Chapter 23
The weather up in the mountains was usually unstable, and Azalea Hills was no exception–It began to rain not long after Naomi and Chatles arrived at the bed and breakfast.
The raindrops pitter–pattered against the leaves of the trees like a harmonious orchestra.
Naomi and Charles settled into their rooms, freshened up, and went back downstairs for their dinner.
This time of the year was when the azaleas were in full bloom, so naturally, there were plenty of tourists who came by to see the flowers in bloom, but thankfully, the bed and breakfast was not fully occupied
By nightfall, most of the tourists already went home, so Azalea Hills was once again peaceful and
serene
Naomi and Charles enjoyed their meal in comfortable silence, only occasionally exchanging whispers. of conversation.
Just as they finished their dinner and were about to leave, they heard a loud crack as a bowl fell onto the ground, spilling its contents and shattering into smithereens.
Naomi instinctively turned in the direction of the noise.
A young woman leaped to her feet and pointed at the man sitting across from her. “What’s the meaning of this, Kirk? Are you saying that I forced you to come here against your will? Well, too bad. then you’re already here anyway, so might as well do as I say!”
With that, she whipped around and stomped out of the room in fury, leaving her partner behind, ashen–faced and bewildered at the people staring at him.
one to Charles.
Naomi quickly turned around, took out a pack of tissues from her bag, and handed one
Charles, too, was secretly watching the couple and quickly turned around just as Naomi did. He smiled as he took the tissue from Naomi. “Thank you.”
The two of them then left the restaurant.
The night was pitch black, but the bed and breakfast were alive with light and activity. It was still raining outside, but barely above a drizzle. The rain seemed to have brought with it a dim fog.
“What a nice breath of fresh air.”
The two of them decided to take a walk around the bed and breakfast’s surroundings.
Azalea Hills was far from the hustle and bustle of the city, and the quietness of the hills brought them. a sense of serenity.
Naomi admired the intricate architecture of the quaint little bed and breakfast that they would call home for the night. She was so engrossed in her observation that it took her a moment to register that Charles was talking to her. She turned toward him and nodded in agreement. “Yes, it is. Azalea Hills
has always been known as a great escape from the city.”
As she said this, they arrived at a gazebo that was part of the bed and breakfast compound. The gazebo was crafted with intricate woodwork that depicted people and some sceneries. Còntens bel0ngs to Nô(v)elDr/a/ma.Org
Naomi soon became engrossed in admiring the woodwork.
Charles intended to walk on, but when Naomi stopped, he paused in his footsteps too. He stared at her bocfly, then followed her gaze to the gazebo’s woodwork
He knew that Naomi had a love for woodwork, so he was not surprised to see her distracted by this.
The light from the gazebo enveloped Naomi’s face in a warm glow. Naomi did not usually smile openly unless she was with her friends or people she trusted. When she did not smile, her dainty features were solemn and calm, like a statue of an ancient goddess.
Charles smiled. He put his hands behind his back and waited patiently as Naomi admired the artwork
is since
All of a sudden, the silence was broken by a faint buzzing
Naomi frowned and took her phone out of her pocket.
Take your time. I’ll be right in front. Just catch up with me when you’re done,” Charles said.
“Okay.”
With that, he took a few steps forward while Naomi retreated in the opposite direction, intending to find a spot where she could take her call in peace.
She froze when she glanced at the screen.
It was Scott.