Chapter 888: Grand Aunt Returns Tina yawned lightly, feeling unusually sleepy tonight. She decided to rest and recharge early.
Leaning her head against the passenger seat, she closed her eyes to rest. "Uncle, wakewhen we arrive," she murmured softly.
Jared drove the car toward the outskirts. Seeing Tina's peaceful, sleeping face, he carefully opened the car door without making a sound. Gently, he scooped her out of the passenger seat, holding her close. The chilly evening wind prompted him to take off his jacket and drape it over her.
Carrying Tina in his arms, Jared walked step by step toward a distant hilltop. His tall, striking figure stood out against the night.
When Tina opened her eyes, she was still cradled in Jared's arms. She removed his jacket, wrapped her arms tightly around his waist, and nuzzled against his chest like a contented cat.
Jared chuckled softly and led her to sit at the top of the hill, holding her close. "Awake?" he asked gently.
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇtTina rubbed against his chest again before turning her back to lean on him. Her voice was soft and sweet. "Why are we here? Weren't we going to the villa?" Jared's lips brushed her ear, his voice low and tempting. "I was afraid you wouldn't make it back to the Pace family before dawn. It wouldn't look good if you were late." Tina chuckled quietly, amused by his reasoning. Images from her memories flashed through her mind, and she couldn't help but lick the corner of her lips.
Her delicate hands undid his belt and slipped under his shirt, exploring his firm muscles with a playful smile. "Uncle's muscles... feel so good to touch!" Jared's face flushed slightly, but he indulged her without protest, bearing his inner turmoil alone.
Tina straddled Jared's lap, wrapping her arms around his neck as their lips met in a passionate kiss, unwilling to part.
The two lay down on the grass together, gazing at the countless glittering stars scattered across the vast night sky, forming a bright, flowing Milky Way.
Jared took her slender fingers and pressed them against his lips, speaking solemnly, "Tina, I love you." Tina felt the warmth of his lips against her fingertips, the heat of his breath seemingly touching her heart. "Tina, I want to marry you soon," Jared said seriously, his gaze fixed on the stars above.
Tina smiled faintly. "We're already married." Jared sighed. "Not in the eyes of our elders." The elders were more traditional. Even though they had registered their marriage, it wouldn't be considered official without a wedding ceremony.
Above them, small drones with purple flames trailing behind them flew across the sky, weaving smooth lines. Soon, they formed the image of a figure in a wedding dress, adorned with a white veil. Tina leaned silently against Jared's strong arms, feeling comforted by his presence.
As the night deepened, Jared carried Tina back into her room, climbing over the wall with ease. Inside, Tina tugged at Jared's sleeve. "Stay until dawn, Uncle. Leave before the sun rises." Jared's dark eyes deepened. He closed the window and turned back to look at her.
The two were drawn to each other like lightning striking a dry field, kissing breathlessly. He untied the ribbons of her dress, her graceful figure unfolding before his eyes, pulling him into an endless whirlpool of passion. At dawn, Jared opened his sleepy eyes. It was the first the hadn't woken up as planned.
He leaned closer to Tina, who was still sound asleep. Gently, he pressed a kiss to her forehead.
Tina shifted slightly, noticing the fading traces of Jared's presence. Stretching her hand to the side of the bed, she felt the empty space where he had been. Jared had already left.
Only a note remained on the bedside table. Tina picked it up and read the elegant handwriting: "Tina, good morning." A soft smile appeared on her lips as she casually placed the note into the drawer and drifted back to sleep. Sunlight streamed through the window. Ruud, just back from his morning run, wiped the sweat from his forehead with a towel draped around his neck.
He knocked on Tina's door. "Tina, your Grand Aunt is coming back today." "Everyone is downstairs to welcher. Join us to greet her, then you can cback and rest, okay?" Hearing no response, Ruud guessed that Tina was exhausted from the events of the past few days. He decided not to push her further.
The Pace family's grand hall was bustling with activity.
Follow on Novᴇl-Onlinᴇ.cᴏmEven the servants of the Pace family were neatly lined up in rows, their expressions solemn. Everyone was waiting for Ruud's aunt-Grandpa Pace's sister-who had spent many years abroad and had announced her sudden return to Ashbury that day.
Grandpa Pace, seated on the sofa in the living room, looked tired but tried to stay alert.
Beside him stood Boris Pace, who also looked fatigued, with dark circles under his eyes. Unlike Ruud, who had the habit of early morning runs, Boris wasn't accustomed to waking up early. But today, he had no choice.
Alina stood nearby, her curiosity piqued. She had never heard of Grandpa Pace having a sister until Ruud mentioned her. His tone had hinted at smixed feelings about his aunt.
A servant hurriedly ran in to report, "Miss Pace has arrived and will be in the hall shortly." Grandpa Pace nodded. With Boris's assistance, he stood and headed to the front door. The entire Pace family gathered to welcher.
A moment later, a woman appeared at the doorway. Her black hair was neatly tied into a bun at the back of her head, giving her a stern and m ra stem andm proper appearance. Her deep-set eyes shone brightly, though her face was etched with wrinkles. "Mia, why didn't you let us know earlier? You only sent a message after you landed. Don't you treat us as family anymore?" Grandpa Pace held his sister's hand, his tone reproachful but his eyes filled with joy.
Mia, looking only slightly younger than her brother, exuded an air of O vitality and needed no cane to walk. "Brother, it's been so long: I've missed you! Living abroad, I've always thought about you. At this age, my longing for hand family has only grown stronger. On a whim, I bought a ticket and flew straight here to see you all." Her gaze swept across the gathered family members, ensuring everyone was present. Satisfied, she nodded.
The servants remained silent.
Those who had been with the Pace family for a long tknew that Mia wasn't as amiable as she seemed. Her temper was notoriously bad, and she was quick to fly into a rage over displeasure. Grandpa Pace had always indulged her, being her only brother. Though her temper was difficult, she had never done anything outrageous, so he usually asked the household staff to tolerate her eccentricities. However, when Mia lost her temper, her word was final, and anyone who crossed her risked being dismissed on the spot. Her return only heightened the servants' apprehension. the slightest displeasure.