Crossroads

Chapter 34

The rain had stopped.

After Stephanie finished eating the bread prepared by Ryan and Kelly, she thanked the hospitable couple, wanting to head back.

Because it was about Christmas, everyone wanted to be home with their families.

Stephanie stole a glance at Dominick. Originally, they planned to return to Havencrest the day before to spend Christmas with George, Stephanie didn’t expect this situation, thinking they needed to hurry back since George could be angry.

Just as Stephanie was about to leave with them, Ryan stopped her. “I think you better stay here with us.

“Last night’s heavy rain caused mudslides that buried many fields and cottages, and the surroundings have become ruins. The mountain roads are impassable now…”

Vincent, unusually serious, added, “Stephanie should stay here. The mountains could collapse at any moment, and the flood hasn’t completely receded yet. We’ll send someone to pick her up once we’re back…” After all, Stephanie was pregnant and shouldn’t wear herself out.

After a moment of silence, everyone finally turned to look at Dominick.

Dominick glanced at Stephanie, then suddenly strode to her. He took her hand and walked straight to the door without saying much.

“She’s staying with me,” Dominick said simply.

Vincent and the others exchanged glances, looking at Dominick’s cold profile, knowing his decision wouldn’t change.

“We’re leaving now. We really appreciated you taking us in last night.”

Vincent and the others said, and bid farewell to Ryan and Kelly before following their pace.

“Dominick, I think it would be better for Stephanie to stay one more night,” Vincent suggested.

As they walked on the rugged and muddy mountain road, they had to be cautious and pay attention to the surroundings.

Dominick tightened his grip on her wrist and seemed not to heed Vincent’s words, vigilantly surveying their surroundings as they moved forward step by step.

“She’s staying with me,” he repeated.

Dominick’s intense gaze fell on Stephanie’s face… He felt reassured with her by his side.

Stephanie didn’t know what he was thinking, Her wrist was starting to ache from his tight grip. She looked up at him. “I…I can actually walk by myself…”

“Stephanie, don’t even think about it!” Dominick’s voice was firm, immediately rejecting her suggestion.

Chapter 34

66%

Stephanie looked frustrated. She didn’t understand why he was being so stern. She hadn’t even finished her words yet.

After about half an hour of walking, they encountered a shallow river about ten feet wide. This river didn’t exist before. It must have been formed by last night’s heavy rain, with a large amount of muddy water rushing down from the mountain.

“It’s not deep, only about 12 inches. We can cross…” Someone had already stepped into the water and crossed to the other side.

Stephanie watched as everyone crossed the shallow river in an orderly manner, preparing to follow suit.

But suddenly, Dominick turned around, and swiftly picked her up. She exclaimed, “Ah, what are you doing?”

Dominick, annoyed, reminded her, “You have injuries on

at her, and inexplicably, her cheeks turned slightly red. Stephanie almost forgot

since childhood, so he was very strong.

and every step he

everything with a serious attitude. She looked at him from the side and thought this serious man quite

are you looking

noticed she seemed distracted,

if she had done something wrong, Stephanie

Stephanie’s eyes widened, looking extremely nervous.

waist…

“Stephanie, what are you…”

next moment, Dominick was stunned, even halting his steps, incredulously watching Stephanie

belt.

Dominick’s surprised tone, Vincent and the others quickly turned

don’t be

was becoming bolder and more audacious, especially

seemed stunned by her sudden initiative, not

without hesitation,

21

Chapter 34

66%

noticed several venomous

had just struck was about 3 feet long. It was hit

“Put me down!”

broke free from his embrace and hurriedly ran

lifeless, she stood there proudly, hands

Stephanie were all dumbfounded. Even Dominick couldn’t help but

snakes, especially

was the first to burst into laughter. “Stephanie, you eagerly unfastened Dominick’s belt and bravely protected

now, that snake was about to lunge at

at them, “Vincent, say another word, and I’ll beat you

than all of us… Dominick, marry someone who’s cute and charming. Stephanie, don’t be too violent, or Dominick might dislike

felt embarrassed by their

shouldn’t pretend to be weak. She had always been alone, with no one to rely on, so she had

her head, bringing her back to

gaze with a

you to protect me from now on,” Dominick joked, seeming

took her hand, continuing

of the village due to the pouring rain, the atmosphere among them

chatter.

you something?” Seeing he was in a good mood,

I name our children in the future?” She túgged on his

children,” and he looked down at her bright eyes, which were filled with anticipation. It made him want

He smiled faintly, “Sure.”

Chapter 34

零65%斷

agreement, Stephanie became even more excited, tightly gripping his arm.

phones finally have

suddenly shouted, interrupting her words. Everyone looked excited because having a signal meant they could contact someone to pick them up, and they wouldn’t have to

Vincent ahead quickly answered a call. “Dominick,

seemed to already know they were trapped in the deserted village and

Dominick. I have something urgent to