Chapter 177: Overprotective Tendencies

Mariana's arms screamed in protest with each peach she plucked. The basket, now heavy with the day's harvest, strained against her grip. Wiping a bead of sweat from her brow, she called out, "Simon, I think I've reached my limit here." Simon, already halfway towards her with an empty basket, stopped short. "Not a chance, Mariana," he boomed with a playful grin. "Let me take that before you sprout wings and fly away." Mariana, despite her aching muscles, instinctively tightened her hold on the basket. "Absolutely not! You know how delicate these peaches are. One wrong move, and they'll be bruised to a pulp." Simon's grin softened into a chuckle. "Alright, alright, carefulness champion. But seriously, you look exhausted. Here, let me at least help you with that." He extended a hand towards the basket, his movements gentle and controlled. His persistence puzzled Mariana. Why was he so intent on protecting her? She glanced around and noticed the cameraman zooming in on their interactio