?Chapter 863:


    Wesley didn’t back down. Malcolm had once said something that stuck with him: If a man didn’t fight for what he wanted, he’d never get it. Without warning, he kissed Elena and asked, “When are you going to make us official?”


    Elena quickly covered her face, not wanting to talk about it anymore. Luckily, the ind was right below them, offering a perfect escape from the awkwardness. She pushed Wesley aside. “We’rending.”


    Seeing her reluctance to continue the conversation, Wesley’s gaze flickered with a brief sh of frustration, but it quickly returned to his usual calm demeanor.


    The nended gently on an open space near the beach.


    After Wesley got out of the ne, he turned to offer Elena his hand, only to see her effortlessly jump down on her own. So, he casually pulled his hand back.


    As soon as the ne hadnded, a young girl started running toward them.


    Lizzie ran over quickly, her face lighting up with happiness when she saw Elena. “Elena! You’re here!” she eximed.


    Lizzie stopped right in front of Elena, her bright eyes full of joy as she looked at her.


    Elena was a bit surprised. How did Lizzie know it was her, even from this distance? She crouched down to Lizzie’s level. “Did youe here to sell flower crowns?” she asked gently.


    Lizzie shook her head. In a quiet voice, she exined, “I saw the ne and thought it might be youing back. I didn’t really think it would be you! I’ve missed you so much.”


    What Elena didn’t know was that after her departure, Lizzie hade to the beach every single day, waiting for her return.


    That was why, the moment the nended, Lizzie had rushed to her. Lizzie was breathing heavily from running, and her face was flushed with sweat. Elena took a tissue from her pocket and carefully wiped Lizzie’s face.


    Lizzie’s eyes curved into happy little shapes as she quietly moved closer to Elena.


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    After Elena finished wiping Lizzie’s face, Lizzie held out a beautiful flower crown she had made. “Elena, this is for you,” she said. Lizzie’s round, innocent eyes showed pure love for Elena.


    Elena’s face softened as she took the flower crown. Her voice was unusually kind. “If you give this to me, how will you earn money?”


    Lizzie tilted her head to the side. “It’s okay,” she said. “I can miss out on the birthday cake.”


    “Birthday cake?” Elena asked, confused.


    Lizzie nodded, a small, shy smile on her face. “Today is my birthday. Grandma said she would use the money I made to buy me a cake. But I don’t really like cakes. Do you like the flower crown, Elena?”


    Elena gently touched the flower crown.


    The crown rested in her hands. Even though it was simple, it was the kindest gift Elena had ever received. She smiled and nodded. “I do like it. Thank you, Lizzie,” she said.


    Lizzie’s smile grew even bigger. Even though she wanted a cake, giving the flower crown to Elena made her even happier.


    The air thrummed with the whirring des of another ne descending onto the ind.


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