Chapter 204 I Am Very Happy
Women valued weddings.
Some loved grand extravagance, some preferred warm liveliness, some cherished solemn ceremony. But Quinley knew that what she'd always valued most was sincerity—being treated with genuine care by someone. Not for show, but simply to let you know you meant the most to them. That sincerity was what counted.
Before Zachary could stand, Quinley ran over and threw herself into his arms. "I love you."
She finally said those three words.
Zachary's face lit up. He held her and spun around quickly. "Quinley, thank you. Thank you for loving me."
The bonfire roared brightly as people laughed, smiled, and danced around it. Quinley and Zachary joined hands and stepped into the dancing crowd. It didn't matter if their dance moves weren't perfect or if they sang off-key. Nothing mattered except their happy.
Many years later, when Quinley recalled this scene, she would still laugh out loud. In this world, only someone who truly loved you would know what you wanted, understand why you wanted it, and do everything possible to fulfill the little things that made you happy.
That night, they didn't return to the hotel—they stayed there instead. The wooden loft carried a strong sense of history. Though the furnishings had been replaced, the room still retained its rustic charm.
"Tonight, I'm afraid you'll have to rough it a little," Zachary said with a smile as he led Quinley into the room by the hand.
Inside, only a dim yellow light bulb cast its glow. Yet Quinley found that dim light incredibly warm. "I actually quite like it here."
They washed up simply and finally lay down. The bedding was new, carrying the scent of sunshine.
"I wish we could stay here forever." Quinley leaned against the headboard with a sigh.
"If you're willing, we'll stay here forever." Zachary pulled her into his arms. He was becoming increasingly indulgent with her. Quinley was starting to worry he'd spoil her completely.
"I mean when we're old, we could retire here." Quinley quickly brought him back to reality.
"Alright, whatever you want. Whenever you want to come back, we'll come here."
"I'm so happy right now." She buried her face in his chest, closed her eyes—her mind filled with pink bubbles. Somewhat unreal. But when she opened her eyes, this was reality.
"I'm very happy too." Zachary lowered his head and kissed her forehead.
He'd been distant from people since childhood. It was Quinley who let him feel long-lost warmth, who gradually opened his heart, teaching him to love bravely and feel being loved.
The night was again filled with passion.
At dawn, neither had woken. Sunlight poured through cracks in the roof, gradually moving across the bed until it fell on Quinley's eyelids.
She had a very long dream. In it, she and Zachary held hands with an adorable little girl—soft and sweet, still in swaddling clothes, who loved to smile, with big eyes and sweet dimples. Yet such a small child could actually call her Mommy. In the dream, Quinley's eyes crinkled with joy, her smile so wide she couldn't close her mouth.
Smiling like this, she suddenly woke up. Opening her eyes, she found Zachary propped on one side, staring at her intently.
"Having a dream?" He asked, lowering his head to brush a light kiss on her lips.
"Mm."
"What were you dreaming about? You were laughing out loud." Zachary looked curious.
Since returning from Lakeside City, she often had dreams, but many times she woke crying from nightmares—sometimes she knew, sometimes she didn't. But he always knew. Each time he saw her like that, Zachary's heart ached terribly.
"Nothing much." Quinley didn't say. She didn't dare, afraid that speaking it aloud would bring Zachary sadness again. But it had been such a beautiful dream—the first time she'd dreamed of her child.
"Tell me, I want to hear." Zachary encouraged.
Quinley hesitated before finally speaking. "I dreamed we had a daughter. She was beautiful and adorable. She even called me Mommy."
The room fell silent for a moment. Both their heartstrings were plucked in that instant.
Zachary leaned over and held Quinley tightly. "We will. We definitely will have one."
Quinley was held so tightly she could barely breathe. Only by letting go could they move forward lightly and travel far steadily.
"Zachary, I need to tell you something." Zachary loosened his grip and looked at her seriously. "Tell me. I'm listening."
Quinley pulled free from his embrace and sat up properly. "Let's both try to let go of the past, okay? That child is gone. We can't keep living in grief. I want to look forward with you."
This trip to Cloudrest Peak had suddenly taught Quinley how to find peace.
Zachary looked deeply at Quinley. She was fragile, yet strong—like a plant on a cliff's edge with extraordinary self-healing abilities.
"You're right. Only by letting go can we move forward. We'll have many more children. I'll protect you all and never let you be hurt again."
"Yes." Quinley nodded emphatically.
Just then, her stomach growled. In these few days at Cloudrest Peak, Quinley hadn't eaten properly.
"Come on, let's go downstairs and get some food." Zachary suggested.
They got ready and descended the wooden stairs. As soon as they came downstairs, Quinley was stunned. The first floor was actually a large hall where people sat together drinking tea in complete silence. As they descended, everyone downstairs looked up at them.
In that moment, Quinley wished for a hole to crawl into. She lowered her head and desperately hid behind Zachary.
"Last night, they weren't all downstairs too, were they?" Last night, she and Zachary had both been somewhat excited. The wooden loft had creaked continuously. Quinley couldn't bear to imagine that while she and Zachary were in vigorous activity, so many people had been sitting downstairs. Her face flushed red to her ears.
Zachary deliberately teased, "What, scared now? You were pretty bold last night."
Before he could finish, Quinley reached out and pinched his arm. "Stop talking. I told you to be gentle last night, but you wouldn't listen."
As they nearly reached the first floor, their guide from before came forward. "Mr. and Mrs. Jennings, lunch is ready. It's all local specialties. I hope you'll find it to your taste."
Under everyone's gaze, Quinley quickly responded, "We will, we will."
She was bold yet timid at the same time. Whether bold or timid, Zachary loved her either way. He squeezed her small hand. "I've got you. Don't be afraid."
The dining area was in another hall. On the modest table sat numerous plates—the food simple but authentic. Quinley chose a corner seat and ate quickly with her head down.
"Eat slowly, don't choke." Zachary reminded her. He understood her thin skin.
People constantly came and went through the hall, so Zachary straightened his back, using his tall frame to shield Quinley.
After eating, the driver had arrived. As they walked out, people spontaneously followed to see them off.
"This place is wonderful. I really hate to leave." Once in the car, Zachary looked out the window. Those strangers with their simple hearts had silently extended their kindness, giving Zachary and Quinley the greatest sense of acceptance and belonging.
That evening, the group returned to Rosewood City. Lucas was already waiting at Maple Estate. Seeing Zachary emerge, he immediately reported the company situation. Quinley was exhausted and had already gone upstairs. Zachary's face instantly darkened.
"Where is that person now?"
"I found an unused warehouse and temporarily settled him there."
At this news, Zachary's already dark expression grew even more grim. "Let's go."
He strode toward the exit, each step particularly forceful. Soon, they reached the warehouse.
Lucas unlocked it. The warehouse was dusty. When the lights came on, Zachary saw the bread truck driver. He'd been beaten—half his face was swollen and red. Seeing Zachary and Lucas arrive, he cowered on the ground like a dog.
"It really wasn't my fault! I've told you everything I know. Please let me go!" The man was panicked, trembling all over.
Zachary, carrying a cold aura, approached step by step. The angry flame in his heart was now burning fiercely. Without saying a word, he attacked with fists and feet, raining down blows like a violent storm.
Lucas turned away. Agonized screams echoed through the warehouse. But it was useless—Zachary showed no mercy.
Finally, he stopped, kicking the man's shin. "Please, don't hit me anymore, I can't take it... I really can't..." The man pleaded weakly.
Veins bulged at Zachary's temples. "Find that person. Otherwise, you die."