Chapter 34 

Skyview Mountain was a popular dating spot for couples. During certain seasons, the mountaintop would be covered in colorful flowers, and many couples would camp there to watch the sunrise. 

Lia had been there once with Cora. The scenery was beautiful, and there was a legend that couples who watched the sunrise together would be blessed by the gods. Even friends would grow closer. 

Lia didn’t believe in such things, but she had gone along with Cora’s suggestion at the time. 

She thought tonight would be a simple dinner outing, but to her surprise, Coby took her to Skyview Mountain. 

Climbing the mountain from the front took several hours, so most sunrise visitors drove up the winding roads on the back side. 

However, the winding roads often made people carsick. Lia was no exception. Fortunately, they hadn’t eaten dinner yet, or the car might have been a mess. 

Coby had her rest her head on his lap, the faint scent of cedar from him soothing her discomfort. 

She nestled against him, shifting slightly to find a more comfortable position. 

He played with the strands of hair by her ear, gazing at her peaceful face. His chest filled with warmth. 

Half an hour later, they reached the mountaintop. 

When Lia got out of the car, her legs felt weak, and she almost collapsed. Fortunately, the man beside her caught her in 

time. 

Tll carry you.” He offered. 

“It’s okay. I’m fine,” she said quickly. 

Despite her protests, he scooped her up in front of the bodyguards without hesitation. 

Embarrassed, Lia buried her face in his chest. 

It was nighttime, and the mountaintop was brightly lit with lights. Many tents were already set up, most of them belonging to couples. 

They had deliberately avoided coming on Valentine’s Day, knowing the mountain would be too crowded to climb. 

Coby began setting up their tent while the bodyguards pitched theirs at a respectful distance. 

“Let me help,” Lia said, feeling idle and wanting to pitch in. 

He stopped her and brought over a small stool. You sit here and watch. I’ll handle it. It won’t take long.” 

“Alright then.” Lia agreed, sitting down. 

Watching him skillfully set up the tent, Lia couldn’t help but feel that a man in a suit doing such work looked out of place. 

In no time, the tent–was ready. He even had fruits and snacks brought over. 

“You’re so thorough.” Lia remarked. “You thought of everything! 

He smiled faintly I want you to be comfortable.” 

1/6 

Chapter 34 

She realized how attentive–be was. In his position, he didn’t have to do any of this, yet he did. 

Lia had thought all wealthy men were like Issac, commanding others to do everything for them. But Coby was different. 

“Eat something and drink some hot water. I’ll help with your stomach,” he said. 

“Thanks,” Lia said as she accepted the thermos from him. 

Who would bring a thermos in summer? He did–not for himself, but for her. 

Lia’s heart felt as warm as the water inside. 

Beside them was a small basin of water. After washing her hand, she noticed him about to clean his hands and,quickly said, I’ll change the water.” 

“No need,” he replied and washed his hands anyway. 

“You want some fruit? I’ll peel it for you,” asked Coby. 

“No need. Hot water and some snack will do for me,” said Lia. 

Lia picked up a small pastry and took a bite. 

“Is it good?” he asked, his eyes fixed on the biscuit in her hand. 

“Yes? Noticing his gaze, Lia asked, “Coby, do you want one?” 

He didn’t hesitate. I’ll have the one you’re eating.” 

“Oh.” Lia handed him the pastry she had taken a bite of, and Coby ate it in front of her. 

Then, he picked up another pastry and handed it to her. Lia hesitated for a moment but accepted and ate it. 

They continued feeding each other–she ate what he offered, and he ate what she held. 

His fingers brushed against the corner of her lips, wiping away crumbs. 

Lia thought he would throw the crumbs away, but instead, he ate them himself. Her face flushed bright red unconsciously licked her lips. Seeing her small action only made Coby want more. 

Around them, the crowd grew louder, with screams and cheers filling the air. 

Their attention was drawn to the commotion. 

“Let’s go see.” He suggested, standing up and extending a hand to her. 

she 

“Okay.” Lia glanced at him. Under the night sky, the stars seemed to form a halo around his head, making him look even more dazzling. 

Unable to resist, she placed her small hand in his. His fingers slid between hers, locking their hands tightly together. 

Protectively, Coby guided her through the crowd to the center of the commotion. 

In the middle of the circle stood a man and a woman. Judging by the crowd’s cheers, it was a proposal. 

“Since our school days, we’ve shared so many wonderful nights together.” 

“Wow!” 

