Love's Change of Heart

As the afternoon sun descended, the River Silverstone was bathed in a gentle radiance, illuminating its

rippling surface with captivating reflections.

In the distance, Elysian Square was teeming with a flock of pigeons, gracefully soaring through the sky.

On the western bank of the river stood the Palace of Avaloria, an iconic masterpiece of Gothic

architecture. Atop its majestic clock tower, the world-renowned Goliath Chimes commanded attention.

While the second-largest Ferris wheel in the world didn't possess the mesmerizing allure of its

nighttime spectacle, it retained a distinct charm as it bathed in the gentle caress of sunlight.

With every stride, Zoe captured countless moments through the lens of her camera.

Daniel strolled by her side, his pace unhurried, as he queried, "So, is this the kind of scenery you

enjoy?"

Zoe paused, her hand clutching the camera, her thoughts momentarily adrift.

Daniel persisted. "Once you've made up your mind to come here, you shouldn't miss out. While every

place has its unique charm, it can never compare to the one place that holds a special place in your

heart."

Zoe slowly tucked away her camera, her gaze shifting to the photos she had just taken. "It's quite

lovely, just as I imagined. While it would be wonderful to see it in person, I wouldn't feel regret if I

missed it."

Daniel came to a halt, his footsteps ceasing.

Zoe raised her head, meeting his gaze. "I've taken enough photos. Let's head to the airport. I still need

to browse the duty-free shops, and time is slipping away."

By the time they reached the airport, the clock ticked closer to five. Zoe had limited time for shopping.

Stepping out of the car, she waved her hand to bid Daniel farewell. "Thank you for everything. I should

go now—"

Before her words could fully escape her lips, Daniel stood before her, blocking her path.

Zoe looked at him with curiosity. "Is there something else?"

Daniel cast a glance toward the airport. "Allow me to escort you inside," he offered.

Zoe immediately crossed her arms, gesturing a polite decline. "Thank you, but I can manage on my

own now that we're here."

With one hand casually resting in his pocket, Daniel silently observed her.

Zoe cleared her throat, retrieved her luggage, and began to depart. "Well, goodbye then."

"Wait."

She shifted her gaze, the crease on her forehead questioning without words. "What is it?"

Daniel slowly spoke up. "I have something for you."

A playful smile curved on Zoe's lips. "No need. I've already troubled you enough in these past two

days. Accepting another gift would be too much."

"It's just a souvenir from the hotel."

Zoe paused, surprised to learn that the hotel had souvenirs.

In that case, it carries some significance.

Daniel continued in a measured tone. "You said a few things while you were drunk last night and

probably don't remember. Perhaps this souvenir will help jog your memory."

Zoe felt a sudden wave of self-consciousness.

Daniel withdrew his hand from his pocket, intertwining it with hers and placing the item on top.

Zoe instinctively lowered her head, her eyelids fluttering with anticipation.

Amidst the bustling crowd, she feared attracting attention, so she discreetly tucked it in her pocket.

Daniel's expression remained stoic. "There are two left, you can take them with you and reminisce."

Zoe hesitated, her lips parting as if she wanted to say something to reclaim a semblance of control in

this situation. But at this moment, no matter what she said, it felt like she was desperately trying to

make amends.

Gripping the handle of her suitcase, Zoe forced herself to appear calm. "Okay, got it. I'm leaving now.

Goodbye."

With those words, she swiftly turned on her heels, pulling her suitcase and hastening her steps into the

airport. Her pace was almost frantic.

Daniel watched her retreating figure, his eyebrows lifting and a slow smile gracing his lips.

Only after Zoe's silhouette disappeared from his sight did he turn around, get into his car, and drive

away.

Meanwhile, inside the airport, Zoe cleared the security check and checked in her luggage before

heading straight to the duty-free shop.

There were many things she had intended to buy, but the interruption moments ago had caused her to

forget most of them.

Zoe absentmindedly wandered through the shop, picking up items that caught her eye without much

thought.

After a short while, her phone buzzed in her pocket.

She retrieved her phone and answered the call in a distracted manner. "What's up, Nana?"

On the other end, Leanna's voice came through. "I heard from my dad that you're heading back to

Highside."

Zoe confirmed, "Yes, I'm already at the airport. I'm browsing the duty-free shops now. My flight is

scheduled for 8 o'clock."

Leanna asked, "Weren't you planning to stay a few more days?"

Zoe let out a silent sigh. "There's nothing much to do here, and I'm starting to miss home. By the way, I

wanted to tell you..."

She glanced around, lowering her voice. "I managed to get a DNA blood sample from your dad. Once I

return, I'll have it tested, and we'll soon have the results."

Leanna's curiosity sparked. "How did you get it?"

Zoe hesitated, not wanting to disclose William's reoccurring old injury and causing unnecessary

concern. She quickly came up with a random excuse. "The process was unbelievable, but I got it. I'll

explain everything in detail when I come back. I'll continue shopping now. Is there anything you want?"

Leanna replied, "No, just send me your flight details, and I'll come pick you up."