Chapter 185 Arrival
Chapter 185 Arrival
The Aurelion jet descended through a layer of thin clouds, revealing the coastline of Olyndria below.
The sea glittered under the afternoon sun, its surface rippling with shades of deep blue and turquoise. White buildings stretched along the shoreline, climbing gently into emerald hills where rows of villas overlooked the ocean. From above, the entire country looked like a painting.
Evelyn leaned closer to the window, unable to hide the smile that spread across her face. "It's beautiful," she murmured. "I didn't get to see it properly last time."
Lena stretched in her seat, rolling her shoulders. "You were a bit preoccupied. What happened? Something about Alexander collapsing?"
Evelyn let out a helpless groan. "Don't remind me. That trip was supposed to be relaxing, and it turned into something else." She paused, her gaze distant. "We had to leave so quickly. I barely got to see anything that night."
"Well, this time there's no drama." Lena paused. "At least, not yet."
Evelyn shot her a look. "Don't jinx it."
—
The jet touched down smoothly. As they prepared to disembark, Evelyn finally turned toward the travel crib where Noah had been sleeping peacefully for most of the flight.
She walked over and peered down at him. Noah’s tiny face was relaxed, his lips slightly parted, his small fist curled against his cheek. A wave of warmth washed over her.
"Hey there, little one," she murmured, reaching down to gently stroke his cheek. "We made it."
Noah's eyes fluttered open. For a moment, he just stared up at her with those dark, curious eyes. Then his lips curved into a tiny smile.
Evelyn's heart melted. “Oh… you smiled.” She lifted him from the crib, cradling him against her chest. His small hand found her finger and gripped it tightly.
"You're going to love it here," she whispered. "The sea, the sun, the fresh air. Much better than being cooped up in the house all the time."
Noah cooed softly, as if in agreement.
Lena appeared beside her, watching the scene with a soft smile. "You're a natural, you know."
Evelyn looked up, surprised. "Really?"
"Really." Lena nodded. "I've never seen you like this. It's... nice."
Evelyn looked back down at Noah, her expression softening. "I didn't know I could feel like this. Like everything else just fades away."
Lena smiled. "I'm glad you got this, Eve."
—
They stepped out of the jet, and a warm, salty breeze swept across the tarmac. Evelyn adjusted Noah in her arms, making sure the sun wasn't in his eyes. Mrs. Chen hovered nearby, ready to take the baby if needed, but Evelyn shook her head.
"I've got him."
Not far away, a sleek black sedan waited nearby. A driver stood beside it, his posture straight and professional.
As they approached, the driver smiled warmly. "Welcome to Olyndria, ladies. Mr. Kensington sent me to pick you up."
Lena stopped. She tilted her head, studying the driver's face. Then her lips curved into an awkward smile.
"Carlos?"
The driver's smile widened. "Miss Lena. It's good to see you again."
Evelyn looked between them. "You know him?"
Lena cleared her throat. "He drove me to the airport when I left Olyndria last time."
Evelyn raised an eyebrow but said nothing.
Carlos opened the back door. "Please, get in. I'll take you to the villa."
Mrs. Chen settled into the front passenger seat. Evelyn slid into the back with Noah still in her arms, followed by Lena.
The car pulled away, gliding through the airport exit and onto the coastal road.
The breeze swept through the open windows, carrying the scent of salt and blooming flowers. Palm trees lined the road, their fronds swaying gently. The sea sparkled on one side, while the hills rose on the other, dotted with white villas and terraced gardens.
Evelyn leaned her head against the window, a soft smile on her face. Noah had fallen asleep again, his tiny body warm against her chest.
"I missed taking a vacation," she said quietly. "The air. The atmosphere. Everything." She turned to Lena. "Our last time was so rushed."
Lena nodded, her gaze fixed on the passing scenery. "I know some cool places here."
Evelyn turned to give her a side eye. "You do? I wanted to ask what you were doing in Olyndria.”
Lena laughed. "I came with Theon once. To pretend to be his girlfriend." She sighed. "Now this suddenly feels like a terrible idea.”
Evelyn stared at her with a deadpan expression. "Who are you?"
"What?" Lena blinked. "I'm allowed to be nervous."
Evelyn studied her for a moment. Then she leaned back in her seat.
"Fine. I'll let it slide that you didn’t tell me about fake dating Theon." She gritted her teeth. "But I'm still mad at you."
Lena pouted her lips. "I’m sorry,” she muttered.
Evelyn shot her a glare. "I haven’t even talked about how I came back to Trevinia and found out you got married—through the news.”
Lena winced. "I thought we'd moved past that?"
Evelyn clenched her jaw. "It's not the first time you've hidden something from me, Lena.”
Lena opened her mouth, then closed it.
Evelyn continued, her voice sharp. "If you have anything else you want to reveal, better spill it now. Because if I find out you've been keeping another secret from me, you will never see me again."
She turned away, cradling Noah closer.
Lena stared at her friend's profile, a cold knot forming in her stomach.
‘Is this the right time to tell her about the miscarriage?’
The thought clawed at her. But then she remembered the deal she had with Theon.
Lena swallowed. “…Okay.”
Then she suddenly grabbed Evelyn’s arm.
“Wait up! I swear I have nothing to hide. I’m butt naked like Noah in your arms.”
Evelyn glanced down at Noah, then back at Lena. Her expression softened slightly.
"You better be," she muttered.
Lena let out a shaky breath.
The car continued along the coastal road. Noah stirred in Evelyn's arms, blowing out a bubble. She looked down at him, her anger slowly fading.
"You're lucky you're cute, even if you look like your father," she murmured to the baby.
Noah yawned in his sleep.
Lena watched them. ‘Not now.’
Her fingers tightened in her lap.
‘Evelyn still didn’t know about the baby she had lost.’