FreeGoodNovelChapter 0659 "She's fine in Slovenia," Peter had assured him. "Celeste is safe. If something happens, it won't be soon. Focus on the children. Life was preparing you for this, Alden. Maybe that's why you beca father at such a young age." "And my mother?" Alden had asked.
"She'll be fine, too. She gets her monthly pension, and she knows how to take care of herself. You need to focus on what's ahead." Reluctantly, Alden had accepted the weight of his father's decision. Initially, he had planned to send Ethan out of the country alone, but now he found himself responsible for the entire group of children-and Serenity.
After a grueling 12-hour flight, the group of Palmer and Bartz family members finally landed in Veligandu, Maldives. Emma and Laura, especially, looked exhausted from the journey, while Serenity's emotions simmered just below the surface. She glanced at the children, their faces showing confusion and weariness, and quickly composed herself.
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇtKneeling down, she smiled brightly and said, “Maurice, John, and Ethan, think of this as an early vacation. Look around-it's beautiful here. I know it's morning, but if you want to sleep first and explore later, that's okay too." The children nodded, their spirits slightly lifted by her warmth.
Meanwhile, Alden finalized the paperwork for renting a spacious villa, large enough to accommodate everyone comfortably.
"Sir, everything is ready for your stay. I hope you and your wife enjoy your there," one of the staff said. "Thank you," Alden replied curtly, taking the keys.
As he entered the villa, a wave of relief washed over him. The entire journey had left him on edge, worried about what could go wrong. Now, with everyone under one roof and away from Leonardo's reach, he felt the tension in his chest ease-at least a little. Before heading to rest, he sent his father a message confirming their safe arrival and added that neither Leonardo nor Frank seemed aware of their location.
Later that night, as the villa grew quiet, Alden was preparing to sleep when he noticed a figure outside. Looking closer, he recognized Serenity sitting by the edge of the beach, her arms wrapped tightly around her knees. Her silhouette against the moonlit water stirred something in him-an ache, a sense of responsibility.
He grabbed a light shirt but left it undone as he walked outside, his footsteps light against the soft sand.
"What are you doing out here?" Alden asked gently, approaching her.
Serenity quickly wiped her tears, trying to mask her sadness.
Follow on Novᴇl-Onlinᴇ.cᴏm"I just... wanted to sit here for a moment," she replied quietly.
"Aren't you tired?" "I am... but I just needed a little time. I'll go to my room soon." Alden sat beside her without hesitation, his strong frclose enough to offer silent support. Reaching out, he draped his arm around her shoulders and pulled her closer "I'm sorry things turned out this way," he said softly. "I know how hard it must be for you. This isn't my first tdealing with something like this." Chapter 0659 "It's not?" Serenity looked at him curiously.
"No." Alden shook his head, settling into the sand. "When I was 18, I had to make a decision similar to yours."
He began to recount his story. He spoke of his life in Ushuaia, Argentina, how his mother had retreated to the most remoteodmer of the country, and how he had clung to the hope of finishing his studies and escaping that isolated existence. Everything changed with Ethan's arrival, and Peter had stepped in, teaching him lessons Alden never realized were preparing him for moments like these Serenity listened intently, her heart aching as Alden described the hardships he'd faced. She admired his strength. and resilience, qualities that now made sense given the trials he had endured.
"I never would've guessed you'd been through all that,” she admitted, her voice tinged with awe. Now understand why you're so serious... so different from anyone else I've ever met."
Alden looked at her, his gaze steady but warm. "Serenity, know this isn't easy. But those kids, your sister-they you need you. You can't faster now. If yo do, how do you think they'll feel? Right now, we're all they have. You're stronger than you think, and things will get better. One day, we'll go back. But for now, focus on being here-for them, for you... and for me." Serenity blushed, her cheeks warming as Alden's words settled over her. She shifted slightly, pulling back to look at him, searching his face for reassurance.
Seeing her hesitation, Alden smiled faintly and leaned in, placing a gentle kiss on her forehead. "Everything will be okay. Before you know it, we'll be back home.”
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