Chapter 17 

Matt recognized the man beside her–the subject of the viral photo that had taken over the internet. 

Noticing their naturally intertwined hands, he felt a twinge in his heart. 

So during these five years, she had truly found someone else. She no longer needed any of them. But reflecting further, he couldn’t help but give a bitter laugh. 

Perhaps she had never really needed them. Or rather, when she had needed them, none of them had ever been there for her. 

The island’s layout wasn’t complicated. Standing on the boat, he could easily see the reality show guests filming in the distance. And, a villa in the opposite direction. Clearly, the filming had intentionally avoided that area. 

It seemed the leaked photo had genuinely been an accident. Looking back toward Sylvía as she walked away, he saw the doors of the estate open. A middle–aged couple emerged with warm smile. The four of them standing together looked remarkably harmonious–exactly like a real family. 

“Sylvia, wish you happiness forever.” 

He murmured these words, then turned and waved his hand. The boat’s engines restarted, gradually moving away from the small island until it disappeared into the endless horizon. 

On the island, the reality show had reached its final day of filming. After today, Reunion Isle would return to its usual tranquility. 

Sylvia wasn’t the only one relieved–so were Ethel and Gary. 

Though they weren’t opposed to interacting with others, they didn’t particularly enjoy being on camera, especially after Ronald’s accidental appearance led to that viral screenshot. Fortunately, the production team had been considerate, mostly filming on the opposite side of the island. 

Even so, knowing the crew was finally leaving brought a collective sigh of relief. 

Sylvia also sighed, deciding she wouldn’t accept such proposals in the future. 

“Sylvia, come inside! Lunch is ready.” 

Ethel was still wearing her apron, give a warm, gentle smile. Gary followed close behind, his expression equally jovial. “Ethel made your favorite mac and cheese today. Come try it before it gets cold!” 

After five years together, Sylvia and her custom–made family had grown genuinely close. 

Ethel and Gary had always wanted a child but were unable to conceive. After they became Sylvia’s custom–made parents, they truly came to love her as their own daughter. 

As they spent time together, Ethel and Gary grew increasingly tender–hearted toward Sylvia. 

Chapter 17 

She was thoughtful, respectful, and sweet–treating these people she had literally purchased with genuine courtesy. When they learned she had also lost her parents, they became even more convinced that they were meant to be a family. 

It was perfect timing: they needed a child, and she needed parents. 

At the dining table, the atmosphere was warm and cheerful. Ronald sat beside Sylvia, attentively serving her food and peeling her shrimp. 

The island was abundant with seafood, but Sylvia found it too much trouble to eat–until Ronald discovered she simply disliked dealing with unprocessed seafood. After that, he naturally took over the task. 

After a satisfying meal, Sylvia went to watch the reality show’s final day of filming. Being the last day, the production team was unusually lenient with the contestants. The group laughed and joked around, creating a lively atmosphere. 

She reflected on how, aside from supply deliveries, the island had seen almost no visitors in five years. 

Being à private island, no one could access it without her permission. It had been a long time since things were this animated. 

Lost in thought, she didn’t notice Ronald approaching with a fruit platter. Seeing her staring at the filming, he offered her the plate and casually sat on the ground beside her, not bothered by the lack of chairs. 

“Here you go.” 

Sylvia didn’t take it. She had just found a comfortable spot to sit, and without a table, she’d have to hold the plate indefinitely. Instead of taking it, she simply opened her mouth slightly. 

Understanding her meaning, Ronald smiled, speared a piece of fruit with a toothpick, and held it to her lips. Only then did she happily accept it. 

Back in Washington, she never had the luxury to be self–indulgent, always putting others first. But here, she was the center of everyone’s world. With the genuine care from Ethel, Gary, and Ronald, she had become a bit spoiled. 

But she thought that was just fine.