fantishu
Chapter 1756
Chapter 1756
The trio gathered in the cozy cabin nestled in the heart of the countryside.
Skyler led Cornelia and Hannah inside. “Nelly, doesn’t this place give you a sense of déjà vu?”
Cornelia looked around, taking in the neatly organized and homey interior. “It’s got a similar vibe to your chalet in Nice, right? Though this one’s quite a bit more spacious.”
Skyler nodded, a touch of pride in her voice. “Yeah, I sketched the blueprints myself and had the craftsmen build it to spec.”
Cornelia took Skyler’s hand and squeezed it tightly. “Skyler, I can’t even begin to tell you how overjoyed I am to see you again.”
Hannah chimed in, “Me too.”
Skyler smiled warmly. “Seeing both of you again makes me very happy too.”e2
Cornelia opened her mouth, intending to ask Skyler about the past years, but she found herself unable to voice her queries. As she looked at Skyler now, so peaceful and serene, she realized she didn’t need to after all.
“Take a seat, you two. I’ll brew us some tea.” After inviting Cornelia and Hannah to sit down, Skyler prepared two cups of tea with her own hands and handed them over. “This is a local blend. Tell me what you think.”
Hannah lifted the cup to her nose, inhaling the aroma before taking a delicate sip. “Steven loves his tea. I’ve never been a fan. No matter how fine the tea, it all tastes the same to me.”
Skyler turned to Cornelia, who took a gentle sip under their watchful eyes, and then another. “I can’t really tell good tea from bad, but this tastes fresh and slightly sweet.”
Skyler laughed. “Our local tea is top-notch, but due to our remote location, it doesn’t sell well. Most of it goes for bargain prices.”
Cornelia replied, “Distribution isn’t an issue. If the tea’s good, I can find buyers and ensure a fair deal for the farmers.”
“Let’s not worry about that now,” Skyler interjected, pulling out a grill. “I’ve prepared some barbecue for us. Let’s eat and chat.”
There wasn’t just barbecue; Skyler had also brewed her own rice wine. Both Cornelia and Hannah were astonished. “Skyler, how on earth can you do everything?”
Skyler replied with a smile, “To put it nicely, I’ve got a knack for this stuff. Less nicely, I had to learn to make a living.”
Cornelia and Hannah’s eyes brimmed with tears. “Skyler…”
Skyler reassured them, “Nell, Hannah, don’t feel sorry for me. These past three years have been some of the happiest of my life. Away from the hustle and bustle of the city, away from those who hurt and looked down on me, doing what I love, living off the land-l couldn’t ask for a more carefree life.”
For the first twenty-odd years of her life, Skyler had never truly lived for herself.
After faking her death to escape Zavier, she found her sanctuary in this secluded spot and started anew. At first, times were tough. Fortunately, she quickly landed a job as a substitute teacher at the local school. Because of her excellent teaching, she soon became a full-time teacher.Published by Nôv'elD/rama.Org.
With a steady job, she then leased some land. She farmed her own crops and hired help during the busy seasons, gradually achieving a self-sufficient lifestyle.
Every day followed a similar routine, seemingly monotonous, yet deeply fulfilling.
As they savored the barbecue and sipped the homemade wine, they listened to Skyler. recount her life over the past couple of years. Seeing Skyler now, so free and content, Cornelia and Hannah felt genuine happiness for their friend.