Hilda couldnât resist fetching some chairs for them.
She then turned to Kyson and asked, âWill your guests stay for dinner? Itâs getting quite dark, and the mountain is even darker.
They might have to spend the night, butâ¦â
Hilda hesitated, caught in a dilemma.
âThere are only two beds and a wooden sofa at my place.
Iâm worried that wonât be enough for all of you.â
Kyson, aware of the group of National Security Bureau officers still stationed at the mountainâs summit, quickly declined, âNo, Hilda.
They wonâtâ
He was cut off mid-sentence by Nathanâs raspy voice.
âItâs fine.
Sonny and I can sleep on the floor if we have a couple of quilts.
Traveling down the mountain at night is too risky.
We appreciate your hospitality, Hilda.
We may have to trouble you a bit.â
Despite his best efforts to conceal it, his hoarseness betrayed a hint of emotion; in the faint light, his pale face was just barely visible.
Lucinda paused from peeling peas to give him another look.
Of them all, only Hilda seemed oblivious to the tension in his voice, focusing instead on Nathanâs and Sonnyâs attire.
Their military uniforms spoke of wealth or influence.
âItâs no trouble at all,â she reassured them.
âI just hope you wonât be too uncomfortable here.â
With a grin, Sonny replied, âItâs fine, Hilda.
The airâs crisp and the mountains are stunning.
Weâre lucky to spend the night here.â
Sleeping on the floor wasnât a big deal for them.
He recalled a past adventure when he and Nathan had ventured to the border on a mission.
They had been stuck in the mud for twelve hours, unable to move.
Hildaâs smile brought a slight ease to the tension in the air.
Yet, from the moment he spotted Lucinda, Nathan couldnât tear his gaze away from her.
His sorrow was palpable, yet Lucinda appeared utterly indifferent.
Could she really have forgotten him?
How was that possible?
He looked down and noticed her fingers deftly peeling peas, adorned with the familiar red jade ring on her left hand.
A flicker of hope sparked in Nathanâs eyes as he crouched before Lucinda, his voice raspy with emotion.
âIs it true? Have you really forgotten me?â
Lucinda remained silent.
Lifting her gaze to meet his for a brief moment, she then dropped her eyes and gently replied, âI donât know you.â
His heart twisted in pain.
âWhat about the ring on your left hand? Youâre married, arenât you? Donât you remember who your husband is?â
Lucinda stole a quick look at her left hand; then she lowered her gaze and shook her head.