Chapter 222: Leaving No Room for Doubt
“Alison, I love you forever.”
Immersed in her scent, their bodies aligned, clinging together, unwilling to separate.
Only the distant murmur of the stream echoed, mingled with their heavy breaths.
She lay limp beside him, letting him hold her as he patted her back.
As her breathing grew steady, the lingering scent of desire was carried away by the breeze.
“Alison, sleep,” Jack murmured.
She closed her eyes and drifted into slumber.
When she awoke, the sky was just beginning to glow with the first light of dawn.
“Time to wake up, sleepyhead,” he said with a smile.
She rubbed her eyes and looked up at the sky. “It’s still early.”
He gently pinched her cheek. “It’s not early. Get up. Let’s watch the sunrise.”
She snapped awake. “Sure.”
When she realized that she was naked, she blushed. “Wait outside for me first.”
“Why?” he asked.
“I need to get dressed.”
“I’ll help you.” He picked up her clothes and pulled back the sheets, causing her to gasp in surprise as she tried to grab them back.
His gaze fell upon the clear, visible kiss marks on her skin. “Alison, you are mine. My mark is on you now. No one can erase it.”
“Stop saying that. It’s so cheesy.”
“Stop laughing. Get dressed.” He had already prepared her clothes, from underwear to outerwear.
Then, they stepped out of the tent and followed the mountain path toward the summit.
He pulled her along at a brisk pace. “The sun’s about to rise. Hurry up.”
She ran alongside him.
When they stopped, a panorama of layered peaks unfolded before them.
Suddenly, a crimson sun leapt from the sea of clouds and ascended into the sky.
It was different from the one she had seen by the sea, yet equally breathtaking.
She nestled against his shoulder, her cheeks flushed red.
That day, they ran freely through the mountains, hand in hand, stealing glances and laughter.
They wished time could freeze in that moment forever, but it slipped away.
As they packed their bags, she was reluctant to leave.
He smiled. “I’ll take you camping again someday.”
She nodded and smiled, getting into the car.
He tossed his phone onto the dashboard.
She picked it up, turned on her phone first, and then helped him power his on.
Her gaze drifted to his phone screen, where missed calls flashed by.
“Jack, should I call him back?”
“No need,” he replied.
“Okay.” She set his phone down and opened hers, discovering numerous missed calls, including one from the new house number.
“Jack, it’s Sophia and Ethan. I’ll call them back.”
“Go ahead, but don’t talk too long.”
Ignoring him, she dialed the number.
Soon, the call connected.
“Madam, you finally answered!” The nanny’s voice came through.
“What’s wrong?” she asked, puzzled.
Her heart sank. Could Sophia and Ethan be sick?
The nanny said, “Madam, the old lady has taken Sophia and Ethan away.”
At those words, Alison felt her mind go blank. “When?”
“The evening before last. I tried calling Mr. Winston and you, but both phones were turned off.”
“I understand. I’ll return.”
“All right. Please hurry back.”
“Okay.” Alison replied, her mind in turmoil. She was terrified she might never see the children again. She urged Jack, “Drive faster, Jack! Hurry!”
Jack glanced at her anxious expression. “What’s wrong?”
“Nothing.”
“Alison, are you hiding something?”
She confessed, “Isabella took Sophia and Ethan.”
“My mother?” he asked.
“Yes.”
He freed one hand to take hers. “Alison, it’s fine. She wouldn’t hurt Sophia and Ethan. She’s practically obsessed with having grandchildren. Don’t worry. We’ll just go get Sophia and Ethan back from her.”
“Okay.” She nodded, still uneasy.