Chapter 5
The chatter from the living room continued, and Gemma arched her lips slightly.
Camping, huh?
…
When Thomas returned home that evening, he asked about her hospital visit over dinner.
Gemma softly answered, “The doctor said it’s nothing serious. I just need to stay in a good mood and go out more often. It helps.”
“Go out more?”
“Yeah.”
Thomas didn’t press further and reminded her to visit the hospital regularly, while Gemma replied, “Alright.”
Sadie spoke up, “Gemma hasn’t been in good health, and it’s probably because she spends too much time alone. Shall I take her out on vacations and stuff?”
Thomas frowned. “You have Florian to take care of. Where would you find the time?”
Amelia chimed in, “I’ll do it if Sadie’s busy. Plus, I’ve planned a camping trip with Wesley and a few friends this weekend. You could come with us, Gemma.”
Before Gemma could respond, Thomas had decided for her. “That sounds good. You should go.”
“Alright, Dad.”
…
On the weekend, Gemma and Amelia arrived at the seaside campsite. Most of the group had arrived by the time they got there.
Seeing the unfamiliar Gemma by Amelia’s side, they asked, “Amy, who’s this?”
Amelia introduced her with a smile. “This is Thomas’ daughter, Gemma Field.”
“Oh.” With that introduction, all eyes turned to Gemma. Some carried curiosity and admiration, while others scrutinized her.
Gemma wore a white dress with her long hair cascading down her back. Her light makeup accentuated her elegant demeanor.
Amelia turned to her. “Go ahead and mingle.” Then, she walked toward Wesley.
Wesley sat at a table toward the back and occasionally sipped on coffee. There was a stark contrast between his elegant composed demeanor and the lively conversation around him.
Gemma watched as Amelia sat beside him, and they started talking. She had no idea what they said, but Amelia lowered her head slightly and smiled.
“Wes and Amy look good together, don’t they?” A voice interrupted Gemma’s thoughts. She withdrew her gaze and looked up.
The young man who’d spoken to her had bright eyes and a warm demeanor. His well-defined features carried a boyish charm.
Instead of answering his question, she simply looked at him with a soft and innocent gaze.
Jacob Gray was dazed by her stare. Then, he realized he hadn’t introduced himself. “Hello, I’m Jacob Gray.”
“Gemma Field.”
“I know. Amy just told us.” Jacob blinked playfully.
Gemma lowered her gaze and was unsure of what to say. Jacob had initiated the conversation, but she’d never been great at keeping it going.
Sensing her hesitation, he carefully reassured her. “Everyone here is pretty easy going. You don’t have to hold yourself back. This is your first time here; perhaps you’ll feel comfortable the more you come.”
“Mm,” she responded softly.
“Oh! I heard from Amy that you just came back from abroad?”
“Yeah.”
“Which country?”
“Vesterland.”
“That’s really far. How did you end up there all by yourself?”
A faint smile curved on Gemma’s lips as she replied, “Don’t you know? I was kicked out of the Field family back then.”
Jacob’s eyes widened in disbelief, while she continued smiling and met his shocked gaze briefly before looking away.
Her eyes landed on Wesley, who was walking toward the other side of the beach and talking on the phone.
An idea popped in her mind, and she got up. “I’d like to take a walk alone, Mr. Gray. Please excuse me.”
“Sure.”
After parting ways with Jacob, Gemma walked in the direction Wesley had gone. She spotted him by the shore from a distance with one hand in his pocket and his phone pressed to his ear.
Instead of approaching, she settled in a quiet spot and put on her earphones. The calming sea breeze brushed refreshingly across her skin.
The moment was so peaceful and immersive that she lost herself in it until she sensed a gaze on her.
Turning around, she found Wesley standing behind her with one hand still in his pocket. His expression was as calm as ever as he said, “Amelia is looking for you.”
“Oh.” She took some time to respond. As she stood up to leave, her foot slipped, and her body tilted backward…
Wesley swiftly caught her arm and wrapped a hand around her waist, pulling her into his embrace.
