Scott hurried over and found five brand-new hundred-dollar bills stashed under the cutting board.

"Officer Chad, for just a few cherries, this is way too much."

Chad hadn't planned this with Molly. It was all her, sneaking over, grabbing his wallet, and leaving the money there.

"Molly really gets me, huh?"

Molly grinned, "Of course, only I truly understand you."

Looking for a lunch spot, Molly found a riverside picnic club on her phone.

Molly nibbled on her thumb, "Chad-"

"Henry's too young."

"He won't eat much anyway."

"The smoke will be strong."

Molly stopped pleading and got down to business, "Chad, if you take me to the picnic, I'll stay over at the Byrne family's house tonight."

Officer Chad, always ready to compromise, asked, "Where's it at?"

A half-hour drive later, they arrived at the bustling riverside, vehicles parked all around. It was a busy weekend. Walking down the slope, Andre carried his son and held his wife's hand, surrounded by dirt paths and the smoke from woodland barbecues. Kids played by the river, and a few high school students in uniforms were there too.

was thrilled with his daughter's choice. He always had a

and Leo joked about

bring supplies, nearby vendors sold all

food's freshness

and Leo fetched things, and Molly found a spot to clear some stones. Mia, the mom, wandered around with her child, feeling the heat and Henry's fussiness from lack of sleep,

setting a stove and charcoal on the ground, "This was ordered by a Mr. Cedillo. Should

my husband?" Mia asked, patting her

child to play on," the young man said, setting down the stove and making sure I was

after, Andre arrived with a new cushion, unwrapping it and laying it on the ground, "Mia,

settled yet. I'll hold

carrying skewers of meat and vegetables, placing

I've never heard of it before." He used to be a

cushion for her son to lie on. Anya, wielding

young man lit the stove and explained, "We call it Scholar's River. Legend has it that in ancient times, a scholar passing through here caught a fish. His wife cooked it, and after eating, he went to his exams and topped them. On his way back, he remembered the fish and ate it again.

listen, turned to

Most visitors these past few weeks have been high school

who was sitting

demeanor, as Mia remarked, "That explains all the

explained to Hansen, "This used to be part of the neighboring county but was incorporated into Havenbrook during the expansion. It used to belong

Hansen recalled recent events, "This place is nice, with mountains, water, beautiful scenery, and a lively

"Is that story true or just a legend? If it's true, I'll bring my grandson here to eat fish when he's taking his college entrance exams in 18 years." Henry, cradled by his dad, cried a bit, then continued

dad's arms, instinctively clutching his dad's finger, miraculously calming into a peaceful

The Novel will be updated daily. Come back and continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

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