Chapter 38
"What are you doing here?" Ophelia asked in surprise.
"I saw the weather forecast and got worried about you." William walked to her side, tilting the umbrella more toward her. "Is the safety netting on the back hill all reinforced?"
"All reinforced, and the building materials have been moved to higher ground, too." Ophelia looked at his soaked shoulder, feeling touched. "Why did you come all the way here in such heavy rain?"
"How could I feel at ease with you here alone?" William's gaze was serious. "Come on, let me go check things with you again."
They shared an umbrella and walked into the curtain of rain.
The rain got heavier and heavier, and puddles quickly formed on the ground. William deliberately slowed his pace so she could keep up with him.
The umbrella wasn't big, so they stayed close together. Ophelia could smell the faint woody scent on him, mixed with the fresh smell of rain, which somehow calmed her heart.
"Watch your step." William steadied her to keep her from stepping in a puddle.
"Thanks." Ophelia's cheeks warmed slightly. She instinctively moved aside a bit, but accidentally bumped into his arm.
"Don't move. The umbrella's small—move any more and you'll get wet." William's voice came through the rain, carrying a gentle firmness.
Ophelia had to stop moving and let him shelter her as they walked forward, her heart beating uncontrollably faster.
When they reached the safety netting on the back hill, William tugged at the mesh and checked the steel bolts: "Good job. This should hold up against the storm."
"I just hope the drainage ditch can handle it." Ophelia looked at the distant drainage ditch, a bit worried.
"I already had Chase contact a professional emergency response team. They'll be here in half an hour to help reinforce the drainage ditch," William said.
Ophelia paused. "When did you contact them?"
"As soon as I saw the weather forecast," William looked at her. "I know you don't want to rely on me, but for some things, two people carrying the load is better than one."
Warmth filled Ophelia's heart, leaving her speechless, her eyes blurring with rain.
She'd always thought she was strong enough and didn't need anyone's protection, but William's presence made her feel that depending on someone once in a while might not be so bad.
The emergency team arrived quickly with professional tools and began reinforcing the drainage ditch and safety netting.
Ophelia and William worked together, directing operations on site. The rain got heavier, and their clothes were soaked through, but no one bothered to take shelter.
"Ms. Blake, the drainage ditch is all reinforced, and we've widened it quite a bit. The rainwater will drain properly!" the team captain came over to report.
"Thank you all for your hard work!" Ophelia said. "The rain's too heavy now. Everyone goes to the model house to take shelter. We'll check again when it lets up."
When they got back to the model house, they were both soaked, water dripping from their hair, clothes clinging to their bodies.
William got two clean jackets from his car and handed one to Ophelia. "Put this on quick, don't catch a cold."
Ophelia took the jacket—it was men's size, carrying his scent, making her cheeks burn even hotter.
There were no extra rooms in the model house, so they could only sit at opposite ends of the table, drying their clothes.
"You're so silly, coming out here in such heavy rain," Ophelia said quietly.
"You're the same, checking the safety netting in the rain." William looked at her, amusement in his eyes. "Next time something like this happens, call me right away. Don't handle it alone."
Ophelia nodded, the walls around her heart loosening a bit more.
She knew she'd fallen for William. The feeling was unfamiliar, yet warm.
The rain continued until midnight before gradually letting up.
Ophelia couldn't stay awake any longer and fell asleep with her head on the table. William looked at her tired, sleeping face and gently picked up a jacket to cover her.
He walked to the door and looked at the rain outside, silently thinking that no matter what happened in the future, he would stay by her side.
The next morning, Ophelia was woken by birdsong.
She opened her eyes to find William's jacket covering her. William was leaning back in his chair, also asleep, his brow slightly furrowed as if having a bad dream.
Ophelia's heart stirred. She quietly got up, wanting to get a jacket to cover him. As soon as she approached, William woke up.
"You're awake?" William opened his eyes and looked at her, amusement in them.
Ophelia nodded, a bit embarrassed. "Sorry, I fell asleep without meaning to and made you stay here all night."
"It's fine, I didn't really sleep much either." William stood up and stretched. "The rain's stopped. Let's go check on the back hill."
They walked out of the model house. The air outside was exceptionally fresh.
"Great! The safety netting's intact and the drainage ditch is clear!" Ophelia looked toward the back hill and breathed a sigh of relief.
Austin also hurried over, his face bright with a smile. "Ms. Blake, Mr. Brown, the back hill is perfectly fine, and the materials and tools are all good too!"
"Thank you all for your hard work," Ophelia said with a smile. "Let everyone rest for half a day today. We'll continue construction this afternoon."
"Okay!"
Ophelia and William walked side by side toward the hot spring area, the soil beneath their feet still damp, soft to step on.
After a few steps, Ophelia suddenly noticed a small slope partially visible through the trees on the right.
The slope wasn't too steep, and the top seemed higher than their current position—the view should be better.
"William, look over there." She raised her hand to point. "Should we go up and take a look? We might be able to plan the final section of the wooden walkway more clearly, and check if there are any water accumulation issues at the higher elevation."
William looked in the direction she indicated. The slope was covered with weeds and low shrubs, and the soil was still loose from the recent rain.
"Be careful, I'll go with you." He naturally walked beside her, extending his hand to support her. "The ground's slippery. Make sure you have a solid footing before you step."
Ophelia nodded and started climbing up through the grass. The rain-soaked leaves were covered with water droplets that wet her pant legs. Whenever her foot slipped, William's hand would promptly steady her arm—reliable yet respectful.
When they reached the top of the slope, they were both slightly out of breath.
The view here was indeed excellent. The entire resort construction site was visible—the hot spring pools, the outline of the wooden walkway, and the shimmering lake in the distance—all clearly in sight.
"Look over here." Ophelia pointed to the end of the wooden walkway. "From this angle, the last section could curve gently and face the lake directly. When visitors walk up, they'll suddenly see the lake view—it'll be a nice surprise."
William followed her pointing finger and nodded in agreement. "That's a good idea. It would also avoid that protruding rock below, saving a lot of renovation time."