“Really? All by yourself?” Genuine surprise colored Hadley’s tone.
“Yeah,” Eric affirmed with a serious nod. “From the initial planning to the final setup, I handled everything.”
He had clearly invested significant effort.
Hadley pursed her lips, but seeing the extent of his efforts, she relented.
“Alright, let’s continue. Ugh!”
She yelped again as another mosquito bit her. ? ?s? ?s find·novel·net
“Why aren’t these bloodsuckers bothering you?” Hadley glared at him, scratching her arm.
“Don’t know,” Eric replied with an innocent shrug, holding up his hands. “Maybe the mosquitoes just find you more delectable.”
“Hurry up!” Hadley urged, swatting at another mosquito. “The sooner we find it, the sooner we can escape this insect invasion!”
“Okay,” Eric agreed, his pace quickening.
They explored a few more clusters of bushes, and soon Hadley clutched a substantial bouquet of roses.
Hadley threw her hands up in exasperation. “Just give it to me already, or I’m leaving this mosquito-infested nightmare!”
“Don’t!” Eric’s voice held a note of desperation. “I’m almost certain it’s right around here.”
He confessed sheepishly, “I can’t quite recall the precise location.”
“What?” Hadley exclaimed, utterly exasperated. “I’m done with your games! This isn’t a surprise; it’s a mosquito feast, and I’m the main course!”
“I’ll go get some bug spray. Stay put; don’t move!” Eric said quickly, a flash of urgency in his eyes. “I’ll be right back!”
With that, he spun around and sprinted into the darkness.
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“Hey!” Hadley called after him, but he had already vanished. Suddenly, a soft light pulsed right beside her feet.
All she needed to do was bend down and reach for the source of the glow.
“Wait…” Hadley breathed, her eyes widening slightly.
Eric had only taken a few steps away when a sudden noise made him pause and hurry back. “Is everything okay, Hadley?”
There stood Hadley, seemingly frozen in place. Could she have stumbled upon it already?
Hadley stared intently at the item resting in her palm. This wasn’t another rose. It was a delicate velvet box.
The small shape alone was enough to hint at what lay within.
“Hadley?”
Rushing closer, Eric’s gaze instantly fell on the box nestled in her hands. Excitement brightened his expression. “So, you finally spotted it?”
He knew it was hidden nearby.
Eric swallowed anxiously, anticipation clear in his gaze. “Aren’t you going to see what’s inside?”
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