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.

forgot the pain in her back

it before we head back down,"

just that. She closed her eyes, using her other senses to

the sounds. Birds called, leaves rustled

The path down was easier, and Ivy soon realized just how badly she wanted

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

one of

Successfully unlocked!

fun, Theresa said as she returned. "We should

not, Theresa, Ivy said

it's your first.

Try doubted

no point arguing

treat you to lunch

to check up

could drive you there,"

chest the felt bad for wanting to see Rita while they were hanging

drove to Rita's house, and even

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

saw

Hello se smuled

said 7m here to

smiled "I only babysit her child. You can call

thought. So Rita was not married

just come back? Ivy

your name so

about that" Ivy interrupted with a smile, turning

the

the's not around

lunch, where are you going?" Theresa

to see my dad," Ivy lied, then

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

her

made her way to the nurses' station and was directed to

"Come in," he called.

Ivy stepped inside

gesturing for her

here to know

lifted. "Thope

burned. "I recently found out that my

confirmed with a nod. "She came in

clenched. "Was

similar cases, but

t was

admitted. "But I tried my very best to manage it. And she was very cooperative; always showing up, always taking her medication." Ivy's stomach sank. Her dear mother had been severely depressed. "Do...