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.

moment, she forgot the pain in her back and the burning in her

to appreciate it before

to feel the moment. The air smelled

the sounds. Birds called, leaves

they drank some water, ate some snacks before proceeding back down. The path down was easier, and Ivy soon realized just how badly she wanted to be

state park, Hector show fully an up. Once Ivy was

of

Successfully unlocked!

as she returned. "We should do that sometime

not, Theresa, Ivy

your first. Don't worry you'll get

Try doubted

no point arguing

treat you to lunch Theresa

Teika to check

could drive you there," Theresa

felt bad for wanting to see Rita

and even

fota's house and knocked on the door. The door

young lady Ivy saw on the bicycle

Hello se smuled

y said 7m

only babysit her

So Rita was not

I just come back? Ivy

your name so

that" Ivy interrupted with a smile,

the car Theresa asked. "So

the's not around

you going?" Theresa asked, starting the

see my dad," Ivy

By the time they parted ways at the hospital, Ivy was

her

was directed to Dr Collins' office. She

"Come in," he called.

Ivy stepped inside

for her to sit.

here to know

Collins's eyebrows lifted.

"I recently found out that my mom was

a nod. "She came in almost every week

"Was

similar

t was

was very cooperative; always showing up, always taking her medication." Ivy's stomach sank. Her dear mother had been severely depressed. "Do...