Chapter 218: Mind-Bogglingly Preoccupied
The sunrise suddenly made everything clear to Alison.
She smiled as she pulled out her phone.
After turning it on, she saw dozens of missed calls from Jack and Colton.
She texted Colton back: [I’m fine. Don’t worry.]
Then, she called Jack.
The call connected.
“Jack, where are you?” she asked.
Yet there was no response at first.
Just then, however, a figure sprinted toward her, diving to sweep her into an embrace. Arms wrapped around her waist.
“Silly girl. I’ve always been right here beside you.”
“Jack…” She wept with joy, tears streaming down her face. “How did you know I was here?”
He kept his arms around her, smiling as he replied, “You are always in my heart.”
Truthfully, he’d secretly had people keeping an eye on her all along.
After locating her, however, he’d only kept watch from afar, wanting to give her room to breathe.
Yet, when her call came through, he could wait no longer.
“How did you find me?” She smiled through her tears.
“Don’t cry. I promised I’d make you happy. Trust me,” he whispered.
She nestled into his embrace.
He wiped the tears from the corners of her eyes. “Alison, can we trust each other?”
She nodded.
“Colton…” she asked.
“I’ve arranged for a taxi to take him back.”
“Jack, I want to go camping with you. Okay?” She emphasized “with you,” longing for a world just for them.
“Okay, how about the day after tomorrow?” Jack paused to consider, then gave a firm nod.
She nodded. “Leave early and come back early.”
“Don’t rush back, silly girl. The tranquility of the mountains is an indescribable pleasure. You’ll love it.”
“Two days is enough. Otherwise, the kids will miss us.”
“All right, two days.” He agreed, a faint smile playing on his lips as he brushed her hair aside. “Alison, can you tie it up in a ponytail now?”
He still remembered how she looked with her hair pulled back — playful and adorable.
“Mhm, I’ll tie it up when we get back.” She gathered her hair with her fingers.
“Colton doesn’t have to pay back that money, and neither do you.”
“But…”
“No but. As long as you stay by my side, that’s enough.” He smiled and whispered.
“Hey, did you buy me for only 1.2 million dollars?”
“Also me.” He smiled, then pressed his lips to hers.
Returning home from the beach, the children greeted them. “Daddy, where did you and Mommy go?”
“Sophia. Mommy had to go out for something important,” she explained.
“Liar! Look at your face; it’s all red,” Sophia said.
“No, I just rushed out and got flushed,” Alison excused softly.
“No! Mommy and Daddy went on a date,” Sophia giggled.
“Sophia, don’t you want it?” he countered.
“Of course I do!” Sophia said.
After putting the children to bed, the couple gathered all the necessary items for camping.
They finally set off on their trip.
She sat happily beside Jack, savoring his scent.
She stole glances at him from time to time, her heart pounding with girlish urgency, as if she were a teenager again.