Chapter 6

Gianna had no intention of telling him the truth just yet. "I'm feeling a bit tired, so I'm taking a short leave from school. I just want to travel around for a few days, and it's nothing too far." She turned her phone toward him, showing the travel guides she had been browsing. Seeing that she wasn't lying, Ezra finally relaxed a little and let go of her arm. "That's more like it. I knew you wouldn't be that petty. It's just a patent—if you want, you can always come up with another one." Just then, his phone rang. It was Gabriel calling from the hospital. "Ezra, where did you go? Maya woke up and realized you weren't there, and her condition worsened. Now, she's trying to bang her head against the wall. "She's bleeding a lot. You need to come back now!" Ezra hurried toward the door, but before leaving, he turned back to remind Gianna, "Go ahead and travel if you want, but don't stray too far from home." Gianna smiled silently while thinking to herself, "Don't worry, I won't go too far… Just far enough that none of you will be able to find me." On his way out, Ezra passed by the pile of ashes in the courtyard. He frowned slightly. Even though he had told himself it didn't matter, something about it still made him uneasy. But then, he brushed it off. Gianna had already been so heartless, so why should he feel guilty toward someone like that? Still, for some reason, an unsettling feeling lingered in his chest. It was as if she was hiding something from him. "Stop overthinking. Where could she possibly go? Right now, taking care of Maya is more important. I don't have time to be distracted." With that thought, he turned away, leaving Gianna behind once more. Over the next few days, Gianna joined a tour group and visited all the famous landmarks in the city. She was surrounded by people her age, and the atmosphere was lively. They watched the sunset from mountaintops, sang songs under the stars, and grilled barbecue together. Here, there was no pain from family or love. And more than ever, she realized that in the end, people should live for themselves. The last stop of the trip was an upscale garden restaurant. Gianna had just found a seat by the window, ready to quietly enjoy the afternoon, when she saw a familiar figure walk in. It was none other than Maya. Today was also the day of her discharge from the hospital, so the entire Ramsey family was there to celebrate. They even chose the most eye-catching table in the restaurant. There was champagne, gifts, and cake. Everything Gianna had never been given was now lavishly spread out before Maya, as if she were a little princess, free to take her pick. Christopher poured a glass of wine for Maya, but Ezra frowned and said, "Christopher, Maya just got out of the hospital. She shouldn't be drinking." "Come on, what's the fun in drinking alone? If she can't have it, why don't you drink a couple of glasses for her?" Maya leaned closer to Ezra. Her voice was soft as she said, "Ezra, don't worry about me. A little won't hurt. Christopher is happy today, and I don't want to ruin the mood. Let me have some, okay?" The way they whispered to each other and the intimacy in their body language made them appear like a couple in the early stages of a deepening romance to the onlookers. Gabriel immediately seized the moment, grinning mischievously. "If she can't drink, how about you two kiss instead?" Christopher's eyes lit up. "Yes! Yes! If you two kiss, I won't ask Maya to drink." Maya's face flushed bright red, but she didn't refuse. Instead, she turned to Ezra as her eyes gleamed with coy allure. Then, she raised her chin slightly, as if waiting for something. Ezra felt his throat go dry under the weight of her gaze. Just as he hesitated, Maya suddenly leaned in and pressed her lips against his. He hadn't expected her to be so bold. He instinctively wanted to push her away. But when her soft, warm body melted against his, he finally caved under her advances. His breath grew rapid as he responded to her kiss.