NovelEnglishChapter 531 Eliza waved goodbye to Juan at the airport, turning away with a heavy heart. She nearly bumped into someone as she turned around.
"Oh, sorry!" She quickly apologized, her cheeks flushing with embarrassment. As she looked up, she found herself staring into a pair of familiar eyes. "Manuel? What are you doing here? Off on a work trip?" "Not at all." He reached out instinctively, steadying her with a gentle touch. "I chere just to see you." Just to see her? Eliza blinked, her brow furrowed in confusion. "Is everything okay?" "I heard you've been feeling a bit down lately, so I thought I'd invite you for a hike." Manuel's voice held a hint of worry, fearing she might say no. He quickly added, "I figured you might want to have a chat with Master Henry." Eliza's mind was indeed a whirlwind of thoughts. Master Henry, a wise soul, had once offered her guidance three years ago, and his compassion and insight had left a lasting impact.
With that memory in mind, she nodded internally. "Right now?" "Yep, we've got time." His lips curled into a gentle smile.
Eliza gave a small nod, "Sure, why not." She desperately needed to clear her mind, not just lose herself in the routine of everyday life.
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇtThe mountain loomed ahead, its peaks layered beautifully. As they reached halfway, a light rain started to fall, bringing a chill to the air and a hint of melancholy to the year's end. Without hesitation, Manuel shrugged off his coat and draped it over Eliza's shoulders. "We're nearly at the top. Let's keep going before the rain gets heavier." His voice was a comforting warmth against the cold.
Eliza glanced at him, a bit reluctant. "I'm okay, really. You should wear it; winter rain can be brutal." She tried to return his coat, but he gently stopped her. "Cold's no big deal for a guy." With that, he lengthened his stride, his stamina clearly outpacing hers. Maybe it was his way of keeping her from giving the coat back, as he widened the gap slightly between them.
en Eliza had no choice but to keep up, and they reached the summit just as the rain intensified.
The Jade Serenity Hall was alive with incense smoke. Standing under the roof, Eliza watched the smoke rise defiantly through the rain, her heart a mix of emotions. It was like each wisp held conversations of the past and whispers of the future, bringing thoughts of him again.
to mind "Master Henry's waiting," Manuel quietly reminded her, his voice a gentle prompt.
Eliza pulled herself back to the present and nodded, "Alright." She went in alone to see Master Henry, leaving Manuel outside. What was said between her and the Master? Manuel didn't know, and he didn't pry.
Life was about moving forward. Staying stuck wasn't an option. All he hoped for was that she'd find a bit more peace, a brighter outlook.
The rain continued its relentless fall.
Manuel and Eliza shared a simple vegetarian meal prepared by the monks.
"If this rain keeps up, we might have to stay the night," Manuel remarked.
Follow on Novᴇl-Onlinᴇ.cᴏmEliza gazed out at the rain, now a misty veil, and sighed softly. "We'll see what happens."
They sat cross-legged by a tea table outside the dining hall listening to the rain a soothing balm for the soul.
"So, any plans for the future?" His tone was laced with genuine concern and a dash of hope.
Eliza's eyes momentarily lost focus, the rain-sprinkled breeze brushing past her ear, he thoughts scattered. "I don't know, haven't really thought about it."
"Well, take your time." He took a slow sip of his tea, his eyes often drifting to her slightly melancholic face. "It you don't want to head back to Falconridge, afraid it'll bring back memories, I can help bring your child to Oak Falls."
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