A marriage deal with billionaire stone (Ivy and Silas)

Chapter 88: Hiking in Tamalpais

"You're doing just great Theresa said, her voice full with excitement

Ivy groaned already regretting her decision: She adjusted the backpack for the umpteenth time as she followed. Theresa daintily

She should have known hiking was a horrible mistake when Themsa showed in the house with a backpack filled with chunky water bottle, a first aid kit, a pair of hiking poles, and snacks-snacks sheedn't even been able to eat yet

Ivy panted as she followed Theresa down the rugged trail. Theresa was enjoying the hike a little too much-much to her disdain. She was smiling, talking as though they weren't clambing a mountain

Hector, their hir quide, paused and glanced at them. How are we doing, ladies?"

"Great" Theresa said

"Terrible," Ivy replied.

Theresa and Hector laughed

"Don't worry, it gets easier Hector assured her.

Ivy frowned. Of course it was easy for him.

"When we get to the top, it'll be worth it. The view is to die for, Hector added.

"You heard that? Hang in there, Theresa said.

Ivy groaned again as she adjusted the backpack. Heat pricked her neck, making her scratch. If there was one lesson to learn here, it was that she detested hiking, and she and Theresa would have to bond over another hobby

She climbed, hearing nothing but dirt and scattered rocks under her feet. She had to give it to Tamalpais-it was gorgeous with huge redwoods kissing the sky. As they climbed higher, the scenery changed-the air grew colder, the mountain steeper

Hector pointed to a distance. "That part over there? The people of Coastal Ridemo used to live up there. Enjoying the cold. thriving as a nation."

Ivy listened, welcoming a chance to catch her breath.

"That is so humbling and refreshing to know Theresa said.

"They lived there for centuries" Hector added. "Until they even moved."

Ivy was impressed by Hector's culture and happy he got to share it with others.

"The trail is getting steeper Time to use your poles, Hector instructed,

Ivy groaned but obeyed. She bit her lip, forcing herself to focus on the path. A step after the other, she planted the poles firmly in the dirt.

When they finally reached the top, Ivy's legs throbbed. For a moment, her discomfort didn't allow her to enjoy the sight When she finally did, she gasped, "Told you," Hector chuckled.

It was magnificent to see the world from this height. Ivy's heart fluttered at the sight

"It's beautiful," Theresa said, her voice thick with emotions.

"It's breathtaking" Ivy added.

she forgot the pain in her back

time to appreciate it before we head back down," Hector

Ivy did just that. She closed her eyes, using her other senses to feel the moment. The air smelled like damp earth, untouched

sounds. Birds called, leaves rustled in the wind-it

path down

the state park, Hector show fully an up. Once Ivy was done, she waited

under one of the visitor

Successfully unlocked!

was fun, Theresa said as she returned. "We should do

not, Theresa, Ivy said

because it's your first. Don't worry you'll get used

Try doubted

no point arguing

you to lunch Theresa offered,

to check up

drive you there," Theresa

regret tightened her chest the felt bad for wanting to see Rita while they were hanging out fut Theresa

and even stayed in the

house and knocked on the door.

lady Ivy saw on

Hello se smuled

7m here to see

smiled "I only babysit her child. You can call her, or maybe, come

So Rita was not

just come back? Ivy

name so I

that" Ivy interrupted with a smile, turning to leave.

to the car Theresa asked. "So

not around Ivy

are you going?"

hospital. I'm going to see my dad," Ivy

and talked. By the time they parted ways at the hospital,

her

the nurses' station and was directed to Dr Collins' office.

"Come in," he called.

Ivy stepped inside

her

I'm here to know about my

Collins's eyebrows lifted. "Thope there's no

out that my

a nod. "She came in almost every week

"Was it that

I've seen similar cases,

t was

showing up, always taking her medication." Ivy's stomach sank. Her dear