Chapter 34 

The young man’s slip of the tongue made the crowd erupt into laughter. 

Clearing his throat, he continued. “Every day with you has been wonderful. Will you marry me? 

“Say yes! Say yes!” the crowd chanted enthusiastically. 

Π 

Most of the onlookers were couples themselves. While proposals were common, witnessing someone else’s happy moment. was always heartwarming. 

Standing behind Lia. Coby wrapped an arm around her waist and leaned down to whisper in her ear, “Lia, do you think this 

is romantic?” 

Lia was focused on the girl’s response. She hadn’t expected his sudden question. 

Turning her head slightly to look at him, she gave her opinion. If they truly like each other, then it must be romantic.” 

Liking someone, caring for them, and thinking of them in everything–that was the beauty of love. 

He smiled and asked, “Do you think she’ll say yes?” 

Lia glanced at the shy girl. “I think she will 

The young man seemed well–prepared for this moment. 

His nose brushed lightly against her soft check as he whispered, don’t think so.” 

Why? How could he tell?‘ Lia’s curiosity was answered soon after 

The girl wiped away her tears, her face breaking into a bittersweet smile 

“Even though we’ve known each other for years, I’m not the girl you’ve always dreamed of. I’m just a replacement.” 

The crowd erupted in surprise, and even Lia was taken aback. 

“But…” The young man’s expression turned awkward, his gaze flickering to the surrounding spectators. 

“You only want to get married because you think it’s time,” the girl said, disappointment evident in her voice. “I’ve given you so much. And that’s why I know you don’t truly love me. How can you ask me to marry you?” she said. 

Tears streamed down her face as she finally voiced the thoughts she had kept buried for so long. 

Lia listened to the girl in front of her, realizing that, in a way, she was talking about her too. 

“Why do you think like that? L… The man tried to explain, flustered, but the girl cut him off. 

“Do you really know me? Have you ever put in the effort? You only care about yourself and never about what I need. After all these years, do you even know my hobbies?” Her voice was sad. 

“Your hobbies… the man stammered, unable to answer because he realized he truly didn’t know. 

“I’ve spent years learning who you are. Let’s break up.” She smiled, finally at peace, and walked away without hesitation. 

Wait! The young man panicked and ran after her. 

The sudden turn of events left everyone stunned. As the main pair left, the crowd gradually dispersed. 

The earlier joyful atmosphere vanished in an 

instant. 

Why are you so certain she would’ve said no?” Lia turned to him, curious. 

Chapter 34 

“That man was dressed casually, with a snug expression as if he was sure he’d win,” said Coby 

“What kind of reason is that?” Lia laughed. 

“His friends egged him on to propose. When he did, the girl wast happy at first–she stepped back in disbelief.” It was just his guess, but it turned out to be true. 

Lia hadn’t observed so closely but had to admit his attention to detail. 

“They’ve known each other for years. It’s a shame they didn’t make it to the end. Lia remarked. 

But even marriage doesn’t guarantee anything. When a relationship is unequal, divorce is inevitable. 

His large hand caressed her cheek, his voice tinged with a hint of grievance. “Lia, love isn’t measured by time.” 

“Mm.” Lia agreed. Sometimes, the longer people spend together the more their differences become apparent. 

Coby kissed her forehead and gazed at her tenderly. 

“Fate may dictate when we meet, but love happens in an instant–just like my love for you,” he said. 

Lia stared at him, dazed. 

They strolled leisurely around the area, enjoying the cool evening breeze. The moon was full, and the sky was dotted with 

stars. 

Lia found a spot to sit and admire the view. 

“Do you like stargazing?” he asked, sitting beside her. 

“When I was little, I used to count the stars. They’re so beautiful she said. 

During her time with the Allen family, Lia had often felt lonely. After school, she’d return home to do homework with Issac. In high school, with its heavy workload, Issac would mostly play while she worked. 

Lia would often work until eleven or twelve at night. In her small servant’s room, there was a tiny window. Whenever she was tired, she’d look outside at the moon and stars, finding solace. To her, they promised good weather and swept away her unhappiness. 

She cherished her private moments the most–times when no one disturbed her, and she could simply enjoy her solitude. 

Back at the tent, Coby had someone set up a barbecue grill for a mountaintop BBQ. 

Lia barely lifted a finger. Coby did most of the cooking 

“That’s enough, Coby. Come and eat. She handed him a skewer holding it to his mouth. He didn’t hesitate to take a bite 

Compared to before, she was much more at ease now. 

