?<strong>Chapter 579:</strong>


    Even Ferdinand was caught off guard.


    “Congrattions,” he offered with a knowing smirk, ncing from Allison to Ken. “Ms. rke, if only you knew how moody Mr. Lloyd’s been the past few days.”


    But Ken’s sharp look cut him off, his silence practically daring Ferdinand to keep talking.


    Reba noticed the way Allison’s and Ken’s fingers were intertwined, understanding everything in a single nce. She sidled up to Ferdinand and nudged him. “I heard there are two lively deer on Sunset Hill, perfect for some photos the elders will love. How about we go track them down?”


    With a quick wink, she hooked her arm through his and began pulling him down the path in the opposite direction.


    Ferdinand, taken aback, nced over his shoulder.


    Wait — Sunset Hill had deer?


    As Ferdinand and Reba vanished down the trail, silence once again settled over the area. Sunlight filtered softly through the branches, casting a warm, golden light that dappled the ground below.


    “Allison, I felt truly happy just now,” Ken said, standing beneath a tree with the sun brushing his shoulders, warming his usual cool demeanor. “It almost doesn’t feel real.”


    He dropped his gaze, an unreadable expression crossing his face. At times, he couldn’t shake the worry that moments like these might dissolve like a dream.


    gα?ησν????s brings your imagination alive


    “We’re a couple now, so I can’t keep you as my secret boyfriend,” Allison teased, entwining her fingers with his and giving his hand a light squeeze.


    Her voice was soft but steady as she smiled up at him. “And I’m right here with you. How could this not be real?” She couldn’t help but notice how Ken’s usual aura of controlled danger seemed different now. In the past, every movement of his carried an air of intensity, projecting both power and restraint.


    But now, aftermitting to their rtionship, he had be the one who seemed to worry about losing this connection.


    “We’ll take things at our own pace and see where it goes. If, at some point, it doesn’t work out…”


    “It will,” Ken interrupted, his tone unwavering. “For me, there’s no question. It can only be you.”


    A warmth bloomed in Allison’s chest, her heart skipping a beat as the world seemed to slow around them. “Did anyone ever tell you that thiske resembles you?” she asked, nodding toward the deep, stillke nearby.


    “Why’s that?” Ken followed her gaze.


    Allison slowly exined, “Because it’s calm on the surface, but underneath, there’s a depth, a pull that could sweep someone away if they’re not careful. That reminds me of your eyes.”


    As she looked up, Allison missed a step on the uneven wooden stairs.


    “Ah!” she gasped, stumbling backward.


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