It was early summer, and the night breeze from the ocean was gentle and cool, bringing a sense of comfort.

The four of them got out of the car and found a good spot on the beach,quickly setting up the barbecue grill.

Susan, like she had discovered a treasure, found some handheld fireworks in Francis's trunk.

Her eyes lit up with excitement as she ran around the beach with the fireworks, her laughter carried away by the sea breeze.

Francis was focused on grilling the meat, the aroma wafting through the air.

Meanwhile, Wendy and Alexander sat nearby,feeling a bit idle.

Wendy wanted to help, but Francis stopped her.

"Wendy. I don't have many hobbies, but I love cooking for my friends.Don't take that away from me, or I won't invite you next time."

Wendy chuckled, "Alright, alright, it's all yours."

Alexander glanced at him, "Don't mind him, he's just quirky like that."

Wendy couldn't help but laugh.

"Are you kidding me? I'm seriously grilling for you guys,and you slander me like this!" Francis grumbled, feeling wronged.

Wendy sat quietly on the beach, her knees drawn up, watching Susan wave the colorful fireworks.

She listened to Alexander and Francis bicker, occasionally chiming in.

It had been a long time since she felt this relaxed and happy. She looked up at the clear blue sky, her mood gradually lifting, a gentle smile curving her lips.

The sea breeze lightly brushed past, making her hair dance. A few strands playfully drifted towards her mouth.

Just as Wendy raised her hand to tuck her hair behind her ear, a large,warm hand beat her to it.

Long fingers gently threaded through her hair, producing a hair tie from somewhere, and carefully gathered her hair at the back of her head, loosely tying it up.

Alexander's hand was broad and warm, and when it occasionally brushed against her delicate neck, it felt like a feather lightly grazing her, sending an inexplicable shiver through her.

Her cheeks quickly flushed.

She instinctively tilted her head to one side,trying to avoid his hand.

"Don't move," Alexander's deep, magnetic voice sounded in her ear.

Wendy's body stiffened slightly, and she spoke a bit awkwardly,"Alexander, I can do it myself."

"Almost done," Alexander clearly had no intention of stopping. He lowered his gaze slightly, still focused and serious as he tended to her hair.

Wendy's hair was thick and shiny, smooth to the touch, with a faint,fresh scent carried by the sea breeze, drifting into his nose.

From his angle, he could clearly see Wendy's slender neck.

The graceful lines were smooth and soft, exuding an indescribable allure.

Alexander's eyes darkened slightly, his Adam's apple bobbing gently.

He quickly finished tying the hair tie and averted his gaze.

"All done."

"Thank you," Wendy said, feeling a bit uneasy.

Alexander noticed her tense and slightly stiff expression, a faint smile tugging at his lips.

He teased, "What's the matter, Wendy? Have you finally fallen for me?"

Wendy's heart skipped a beat, and she froze.

For a moment, the flutter in her heart felt all too real.

But she knew deep down that a man like Alexander was out of her reach.

So,she had to cut off these feelings before they took root.

After a moment of thought, Wendy looked up at Alexander, her tone straightforward and firm.

"Alexander, I told you before on the mountain that I'm not considering any romantic relationships right now. I think it's best if we maintain a proper social distance."

"Even if you don't take care of me, I'll still do my best to help Chris with his illness. Besides, if you genuinely want to befriends,I'd be honored."

With that, she didn't say any more and walked over to join Susan with the

fireworks.

She no longer dared to hope for love, only wishing for a simple, steaddy life.

Alexander watched her slender figure, a deep light flickering in his eyes.

He kept telling himself to be patient, that the timing wasn't right yet.

But the atmosphere earlier had been too perfect, and he couldn't help himself.

The sea breeze howled, tousling his short hair.

Alexander reached up to smooth it back into place.

He stood up, walked over, and lit a cigarette, taking a slow drag.

'No rush, there's plenty of time,' he thought.

Seeing Wendy leave, Francis finally turned to tease Alexander. "Alexander,it looks like you're really into Wendy,huh?"

Alexander, not in the best mood, closedhis eyes and replied lightly, "What makes you say that?"

Francis grinned. "Last time we went camping and barbecuing,you thought it was unsanitary and insisted we go to a fancy restaurant instead."

Alexander remained silent.

On the other side, Susan, having finished setting off a box offireworks,pulled Wendy to sit by the bonfire, handing her a piece of grilled fish with a smile. "Try this grilled fish."

Wendy took it and took a bite.

The crispy fish, seasoned with spices, was tender and flavorful, leaving a lingering taste.

"How is it?" Francis asked expectantly.

"It's delicious," Wendy nodded in approval.

"Of course, I grilled it myself," Francis said, seeking praise.

Just as he was feeling proud and ready to boast more, he felt a cold gaze on him.

He turned to meet Alexander's deep eyes and immediately shrank back.

Why was Alexander so intimidating today?

Francis shivered, quickly reining in his smugness.

Susan noticed the awkward tension between the two and curiously whispered to Wendy, "What's going on? Did you two have a fight?"

Wendy shook her head."No."

"Then why do you both seem so weird?"

Wendy shook her head again, smiling openly. "It's just your imagination."

"Really?" Susan blinked her bright eyes.

"Really."

Susan was half-convinced, still feeling something was off.

After a satisfying barbecue by the sea, Francis drove Wendy and Alexander back to The Knight Villa.

"Wendy, Alexander, you two get some rest. Let's hang out again soon!"

Susan, still in the car. waved goodbye to.Wendy,then they drove off.

Francis stepped on the gas, and the car shot off like an arrow.

Wendy felt a bit strange; Francis's words made it seem like she and

Alexander were a married couple.

She awkwardly tugged at the corners of her mouth.

Alexander tookin her embarrassed expression, a faint smile playing on his lips. "It's late, let's get some rest."

Wendy nodded,pushing open the door and heading inside.