Chapter 108: The Incident

“Mom, are you okay? I’m sorry, Mom. You fell because of Abel.” Abel looked at me with a face full of regret.

At the same time, Reno and Kenn ran over to us in a hurry.

“What were you thinking, Abel? When you walk, you have to be careful. Look now, Mom fell because you were careless!” Reno scolded as soon as he arrived in front of us.

“That’s enough, Reno. Don’t scold your sibling,” I cut in gently, trying to calm the situation.

“But this is Abel’s fault,” Reno muttered with a stiff face.

“Sorry. Abel really didn’t do it on purpose,” Abel said. Tears began to well up and wet his cheeks. “Mom, please forgive Abel.”

“Are you okay?” Kenn asked. There was a flash of worry in his eyes.

I shook my head slowly while trying to smile, even though the pain in my ankle was beginning to throb intensely.

“I was just a little startled. I’m fine.”

“Really? Your face is very pale,” Kenn replied doubtfully.

I stood up with the support of Kenn’s strong hand on my arm. “Abel, I really am fine. Don’t cry anymore, okay? Come on, let’s continue our trip. You really want to see the elephant, don’t you?”

Abel did not answer right away. He looked at my leg, then into my eyes, searching for honesty there. I smiled again to reassure him. Finally, he nodded slowly and a small smile began to form on his lips.

We walked toward the elephant area where they were interacting with their handlers. Abel and Reno instantly forgot the earlier tension. They were very enthusiastic watching the performance of the large animals, especially when they had the chance to shake hands with their long trunks.

“They look very happy,” Kenn murmured as he stood beside me.

“Yes. It’s very rare for me to see them laugh like this,” I replied.

Kenn turned toward the handler. “Sir, would it be possible for these two children to ride around for a moment?” he asked.

After receiving a nod from the handler, Kenn turned to Abel and Reno.

“Do you want to ride the elephant?”

“I do! I want to!” Reno shouted excitedly.

While waiting for them to ride around, Kenn and I walked to look for an empty bench.

“Need help?” Kenn suddenly asked. “Still want to deny that your foot hurts?”

I frowned, then shook my head slowly, trying to remain strong.

“Stop acting tough. I know you’re holding back intense pain.”

I was momentarily startled that Kenn noticed my act, but I did not want to look weak in his eyes.

“I don’t understand what you mean. I can walk on my own, look at this,” I challenged.

I forced myself to walk faster ahead of Kenn. However, my ankle seemed to rebel. My body wobbled, my balance was lost in an instant. I closed my eyes, bracing myself to feel the hard ground, but a warm embrace held my body back.

Kenn wrapped his arms tightly around my waist, making sure I did not fall.

Our eyes met at a very close distance. Kenn remained silent, looking at me with sharp eyes that slowly softened.

In that silence, I could not help but observe his face. Thick black eyebrows, a sharp nose, a firm jawline, and lips that looked perfectly shaped.

On top of that, the sunlight hitting his jet-black hair made everything look even more beautiful.

I had to admit, he was very handsome.

“Staring at my handsomeness won’t heal your foot,” he whispered softly, almost inaudible.

My face instantly grew hot. I immediately turned my face away, but damn it, his gaze was still locked onto mine. I could clearly see the sharp yet calm irises of his eyes, making me want to dive deeper into them. His eyes looked at me with an expression I could not quite interpret.

“Let go of me, Kenn. People are looking at us,” I said haltingly.

“Let them look. I’m just making sure you don’t fall again,” he replied calmly.

Suddenly, my heart began to beat very fast.

Thump-thump, thump-thump.

His voice seemed to echo in my own ears. I immediately stood up straight, using his arm as an emergency support.

We stood facing each other. I felt my entire body grow cold beneath my uncontrollable heartbeat.

What is wrong with my feelings?

“Why are you just standing there? You look like you’ve just seen a ghost,” Kenn teased with a faint smile.

I grew flustered and moistened my lips several times. I clenched my fingers restlessly.

Damn it.

Why do I have to feel this nervous? Stupid!

“I just … thank you,” I replied briefly.

“You’re welcome.”

For a moment, he continued to lock his gaze onto mine. I stood uneasily as the situation grew increasingly awkward.

Finally, I decided to avoid his eyes and dragged my right foot toward the bench.

“Still being stubborn?” Kenn’s voice stopped my steps.

Without another word, Kenn followed and supported me in silence.

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