Ariel almost choked on Katie’s words. “Grandma, you misunderstood. He’s Jayson’s friend.”

Katie’s expression stiffened for a moment. “Well, that won’t do. He’s not suitable. Keep looking, then.”

Leonard helplessly cut a piece of steak for Katie. “Mom, Ari just decided to get a divorce. There’s no need to rush.”

They had talked about this before. He supported Ariel’s decision. A marriage without happiness would only drain a person. Staying was of no benefit.

Katie shot him a glance. “I know that. You young people always say the best way to get over someone is to meet someone new. If she finds a suitable and nice man, why not give it a try?”

Ariel chuckled. “Grandma, you’re quite open–minded, huh?”

She’d expected Katie to worry about her, but it seemed Katie’s experience studying abroad in her youth had made her very open–minded. That put Ariel at ease.

The bonfire party was at 10:00 pm. When they finished dinner, it was just over 8:00 pm.

Ariel asked, “Do you want to try the hot springs? Warm up first, then head to the party.”

Katie and Leonard didn’t mind.

The resort had separate indoor hot springs for men and women, plus an open–air scenic spring.

Katie and Leonard liked quiet, so they went indoors. Ariel preferred the view, so she headed alone to the outdoor spring.

Wrapped in a towel, she entered.

Suddenly, her phone buzzed. Ariel stopped and glanced at it.

It was a message from Jayson. “Happy holidays.”

So simple and concise. She could almost hear his indifferent tone, like he was just checking off a box.

Ariel quietly stared at the two words.

She knew it wasn’t a mass message.

Though she had blocked him on WhatsApp, he didn’t care and sent her this out of basic manners.

Ariel put her phone away without replying.

They were getting divorced anyway. She couldn’t be bothered to go through the motions.

“Ms. Walker!”

A cheerful voice behind Ariel snapped her back.

Freya had run over, with Perry following in a bathrobe.

“Perry said he ran into you. I didn’t expect it to be true. Does this mean we’re on holiday together?” Freya chattered, her face flushed from the steam.

Ariel smiled when she saw her. “Happy holidays, Freya.”

“Too bad, I just got out. Perry rushed me to my medicine.” Freya sounded a bit annoyed. If only she had come a little later, she could’ve stayed and had fun with Ariel.

“No worries. You take your medicine first. Health comes first,” Ariel said kindly.

Freya nodded immediately. “I’ll go now. I’ll come find you later!”

Perry walked over and patted her head. “Don’t dawdle. You’ve got to take your medicine on time. Go on.”

Freya reluctantly squeezed Ariel’s hand. “Wait for me, Ms. Walker.”

She kept glancing back every few steps.

Ariel couldn’t help but smile.

Perry didn’t leave. He was here to enjoy the hot springs and had come for Freya as well. Running into Ariel was just a coincidence.

He glanced her way. “If you’re uncomfortable, I can go somewhere else.”

He knew Ariel didn’t like him.

Ariel wasn’t that overbearing. After all, they both paid to be here and had every right to enjoy the hot springs. It wasn’t her place to tell anyone to leave.

“No need. Do as you like.”

Perry smiled faintly. “Alright, thanks.”

At the door, Freya turned back and saw the two–one tall, one short–chatting. She could almost see a smile playing at Perry’s lips from his side profile.

Freya clicked her tongue. Perry was obviously happy to see Ariel.

Suddenly, a lightbulb went off in her head. She quickly snapped a photo of the two. From where she was, all she could catch was the back of Ariel.

After thinking for a moment, Freya decided to share a series of photos from the day–shots of the fancy dinner, a family picture, scenic views, and the one of Ariel’s back with Perry.

Once she was done editing, she posted them on Instagram.