Chapter 244
She had never noticed before, but now she was surprisingly bold, and she seemed quite skilled at it.
Just then, a large hand blocked her view.
Startled, she instinctively tried to push it away.
Instead, she got a light tap on the forehead.
"You think you can just watch anything?" William teased.
Victoria pushed his hand away, rubbing her head. "What's the big deal? We're not kids anymore. Besides, if they dare to kiss, why can't I watch?"
William looked at her like she was a stranger, his eyes widening. "What happened to you these past few years? You used to blush just talking about this stuff!"
Victoria sneered, "Isn't that thanks to you?"
As soon as the words left her mouth, her smile froze, and she looked away in frustration. "I didn't mean it like that."
William was also taken aback for a moment, then he narrowed his deep eyes and gave a faint smile. "So, you're still a good girl."
Victoria's face turned red instantly.
She quickly stuffed a few pieces of food into her mouth and stood up to head into the tent. "I'm tired. I need more sleep."
Suddenly, her wrist was grabbed.
She turned back, puzzled, looking at William.
"Eat so much and you're not afraid of indigestion? Get up and walk around."
"I didn't eat that much! And I don't need exercise."
Her protest was completely ignored.
William's grip was strong, and as he pulled her along, Victoria almost stumbled.
She quickly shook off his hand. "I can walk by myself."
William shoved his hands into his pockets, looking at the lively scene around them. "What do you think of this place? Any suggestions?"
"No complaints, it's great."
Seeing her perfunctory attitude, William just raised an eyebrow slightly and said nothing more.
The two of them walked around the camp, and as the crowd gradually dispersed, only two bonfires continued to burn brightly.
Victoria didn't want to be alone with him and was about to head back when she received a message from Marcella.
[Don't come back so soon!!!]
Staring at those three exclamation marks, Victoria understood perfectly well what was going on.
Are those two moving too fast?
As she sat by the fire in a daze, William spoke leisurely beside her. "Now you know why I asked you to come out for a walk?"
Victoria looked at him in surprise. "You figured it out already?"
He scoffed. "A guy and a girl alone together, what else could it be?"
Victoria's heart skipped a beat, and she blurted out, "Is that how it was back then with you too?"
She regretted it as soon as she said it.
Damn, what's wrong with her tonight?
"I was just asking casually, no other meaning. Just pretend I didn't ask," she quickly added.
But William looked at her deeply, the flickering firelight in his eyes seemed to be saying something.
"To you, I..."
Her heart tightened. She didn't want to know the answer, but she couldn't help feeling nervous.
Just then, a series of loud bangs erupted, and the sky lit up with a dazzling display of fireworks.
It was the camp's regular fireworks show.
Victoria watched William's mouth move, but the answer she deliberately ignored was lost in the brilliant fireworks.
When the fireworks ended, Victoria slowly looked away.
William was on the phone.
She overheard him asking, "How are you feeling now? I'm at the camp. Yes, I'll be back soon."
Victoria suddenly lost interest. Whatever he was about to say no longer mattered.
She didn't want to delve into it. Keeping things as they were was just fine.
William turned and saw her, hesitated for a moment, but Victoria spoke first. "Leaving? Go ahead."
She got up and walked back, hoping she wouldn't run into an awkward scene when she returned. Their alone time had lasted long enough.
Suddenly, William grabbed her wrist.
She looked up, her expression calm as water.
William frowned, staring at her intently. "Can you stay?"
"Of course not." She smiled lightly, gently pushing his hand away. "One night here is enough. Beautiful experiences should be left with a sense of longing, so you'll look forward to coming back next time."
William wanted to say something, but his phone rang again.
The frown on his face deepened.
He finally answered, "Okay, I'm leaving now."
Victoria gave him a brief glance and turned to leave.
By the time William hung up and turned back, she was already far away.
When Victoria got back to the tent, she deliberately cleared her throat.
Soon, Marcella, cheeks flushed, emerged from Alton's tent. "You're back. Get some rest."
She ducked into another tent.
A moment later, Alton came out too.
Victoria looked at him with a hint of disdain.
"Why are you looking at me like that?" Alton felt wronged. "Weren't you the one who set us up?"
"Are you serious about this?"
"What does serious mean? Marriage?" Alton laughed and waved his hand. "Even if I proposed now, she wouldn't say yes. So why think so far ahead? Just enjoy the moment."
Victoria's views were a bit traditional. To her, any relationship not aimed at marriage was irresponsible.
Alton changed the subject. "What about you and Mr. Scott?"
Victoria immediately crossed her arms, signaling him to stop.
"Don't ask. It won't change anything."
"Alright." Alton lit a cigarette, looking content and relaxed, making Victoria roll her eyes.
"Marcella is my boss. Don't mess around. If you really don't want to continue, at least talk to her properly. Don't just disappear! Otherwise, even if she doesn't come looking for you, I will!"
Alton was amused by her words. "Alright, alright. For your sake, I won't be an irresponsible jerk."
Victoria said no more and turned back to her tent.
Marcella seemed to be asleep already. Victoria quietly took off her jacket and slipped into her sleeping bag.
Suddenly, a voice came from beside her. "Thanks for earlier."
Victoria was startled.
She heard that?
After speaking, Marcella seemed a bit embarrassed, adjusting her position and pretending to fall asleep quickly.
After returning from the camp, Marcella and Alton were completely smitten with each other.
The two were inseparable, making Victoria feel like a third wheel.
She had come to Harborview City on paid leave, with flexible vacation rules.
Originally, she planned to relax, but seeing the situation, she decided it was better to head back soon.
"No way!"
The first to object was Marcella.
She had just gotten together with Alton and didn't want to return to Silvermist City so soon.
"I mean, you stay here, and I'll go back alone." Victoria patiently explained.
"That's even worse!" Marcella sat down next to her, linking her arm with Victoria's, acting like a close friend, which made Victoria a bit uncomfortable.