?Chapter 1096:


    A gleaming seashell caught her attention immediately.


    Norton followed closely behind.


    “Look, I’m giving you this!” She held the shell up with both hands. “Isn’t it pretty?”


    She began collecting anything that sparkled or shined, eagerly piling the treasures into Norton’s hands, like a child gathering prizes at a fair.


    Norton smiled at her. “You want to keep all these?”


    Yvonne nodded quickly, then shook her head. “No, I want you to have them.”


    He nced at the handful of trinkets, paid the vendor, and then passed them back to her.


    She beamed like a child in a candy store, bouncing from one item to the next, enchanted by everything she found.


    He took her hand, a little worried she might wander off.


    They strolled for a while, the night breeze gently brushing past them.


    The cool air helped settle her thoughts. She slowed her pace, walking beside him at a more rxed speed. “If only I’d brought my camera,” she whispered.


    He nced over. “Hmm?”


    She smiled up at him. “The buildings here are so beautiful.”


    Maybe it was the breeze, or the mood, but she continued, “I love photography. It captures moments that don’tst—like holding onto time for just a little longer.”


    He nodded thoughtfully. “Want to take a few pictures? We could buy a camera now if you want.”


    His offer made her heart flutter.


    She shook her head. “That’s way too much trouble.” As they continued walking, the river came into view.


    Norton pointed toward a boat gently rocking on the water. “Want to ride it?”


    The breeze rippled across the surface, soft and steady. Yvonne watched the peopleughing on board, her gaze drifting. Without saying a word, Norton went ahead and arranged for a private ride.


    g?lnσν???s?c?m brings endless adventures


    He turned back and held out his hand.


    She took it, stepping forward.


    The gangnk shifted beneath her feet. The boat swayed suddenly. She stumbled and fell right into his arms. He caught her quickly, wrapping an arm around her waist. “You seem eager tond in my arms,” he murmured.


    She pulled away at once, throwing a nce toward the crew nearby.


    “Someone might see us!”


    She moved to the window, pretending to focus on the view.


    He joined her, leaning slightly. “What’s there to be embarrassed about?”


    Then he smirked. “Unless you’re saying I can only act like that when no one’s around—”


    She turned quickly. “Stop it! Don’t say stuff like that!”


    Her cheeks burned. Seeing it, he gave a quiet smile and said nothing.


    A breeze rolled over the river, lifting their hair and brushing their faces. Her hair had loosened in the wind. He noticed and, without a second thought, reached up and gently tucked a stray strand behind her ear.


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