Out on the open sea, pods of dolphins leapt and spun, drawing excited shouts andughter from the tourists on deck.


    Andrew strolled out from the restroom and made his way over, eyes wide. "Whoa, would you look at that! This is insane—I''ve never seen wild dolphins before. Way better than anything at SeaWorld."


    He squeezed himself between Paradise and Justin, slinging an arm over each of their shoulders. “You two are too much—watching dolphins and not even thinking to call me over?"


    Paradise shrugged off his arm, grinning. "You''re heavy, Andrew. Justin just said you can make a wish when you see dolphins. Want to try it?"


    "Obviously!" Andrew pressed his palms together and closed his eyes. "I wish that someday I can..." marry Paradise, make her mine.


    Paradise had no clue what Andrew was about to say, but quickly stopped him. "Andrew, don''t say it out loud! If you do, it won''te true."


    Andrew cut himself off, finishing the wish in his head. "Good thing I caught myself," he said. “Maybe it''ll still work."


    Then he turned to Justin, asking offhandedly, "So, what did you wish for?"


    Justin shot back, "What did you wish for?"


    "If you say it, it won''te true,” Paradise interjected with a littleugh.


    Andrew and Justin exchanged a nce, both deciding to keep quiet. The three of them stood side by side, watching the dolphins dance in the sunlight.


    Paradise''s wish was simple: for her family to be happy and safe.


    Growing up with emotional wounds and the trauma of being kidnapped, Paradise valued peace more than anything. She cherished her family-her little brother and sister, her parents. She just wanted everyone to stay this happy, always.


    Justin''s wish was to protect Paradise and bring her happiness.


    Each of them carried their own dreams and secrets.


    Dreams of youth, drifting and fermenting on the sea breeze. Someday, those dreams would blossom-or break.


    Riverdale.


    Hospital.


    After arriving in Riverdale, Justin brought a gift and went straight to the hospital to visit.


    Juliana was in low spirits. Scott turned to Justin and said, “North, you''re too thoughtful. You didn''t have to go through the trouble."


    "Wesley, there''s really no need to be so formal.” Justin''s tone was calm and mature for his age. "Mrs. Huang, please get some rest and take care of yourself."


    As soon as he finished, Layna''s cheerful voice piped up behind him. “Justin, when did you get here? I didn''t think I''d see you!"


    Layna was thrilled. She''d missed the trip to the harbor and thought she wouldn''t see Justin for a while, but here he was in Riverdale.


    "Just got in,” Justin replied, keeping his usual cool-never too close, never too distant.


    With Layna there, Scott said, “Layna, why don''t you take North home and let him get some rest?"


    Justin hade to visit Juliana on behalf of the entire Wisman family, so of course he''d be staying at the Stranz house.


    Layna''s heart skipped a beat—Justin would be staying at their ce again.


    "Sure, Uncle," she agreed quickly. "Justin,e on, let''s go home."


    As a guest, Justin didn''t protest. It wasn''t his first time staying with the Stranz family, after all.


    Scott had the housekeeper see them


    home. On the way, Layna chattered


    non-stop, while Justin barely said a


    word, only responding when


    necessary with a quiet mm or yeah."


    Back at the Stranz house, Layna reached for Justin''s hand. "You''ll stay on the second floor-right next to my room?"


    Justin smoothly pulled his hand away. "I''m tired. I''m going to rest now."


    He was always reserved-once inside his room, he closed the door, iming he needed to rest.


    Layna was annoyed, but she wouldn''t let Justin see it.


    The Salstrom family.


    Anastasia had just gotten home, barely catching her breath when Tavon called.


    Tavon wanted James to treat Ashley. James had helped Tavon recover from paralysis before—maybe he could help Ashley, too.


    Tavon knew he couldn''t convince James himself, so he called Anastasia.


    On the phone, Anastasia said, "I''ll talk to James, but I can''t make any promises. He doesn''t treat just anyone."


    James was famous for his odd temper; it was never easy to get his help.


    "Of course, of course. As long as you


    ask, that''s all I can hope for. Ana, really owe you ravon said, and it


    was rare to hear that much gratitude in his voice.


    Anastasia replied, "Alright, I''ll let you know what he says."


    After hanging up, Tavon turned to Ashley, lying motionless on the bed. "We''ve been married all these years I''ve done what I can if James help you, there''s nothing else I can do. Why did you have to go and jump off that building?"