Wrapping his arm around her waist, he smiled and said, “Delicious.” 

“There are people around, Lia murmured, shifting slightly. 

“They’ve seen it all before. If you’re still not used to it, I haven’t done enough,” he said with a serious tone. 

Habits might form naturally, but Lia worried that once ingrained, they’d be hard to break. 

Chapter 34 

“Let’s cat,” she said. 

“Eat what? You?” Coby teased. 

Gathering her courage. Lia pinched his waist, to which Coby softly replied, “I like it. More.” 

He was getting checkier, but somehow she didn’t mind. 

Their eyes met, and he leaned in for a kiss. Lia dodged. “It’s getting cold. Fat up.” 

Seeing her reaction, he obediently started eating the barbecue. 

On the other side of the mountain, there was a washroom for campers to freshen up, though showers weren’t available. 

After tidying up, they strolled around for a bit. It was getting late–some people had already gone to bed, while others stayed up all night, waiting for the sunrise. 

Lia lay in his arms, looking up at the transparent tent ceiling, which gave them a perfect view of the night sky. 

“If you’re sleepy, go ahead and rest. I’ll wake you up,” he said, gently stroking her soft hair. 

Lia turned to face him. “Why did you think of coming here?” 

“I thought you’d understand,” he said.. 

Lia wasn’t as sharp as he thought. She seemed to know and not know at the same time. 

“Get some sleep. He lightly pinched her chin. “Goodnight.” 

As the words left his mouth, his lips followed, planting a kiss while his hands wandered across her body. 

“Wait,” she whispered, grabbing his hand. Her big, doe–like eyes stared up at him. “Um, I can’t yet.” 

He chuckled and nodded. “I know, I’m just giving you a back massage. 

Lia hid in his arms, embarrassed. Clearly, she had overthought it 

“But I do want you though.” Just as she was feeling flustered over her misunderstanding, he added softly. 

To him, she was as beautiful as moonlight–so beautiful that he wanted to make her his. 

Lia stiffened, sensing the depth of his emotions. 

At some point, Lia drifted off to sleep. 

Watching her delicate, peaceful face, Coby felt a stir in his heart and pressed a light kiss on her. 

“Lia, wake up.” 

She frowned. What was making all that noise near her ear? 

“Lia, it’s time to see the sunrise.” 

Something soft and feathery brushed her forehead and cheeks. 

She slowly opened her eyes, just about to speak, when her lips were suddenly captured. 

“Mmmm… 

12:00 Sun, Dec 15 G 

Chapter 31 

It lasted a long time. 

The man leaned his forehead against hers, his breath slightly ragged. “Awake now?” 

Lia covered her flushed lips, blinking awkwardly as a shy expression crept onto her face. 

“I…I haven’t even brushed my teeth yet,” she said. 

“I already have. Don’t worry, I don’t mind,” he said with a grin that was as mischievous as a cat that had just stolen cream, 

“I’m going to wash up first,” she said quickly, scrambling to get up. 

In her haste, she accidentally bumped heads with him. 

“Oh no, Coby, are you okay?” she asked, checking on him anxiously. 

Coby’s gaze shifted to her disheveled neckline, his brows furrowing slightly. 

“I’m fine. Put on a jacket. I don’t want anyone else staring at your body,” he said. 

“Huh? Oh, okay” Only then did Lia realize her clothes were a bit messy. She hurriedly fixed them and put on the jacket he handed her, 

A few minutes later. Lia returned to the tent. 

By then, the sun was starting to rise, painting the horizon in warth hues. They sat side by side. 

The area around them was coming to life, with others stepping out of their tents to watch the sunrise. 

The rising sun illuminated the sky, chasing away the darkness and bringing back the light. 

With his arm wrapped around her waist, he pulled her close and whispered in an unbelievably tender voice. “Lia, I want to. kiss you. 

“Huh?” Lia turned her gaze to him and realized his eyes were filled with an intense, almost predatory look. 

She instinctively licked her lips. “Coby, aren’t we watching the sunrise?” 

He pointed to her pink lips and smirked. “I’m more interested in these.” 

Coby cupped her face in his hands, leaning in slowly under her gaze. 

After a gentle start, his kiss turned wild. 

She closed her eyes, wrapping her arms around his neck as she surrendered to his fervor. 

She thought they were here for the sunrise. It seemed not. 

It’s said that couples who kiss at the moment the sun rises over Skyview Mountain will receive a blessing from the heavens. 

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