long the road like this. He guessed she must live in Bang

her family just yet. How could she explain to her grandparent

She needed to escape and find some semblance of clarity. With a numb determ

ain something was wrong. "How about coming to my farm?" h

ding the trees around them. A clap of thunder made her shriek, and Park

ied her to the car. He opened the door, helped her

e buckle made her flinch slightly, and she could feel his warm breath near her face. As he leaned in, their faces were close, and Lydia found herself

he moved to the driver's seat. He started the car and drove ca

ears old. She was quite mischievous, often ducking und

e time he was eighteen, he had decided to study agriculture with the aim of revitalizing more than a hundred acres of land. It was a daunting t

aw the energetic girl during school holidays when her parents,

Parker learned that her parents had separated. Lydia's father and mo

up truck to take her to school every day, though sometimes the car wouldn't start. On those days, Lydia would carry her school bag and run to catch a ride wi

hey met only occasionally, and Parker learned about her l

me to a complete stop, Lydia stirred from her sleep. She blinked groggily and stared in amazement at

s astonished expression and cou

r to unbuckle his seatbelt. Lydia felt a strange flutter as their faces were so close. She watched as he got

workers. She remembered how she would often get scolded for sneaking under the fence to visit, as everyone was concerned for her safety. But ba

e reflecting a calm, controlled demeanor. "Stan

aking her head in confusion

lively, mischievous Lydia of his childhood, but he rea

ing a girl, growing up and leaving behind the days of childhood mischi

Parker's voice was calm

helming that she hadn't had the chance to share it with anyone. It ha

to cut the conversation short. He di

said gently. "Let's just go into the house first. Yo

rt. She tried to walk as steadily as she could, but her limbs felt weak and uncooperativ

panic, rushing to catch he

ed, hurried out to greet him. Upon witnessing th

nan quickly,"

housekeeper re

e calm surroundings, her ear pressed against Parker's chest, feeling the steady rhy

any longer, and simply wanted to rest a

ed her eyes again, everything m