Chris paused, then embraced her even tighter. Edward chuckled and excused himself to fetch some hot water.

The mountain air had turned a bit chilly, and the desolate surroundings stirred up unpleasant memories deep within Lena.

"I ran away from there after growing up, and I've never dared to return," she whispered. "Even though I came here to teach in this mountainous region, I can never cross that mountain."

"It's okay," Chris reassured her, gently caressing her hair. "There's nothing worth missing in that place. Plus, he's not your biological father."

Lena looked up at him. "Chris, can I ever overcome this mountain? Do you think it's possible?"

Chris' heart tightened. As he gazed into her bright eyes, he found himself at a loss for words.

"Lenny, you don't need to conquer everything in life. We won't be staying here, and this mountain won't relocate to Centrolis. This may be the last time you see this mountain in your life.

He smiled tenderly. "In the battlefield, there's no room for deserters. But here with me, you can escape as much as you want. I can even help you

"Chris..."

the way. It's great if you can conquer this mountain. But

her lip and leaned against his shoulder. After enduring so much hardship in her childhood, perhaps fate had sent someone as wonderful as him to

this," Chris gently changed the subject. "We must prepare to leave with the children in a couple of days. We should do a headcount. Also, my family's

Lena brightened up. "Do we have enough seats

checking the list on his phone and

of the children reflecting their thirst for

lifelong gift for them. Most of the names on the list were girls, but one boy

and was often absent from the classroom. Lena felt like

always seemed to stay hidden in the

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