, she soon became a full-time teacher.
With a steady job, she then leased some land. She farmed her own crops and hired help during the busy seasons, gradually achieving a self-sufficient lifestyle.
Every day followed a similar routine, seemingly monotonous, yet deeply fulfilling.
As they savored the barbecue and sipped the homemade wine, they listened to Skyler. recount her life over the past couple of years. Seeing Skyler now, so free and content, Cornelia and Hannah felt genuine happiness for their friend.