Turning Of the Tide by Diana Sander

It was the next day. The entire Sapphire City looked as if it were covered by a pure white quilt. Everywhere you looked, white was visible. The snow scene was beautiful, creating a sense of tranquility and delight.

Amidst the quietude, there was laughter and joy at an ice rink in a certain part of Sapphire City. The snow was still falling, and due to the heavy snowfall, their originally planned outdoor activities were canceled. In order not to dampen the spirits, Joseph took charge and arranged for the group to be at the ice rink. He rented the entire rink for the occasion.

Frank and Ava held hands, gracefully dancing on the ice rink. They circled around again and again, with Frank occasionally lifting Ava and spinning her around. The young lady laughed freely, embracing Frank's neck. In the distance, Joseph also smiled when he saw them enjoy themselves. George, wearing a pair of mini skates, was a bit timid and did not dare to take a step forward.

Joseph held his son's hands, patiently teaching and providing a sense of security. Encouraged by his dad, George gathered the courage to slide forward bit by bit. His lower body and upper body were several inches apart from his movement, revealing the little guy's nervousness.

On the other side of the rink, Christina, wearing ice skates, crouched in a corner collecting information.

As for Natalie and Trevon, they were somewhat teasing each other affectionately like love birds in public. They played with fancy skating moves, chasing each other, twirling in circles, and even performing a skating dance.

Quinn, holding a seemingly reluctant Stella, couldn't move her feet and clung to the edge of the wall, with her buttocks an inch away from his upper body just like George, saying, "Quinn, I... I'm afraid." "What are you afraid of? I'll protect you. And why are you two just standing there watching instead of joining the fun?" Quinn looked at Leia and Chris, both standing still, separated by one person's distance, watching the others skate. Both of them had ice skates on their feet. Leia couldn't skate, but Chris could. As for why Chris could skate, thanks to Trevon and the others during their college days. They often played these activities, and with time, they naturally learned some things, like ice skating at the moment, which Trevon and Frank enjoyed a lot.

Chris, in a short black down jacket, surveyed the surroundings. He realized everyone had already formed groups, even the children. Yana was playing with Sophia, Jasper was with Olivia, and George was being taken care of by Joseph. It seemed like it was just him and Leia left on the ice rink. He withdrew his gaze, approached the woman who was in one person's distance from him, and asked, "Do you want to play?" Leia naturally noticed this and did not want to dampen the mood. "I can skate a little, but | might bump into people.” Before Chris could speak, Christina skated over, smiling. "Leia, let my brother teach you. He's good at skating; he learned from Trevon and the others." Upon hearing Christina mention Trevon, Natalie asked, "You used to go skating often?" Trevon's lips curved into a nice arc as he replied, "Just to pass the time before | met you." Natalie was speechless to hear the answer.

Seeing everyone having fun, Leia did not want to be left out. "Then, | will have to ask for your help, Dr. Yamin." Leia generously extended her hand, and Chris hesitated for a second before reaching out. Their hands met, her fingers held by his large hand, mutually conveying warmth. The heartbeats of the two quickened and synchronized at the same moment. Leia pursed her lips, looking down at her feet. Chris reminded her, "Look up." In that fleeting moment of looking up, the two collided unexpectedly.

Chris's chin took a hit, and Leia instinctively reached out to see, her fingertips touching his chin. He was momentarily stunned, forgetting to speak.

a thrilling scene, something to share with her mom. She sent the well-taken photos to her mom and then slipped over to Joseph's side. George still

of Christina. Perhaps because Leia was sliding too fast, she could not stand steadily and stumbled towards the edge. Chris instinctively reached out to grasp her waist. She had a slender waist, even through the down jacket, it could be felt. Time stood still at that moment, she looked at him, and he looked at her as if some chemistry was between them. After looking for a while, both of them realized their lapse in composure. Leia averted her gaze first. "Let me try on my own." When Leia withdrew her hand from Chris's palm, an empty feeling crept into his heart, as if something were missing and the feeling was not good. This was an

Leia approach the wall with a smile that seemed both mocking and ambiguous. Leia felt uncomfortable with this smile and approached to inquire,

boldness you have in your career into your love

haven't found the right one," Leia

a lifetime." Leia, still resting against the wall, was astonished at what she had heard. "Is it that outrageous? It can't be." Impatient by nature, Quinn did not like beating around the bush. Otherwise, she would not have divorced so decisively and left with a clean slate. She shouted to Chris in the distance, "Hey, Dr. Charming. Do you have a girlfriend?" Leia, with her back to Chris, kept signaling to Quinn with her eyes as if asking, "What are you doing? The girlfriend is just one reason; family background is another.” Quinn spread her hands, comforting her. "Don't be nervous. What's wrong with asking? It's not illegal.” Stella leaned against the wall and approached, panting heavily. "My brother is single. A fucking real bachelor.” Chris from a distance did not know

don't you want to play anymore?" Jasper replied, "It's been a little long for her to skate.” Trevon instructed his son, "Then take a break. Take your sister to the café outside to find Joseph, and we'll be there shortly." Jasper nodded. "Okay, got it." Frank and Ava

no intention of stopping. She signaled to Yana to let go, claiming she

did not dare let go. If anything happened, she would not be able

little and sneaked up to Sophia. With a single-minded focus on skating by herself, Sophia quickly removed her grasp while Yana wasn't paying attention and swiftly glided away. Sophia proved to be quite adept at skating, consistently demonstrating good learning abilities in

His words were like nothing to Sophia, and she was too excited and refused to listen. At the turning point, Stella moved like a snail,

avoid her in her mind. Everyone held their breath.

and spread her legs wide. After Sophia fell, she slid through Stella's legs

Chris crouched down to check. After confirming there were no issues, Sophia, seeing everyone's stern faces, twisted her waist and hips, assuring them she was fine. It did not hurt at all and it was not a big deal. She had fallen much more seriously when practicing martial arts. Seeing Sophia was fine, everyone breathed a sigh of relief. Without waiting for his daughter to say anything, Trevon changed her skates into shoes and took her out of

others left, Stella, still in shock, patted her chest. Leia asked if

ordered a milkshake, while the three children had juice and George had milk. Separated by the glass window, they could see the panoramic view of the ice rink. Inside, Chris was talking with three women. Trevon

really like Chris?" Frank coldly glanced at Chris inside the skating rink and said, "Stop calling