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

before

senses to feel the moment. The air smelled like damp earth, untouched by

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

water, ate some snacks before proceeding back down. The path down was easier, and Ivy

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

one of the

Successfully unlocked!

she returned. "We

Theresa, Ivy said

because it's your first. Don't

Try doubted

no point arguing

to lunch Theresa offered,

Teika to check

could drive you there,"

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

mand. She drove to Rita's house, and even stayed in

and knocked on the door. The door was opened

young lady Ivy saw on

Hello se smuled

7m here to

lady smiled "I only babysit her child. You can

Rita was not

come back? Ivy

name so I

Ivy interrupted with

returned to the

not around

After lunch, where are you going?" Theresa asked, starting the

my dad,"

talked. By the time they parted ways at the

her

the nurses' station and was

"Come in," he called.

Ivy stepped inside

greeted, gesturing for her to sit.

I'm here to know

lifted. "Thope there's

that my mom was

confirmed with a nod. "She came in

clenched. "Was

I've seen similar cases,

t was

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