?Chapter 1285:


    As Harlee neared Tania, she flourished a booklet, suggesting, “Let’s sleep together tonight.”


    Halfway through her sentence, Harlee spotted Rhys and turned toward him instead. “Aren’t you going to clean up? You look exhausted.”


    Rhys rose to his feet without a change in expression. He gently took Harlee’s hand and said in a soft voice, “Let’s go for a walk by the sea.” Harlee paused, wondering if she’d misheard. It was alreadyte at night.


    Without waiting for her response, Rhys tugged her toward the beach.


    With a sigh, Noel massaged his temples in frustration. He could see that Rhys’ jealousy was growing, even toward a woman who simply knew Tonya.


    Earlier, Harlee had encountered Noel while escorting Tania to a medical appointment, from which she learned that Tonya had initially nned for Tania to train on the ind alone, but ns had changed unexpectedly… Turning away, Noel gave Tania a nod and then made his way to his tent. In the meantime, Harlee and Rhys reached the beach under the dim moonlight, walking in silence.


    “What’s troubling you?” Harlee asked, looking at him. “Are you not feeling well? Or is it the smell from those people bothering you? If it’s too much to handle, we can sleep on the yacht, though it would be inconvenient to shuttle back and forth.”


    “I’m feeling jealous!” Rhys responded, his tone tinged with bitterness. “Why are you nning to spend the night with that woman? And why does she seem to capture all your attention?”


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    Harlee was briefly taken aback before realizing why he was upset. It all stemmed from her not noticing him first and instead approaching Tania about sharing a room.


    Unable to disclose Tonya’s rebirth into Tania, a im she had bought…


    Harlee offered a light-hearted excuse. “You see… Tania has insights about Tonya that I’m curious about. I just want to gather more information.”


    Rhys’ face softened a bit, though he remained angry. Harlee and Tania could talk tomorrow. He couldn’t help but wonder why Harlee wanted to sleep with Tania instead of with him. Harlee had always been close only to her family, him, and Tonya. He couldn’t grasp her sudden interest in Tania.


    The thought of Harlee wanting to sleep next to someone unfamiliar baffled Rhys. He gazed at her, searching her face for answers but only seeing the sorrow in her eyes.


    Resting against a seaside tree, Harlee continued, “I generally avoid getting too close to others, but… I’m not sure you’ll understand. It’s just that, after so long, someone knows things about Tonya that are new to me. It’s odd, but I’m drawn to learning more about her life.”


    “I know how much you miss Tonya,” Rhys said gently.


    Looking into his worried eyes, Harlee replied, “I know almost two years have passed. I ought to move forward, but… It’s difficult. I haven’t been able to let go.” Moreover, memories of that fierce fight still brought tears to her eyes, despite others perceiving her as the most unfeeling and ruthless. “You don’t need to forget her,” Rhys assured Harlee, drawing her into his embrace. “Be you, pursue what brings you joy. Neverpel yourself to act contrary to your feelings. I’ve always said you can be your true self with me.” He wiped away her tears.


    Over thest two years, Harlee had cried for Tonya more than at any other time in her life. Rhys had always been there, knowing that expressing grief was healthier than suppressing it.


    “Rhys,” Harlee said softly, clutching his arm. “I used to keep my feelings bottled up and face them alone. But now that I have you, I…”


    Rhys gently silenced her with a finger to her lips. Words failed to capture his emotions at that moment.


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