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    By early afternoon the next day, Jessica and Brian arrived in Wynmere as scheduled, rejoining the production

    team and the other cast members.

    As one episode had already been filmed, Raymond skipped the usual bonding activities that evening. Instead, he encouraged everyone to rest, promising an early departure the next morning.

    Their first destination was Blueveil Lake.

    “Today’s activity is simple. Just enjoy a peaceful walk. Feel free to explore the area and take in the scenery. Have a good time,” Raymond said, keeping his instructions brief before taking his leave.

    Jessica nced at Brian, suspecting he pulled strings again as the day’s n seemed unusually rxed.

    Brian shook his head. It wasn’t him this time.

    “Come on. Let’s take some pictures,” he added, not bothering to question the crew’s motives. He took her hand and led her toward theke.

    The early sunlight shimmered across the water, casting a soft blush over theke’s ssy surface. Reeds along the shore swayed gently in the breeze, while birds darted through them, foraging among the stems.

    Suddenly, a shadow skimmed the water, startling a flock of gulls into flight.

    A local melody drifted across theke, mingling with the rustle of wings.

    A small wooden boat appeared in the distance. At its stern stood a girl in a simple dress, her movements practiced and steady as she guided the oars. Her voice rose above the breeze, carrying the tune with clear, graceful notes.

    “Want to try the boat?” Brian asked, noticing how long Jessica had been watching it.

    She smiled faintly, tempted, but ced a hand over her stomach and shook her head. “I’d better not.”

    She didn’t doubt the boat was safe but only her own condition. At eight months pregnant with twins, she couldn’t afford the risk.

    Nearby, Lillian had fewer reservations. “Look, a boat! Come on, let’s ask if we can ride it,” she said, tugging Chase enthusiastically toward the water.

    To her, this rare chance to enjoy a getaway meant making the most of it.

    Connor, too, seemed intrigued. He nced at Sabrina, already imagining snapping a sweet photo together on

    board.

    But Sabrina cut the idea short. “It’s not a passenger boat.”

    And she was right. The vessel never came ashore. With a single smooth motion of the oars, the girl changed course, disappearing into the reed beds within minutes.

    17:10 Thu, Sep 18 bd/b.

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    “Shame,” Lillian sighed, but soon found new entertainment, dragging Chase off to photograph the birds.

    Jessica would have liked to join them, but the weight of her pregnancy made her cautious. Frightening the birds or tiring herself wasn’t worth the risk.

    “If only I had a canvas,” she murmured as she and Brian strolled along the path by theke.

    Ahead, a mountain loomed high above its mirrored reflection in the still water. It was a scene she longed to

    capture.

    “I’ll ask Mr. Scott,” Brian said at once, already reaching for his phone.

    She stopped him with a shake of her head. “It’s fine. Even if I had one, I couldn’t manage a full painting now.”

    Her pregnancy had progressed quickly, and carrying twins meant her belly wasrger than most. Even short walks left her tired. Standing for hours to paint was out of the question.

    “We could paint it together,” Brian offered gently.

    Jessica smiled but declined. “Just take some good photos for me. I’ll paint itter, when I have the time and the energy.”

    Brian slipped an arm around her, holding her close. “I’m sorry. You’ve had to go through so much because of ollime. /li/ol

    Sheughed softly and reached up to tap his cheek. “Don’t be ridiculous. Keeping the babies was my choice. You don’t have to carry that.”

    He lowered his eyes, silent.

    Jessica gave him a gentle push. i“/iiCome /ion, don’t look so guilty. We’re surrounded by beauty. You’ll miss it. Look, the sun’s up.”

    He followed her gaze as the golden disc of the sun crested the mountain ridge, rising fully into the sky. Its light poured over theke, casting a warm glow across the surface. In its radiance, birds soared, wings outstretched, calling into the morning air.

    “This is stunning Jessica murmured, nestled in Brian’s arms as she gazed out at the unfolding scenery.

    Elsewhere around theke, the other three pairs of guests were equally entranced by the morning’s quiet beauty.

    Lillian instinctively stretched her arms toward the rising sun, taking in the gentle breeze over Blueveil Lake.

    Chase stepped back a few paces and lifted his phone, preserving the moment in a photo.

    Sabrina stood beneath a tree, watching a white egret swoop low by thekeside, pluck a fish from the water, and glide away. For once, she seemed at ease.

    Her lips curved slightly, not for anyone, just in quiet delight at the raw grace of nature.

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    Beside her, Connor caught sight of her rare, unguarded smile. He made a quiet promise to himself that he’d find more chances like this to travel with her.

    Further off, Vanessa, fatigued from the walk, sat down on a nearby rock. Her gaze lingered on the green mountains mirrored in theke, her thoughts adrift. Spencer, meanwhile, was busy taking photos, gathering material for his next social media post.

    “Take a few of me too,” Vanessa said, her tone neutral. She hadn’t intended ito /iengage him, but their ‘loving couple‘ image still needed maintaining.

    Spencer frowned, clearly annoyed. “Yeah, I heard you.”

    Worried he might deliberately take unttering shots, Vanessa added coolly, “Make them decent. Unless you’re fine with everyone saying your photos still don’t hold a candle to Brian’s.”

    His expression darkened instantly, any enthusiasm vanishing. “Are you done?”

    Vanessa smiled. She wasn’t happy and didn’t see why he should be.

    They repelled each other, but for now, they had to maintain appearances. The traffic that came with being ia /imodel couple was still too valuable to lose.

    Spencer snapped a few perfunctory shots before preparing to leave on his own. But before he could walk away, Raymond’s voice called out from nearby, summoning everyone.

    Jessica heard him and looked disappointed. “Already moving on to the next stop?”

    “Probably not. Might just be something quick,” Brian said, trying to reassure her.

    “Hope so,” she replied, cing a hand on his arm. “I’m getting a little tired. Walk with me?”

    “Of course.” Brian smiled and helped her back gently.

    By the time they returned to the meeting point, the rest had already arrived.

    Jessica nced toward Sabrina and Lillian, wondering if they knew what the sudden gathering was about.

    Both shook their heads. They were just as unsure,

    Fortunately, Raymond didn’t keep them guessing for long.

    “Now that everyone’s here,” he announced, “it’s time to introduce our special guest for this episode.”