In the twilight, the mountains shed the hustle and bustle of the day. Even though Wendy was not wearing a white coat, her inherent medical professional demeanor was still fully revealed.

She moved nimbly, her expression focused, and handled the injured person's wounds in an orderly mannèr. Every step was precise and prompt. Her capable and composed demeanor unconsciously raised a sense of trust in people.

"The wound's not serious. No need for bandages. Just keep it exposed to the air,clean, and dry when you get home. If your ankle's really sprained.go to the hospital for a detailed check-up."

Wendy packed up her supplies. "You guys take her back."

With that, she grabbed her medical kit and walked away.

Lydia looked at Ethan, and the others followed suit, their eyes all on him.

Normally, Ethan would prioritize Lydia without hesitation.

But today, he turned to David and said flatly. "You take Lydia back."

David pointed at himself in surprise. "Me?"

They were almost at the top of the mountain, and now he had to go back?Ethan tossed him a flashlight. "Not listening to me? Remember that sports car I got you..."

"Alright, I'll take her," David quickly agreed, crouching down to carry Lydia.

"Ethan!" Lydia exclaimed, her mouth agape, clearly not expecting Ethan to have David carry her.

Her heart sank, feeling things were not going as she had planned.

It wasn't just her; even Wendy and the others were a bit surprised.

Hadn't Ethan always treated Lydia like a treasure?

Why the sudden change in attitude today?

But Wendy didn't care what Ethan was thinking. She urged Susan and Jessica to stop watching the drama and keep climbing.

In her haste, Wendy slipped and almost fell.

Luckily, Alexander was there to catch her in time.

Wendy patted her chest, relieved. "Thanks, good thing you reacted quickly.or I'd be in trouble."

"Just doing my part," Alexander said, glancing at their clasped hands,feeling a slight flutter in his heart.

Wendy noticed their hands too, her cheeks flushing as she awkwardly pulled away and continued climbing.

Susan and Jessica, ahead of her, saw the whole thing and teased her with knowing smiles.

Wendy glared at them, pushing themn to keep moving.

Alexander smiled slightly, following behind to protect them.

Ethan, with a dark expression, was about to follow.

Lydia said, "David really wants to see the sunrise. Look how upset he is.I can't bear it. Ethan, can you take me back?"

Ethan showed no sympathy for DDavid. "He's never been through any hardship. It's about time."

David's eyes widened in disbelief. "Ethan. I've always been good to you.and this is how you repay me?"

Ethan lightly patted the back of his head. "If one of us has to suffer, why can't it be you? I have something important to do. Be good."

"It's just a sunrise. What's so important?" Lydia's face was pale. "It's not like it's your first time."

Ethan paused,looking back at her.

"As long as I don't have the divorce papers, Wendy is still my wife. Seeing her with another guy is a big deal. I can't just stand by and let it happen."

With that, he strode off to catch up with Wendy and the others.

Jessica and Susan were climbing up while making a bet.

Susan, confident in her ability tosee through any pretense, said, "Bet you her ankle isn't really sprained."

Jessica, munching on an energy bar, asked, "How can you tell if it's sprained or not?"

"Easy!" Susan said. "When we get back, sneak up behind her and scare her.Seeif she jumps."

Jessica immediately pulled out the remaining chocolate,beef jerky,sandwiches, and a row of drinks from her bag and handed them all to

Susan, "You win. They're all yours."

"Giving up so soon? No fun." Susan split the loot, giving half to Wendy."Here! I'm unbeatable in betting."

Wendy, already holding a hiking stick and medical kit, struggled to manage the extra snacks. A large hand reached over, taking her backpack and stuffing the snacks inside,then carrying it for her.

Alexander noticed her hands turning blue from the cold. "Where are your gloves?"

Wendy replied, "They got dirty."

While cleaning the wound earlier, some of the solution mixed with blood had gotten on her gloves.

Without a word, Alexander took off his gloves and put them on Wendy's hands.

Wendy instindtively wanted to pull back, but was held back by him without any refusal.

The warm gloves draped over her hands, the fleece material blocking out the chill of the mountains. still retained the warmth of Alexander's palm,and the warmth spread from the fingertips to the bottom of her heart.

They were warm from his body heat, much larger than her hands. He tightened the Velcro straps at the wrists before letting go.

Wendy looked up, meeting Alexander's warm, deep brown eyes.

He gazed at her with a soft,gentle smile.

"Mr. Turner, you're spoiling Wendy," Jessica teased, covering her mouth to

laugh.

Alexander's gaze never took off Wendy's body, his tone firm yet gentle."I like spoiling her."

Susan and Jessica both gasped in surprise.

Wendy's heart skipped a beat, her ears burning.

She bit her lip and turned her head to the side.

Alexander, carrying the backpack, stood close to her, his breath brushing her neck and cheek.

Realizing how intimate their position was, Wendy tried to step back, but Alexander naturally took her hand and continued walking.

His expression was open and sincere, as if he saw nothing wrong with his actions.

In that moment. Wendy realized he wasn't as gentle and refined as he appeared.

She tried to pull her hand away discreetly, buthe held on tighter.

Ethan, walking behind them, saw this and his face darkened,fists clenching.

It felt like a flower that belonged to him was being picked by someone else.

He felt stifled and frustrated, but seeing the two of them so close, he also felt a sense of helpless defeat.

The person who once belonged to him is now held in the palm of someone else's hand. and he has long lost the right to stop her.

The more he thought about it, the more irritated he became. He strode past them, catching up to Susan and Jessica.

At a fork in the path, Susan and Jessica stopped.

Jessica said, "Oh no, I don't remember which way to go."

Susan looked both ways. "Either path should be fine. Let's just pick one."

"Okay, let's go left." Jessica said, heading down the left path.

Susan and Ethan followed.

Wendy was about to follow when Alexander suddenly asked, "Wendy,did you drop your phone?"