?Chapter 717:


    Brian’s arms, still holding Este, were frozen in ce, while La had already wrapped her hands around Este. But Brian hadn’t released her.


    “Sir…” Este called out softly.


    She called again, but Brian still hadn’t snapped out of his daze.


    It was Rachel who quietly suggested, “Maybe you should give Este to her mom first?”


    La, quick to catch on, noticed Rachel’s reaction when she saw Brian and the tense air between them. She instantly put the pieces together.


    “Este’s worn out from all the ying. I’ll take her back now,” La said, finding a reason to leave and picking Este up.


    “Mom, isn’t Racheling with us?” Este asked, sounding confused.


    “She’s got some things to take care of. We’ll go back first,” La replied gently.


    “Oh!” Este responded, clearly epting it.


    She was so tired that she rested her head against her mom. With the soothing rhythm of their steps, she drifted off to sleep.


    Meanwhile, even after La had gone, neither Rachel nor Brian said a word.


    After two long years apart, their first words seemed to be chosen with great care, and neither of them found it easy to speak.


    Discover more content at galnov??????.c??m


    Brian was holding back a storm of emotions. There was so much he wanted to say, but he was afraid of saying too much all at once. His hand moved toward her, then hesitated, stopping mid-air before pulling back.


    Rachel stayed silent, brushing her hair, which had been tousled by the wind, and began walking ahead.


    Brian trailed behind, keeping pace with her.


    The evening breeze wrapped around them as they walked together in silence, for what felt like a long while.


    The bonfire party eventually ended, and as the crowd thinned, the beach grew quieter. That’s when Rachel finally spoke, breaking the silence.


    “It’s been a long time.”


    Taken by surprise, Brian quickly responded, “Yes, it… it really has. How have you been?” His voice felt stiff and a little ufortable.


    “Pretty good,” Rachel said honestly. “I opened a little inn by the sea with my friend. I wake up each morning without an rm, stretch out, and take it easy. When I feel tired, I rx on the balcony, soak up the sun, make some coffee, and take a nap. Sometimes, I walk along the beach, feel the sea breeze, and listen to the waves. It’s peaceful.”


    Brian nodded, agreeing with her. “That does sound nice.”


    After a few more polite exchanges, theypsed into silence again. The night continued to grow darker, and the sea breeze picked up, bringing a coolness with it.


    Brian removed his jacket. Just as he was about to ce it over her shoulders, he stopped and asked, “Would you like to wear this? It’s starting to get a little cold.”


    .


    .


    .