She smiled, not saying a word, but her heart was filled with gratitude and respect.
The journey ahead was even more challenging. Whenever she felt utterly exhausted, she would think of Zachary's determined eyes and strong hands.
Halfway up the mountain, Seraphina felt an unbearable thirst.
She reached for her backpack, only to find her water bottle empty.
Just as despair began to set in, Zachary handed her a large water bottle.
"Here, drink up," he said calmly.
Seraphina took the bottle and drank deeply.
After finishing, she handed the bottle back to Zachary.
He took it and drank directly from the mouth of the bottle.
Watching him, Seraphina's face flushed slightly, as if she remembered something she shouldn't.
"We're almost there," Zachary pointed to the highest peak. "Once we get over that ridge, we'll reach our destination." Seraphina followed his gaze, seeing the peak towering into the clouds, seemingly piercing the sky.
Her heart fluttered, but was soon filled with an inexplicable courage.
"Let's go," she took a deep breath. "Let's conquer that peak together."
During the final climb, Seraphina nearly exhausted all her strength.
Her legs were weak, and sweat soaked her back. Yet, she had no intention of giving up.
At a steep slope, she reached out to Zachary for help.
Zachary didn't say a word, simply taking her hand naturally. His hand was warm and strong, as if it could give her endless strength.
With Zachary's help, Seraphina finally reached the summit.
Standing at the top, overlooking the mountains and land below, her heart was filled with pride and joy. "Thank you."
She turned to Zachary, "Without you, I might have given up long ago."
Zachary smiled but said nothing, just quietly looking at her.
Seraphina suddenly remembered yesterday's events, feeling a pang of guilt.
She bit her lip and whispered, "I'm sorry about yesterday. I shouldn't have been so impulsive." Zachary was momentarily stunned, then understood.
"It's okay, I forgot about it already." But as soon as he finished speaking, Seraphina playfully pulled him closer.
They were suddenly very close, almost able to feel each other's breath and heartbeat.
Looking at Zachary's lips, Seraphina felt a sudden, inexplicable urge.
On a whim, she stood on tiptoe and kissed him lightly.
Then, like a mischievous kitten, she quickly ran away, her face as red as a ripe apple.
Zachary was initially stunned, then stood still, not chasing after her.
He savored the soft touch, a strange emotion welling up inside him.
He watched Seraphina's retreating figure, a meaningful smile playing on his lips.
At that moment, Seraphina sat on a rock, the breeze gently lifting a few strands of her hair.
She looked down to see Zachary kneeling in front of her, carefully tending to a cut on her wrist from when she picked flowers earlier.
He usually wore a stern expression, so serious that people were afraid to approach him, but now, his eyes held a rare gentleness.
Seraphina felt surprised and a bit flustered.
"Don't move, the wound isn't treated yet," Zachary said softly, not looking up, but his tone was firm and undeniable.
Seraphina obediently closed her mouth. Suddenly, she remembered the kiss from before, her face turning red, even her ears heating up.
"Um... about earlier, I'm sorry," Seraphina whispered, her voice barely audible.
Zachary's hand paused slightly, then he continued, "Don't do that again." His tone was calm, as if the kiss meant nothing to him.
Seraphina felt a wave of disappointment. She pulled her hand back and quietly said, "Okay."
Zachary stood up, looked around at the terrain, and said, "The terrain here is too complex. We should head back."
Seraphina nodded, knowing her current condition wasn't suitable for further climbing.
So, she followed Zachary down the mountain.
The descent was difficult, and Seraphina stumbled several times, nearly falling.
Zachary noticed and frowned.
He walked over to Seraphina, steadying her with a hand on her shoulder.
"Be careful," Zachary said.
Feeling the warmth of his hand, Seraphina's heart warmed.
She looked up at Zachary, about to thank him, when she suddenly slipped, falling forward.
Zachary quickly grabbed her shoulder, holding her steady.
Seeing her frightened expression, he couldn't help but smile, "You okay?"
Seraphina shook her head, indicating she was fine.
She stood up straight, ready to continue, but noticed Zachary still holding her shoulder.
"Um... I can walk on my own now," Seraphina said awkwardly.
Zachary hesitated, then let go.
He watched her retreating figure, but his smile soon froze.
He saw Seraphina stumbling down the slope, nearly tumbling.
"Careful!" Zachary shouted, quickly catching up.
He grabbed her wrist, pulling her close.
Seraphina, terrified, clung to Zachary.
"You alright?" Zachary asked anxiously.
Feeling her trembling, a strong protective instinct surged within him.
Seraphina said nothing, just held onto Zachary tightly.
Zachary didn't push her away, letting her hold him.
After a while, Seraphina calmed down.
She released Zachary, embarrassed, and lowered her head.
Zachary let go of her hand and continued down the mountain.
Seraphina watched his back, a sweet smile on her lips.
She knew she had fallen completely in love with Zachary.
"Zachary..." Seraphina suddenly called out.
She ran to his side, looking into his eyes, "Do you care for me just because it's your duty? Would you protect any other girl the same way?"
Zachary was taken aback.
He saw her serious expression and teary eyes, but knew he couldn't make promises.
So, he chose silence and avoidance.
He let go of her hand and continued down the mountain.
Leaving Seraphina standing there, watching his figure fade away...
After descending, Seraphina's legs were so weak she could barely stand.
She leaned against a tree to rest, letting Zachary go ahead.
Watching his distant figure, she felt a wave of sadness.
She couldn't blame anyone but herself for being so easily moved and dependent.
She had been like this with Nico, and now with Zachary... She didn't want to be someone who needed love so desperately! She needed to learn to be independent and strong! With that thought, she closed her eyes, took a deep breath, and slowly exhaled.
Exhausted from the early morning climb, she fell asleep as soon as she returned to camp.
In the meeting room, the atmosphere was tense.
Zachary, after taking a call, gripped his phone tightly, his eyes filled with a complex emotion.
He took a deep breath and slowly exhaled, "Seraphina's mom was in a car accident. She's critically injured and in surgery now."
The four of them exchanged shocked glances.
They understood this was likely a cruel tactic by an international organization to lure Seraphina out.