Independence

Miranda couldn’t handle how exposed she felt in the scanty scraps of fabric covering her chest. It was just too much for her. She said firmly,” No way, I need to change.”

“Hey!” Winter grabbed her arm. “Change into what? You look great! Besides, there are people out there barely wearing anything, so why are you freaking out?”

“Winter, come on, give me a break. I can’t… Forget it, I just can’t go out like this.”

“Don’t-” Winter’s phone rang, interrupting the moment.

Miranda seized the chance and quickly slipped away. “Don’t worry about me. Go take care of your blue–eyed darling!”

Winter sighed and reluctantly stepped outside to answer the call.Belongs to (N)ôvel/Drama.Org.

“Dear, do you think this outfit looks good on me?” Ingrid asked.

Hansel hummed in response without even looking up.

Ingrid picked up another outfit. “What about this one? Is the color too plain?”

“It’s fine.”

“And this one? It’s a bit more sexy.” Ingrid held it up in front of the full- length mirror and noticed that Hansel was completely absorbed in his phone and hadn’t glanced at her once

She frowned, glaring at him. Just as she was about to lose her temper, something seemed to cross her mind, and her irritation melted away.

She flitted over to him and snuggled into his arms. “Dear, can you help

me pick one of these three?”

Hansel pointed to one without really looking up. “That one.”

“Ah! That’s my favorite, too. Looks like we’re on the same page. Should I

Π

…” She bit her lip and added, “Try it on for you?”

Hansel simply hummed in response.

Ingrid stood up and started undressing right in front of hun. It wasn’t

until she unfastened her bra that Hansel finally looked up. His reaction, however, was less than impressed. He even frowned.

“What are you doing?” he asked.

Ingrid froze, feeling self–conscious.

“Isn’t there a walk–in closet?” Hansel asked.

Ingrid hesitated for a moment, then quickly grabbed her dress and made a beeline for the closet. “I’ll go change in there.”

When Ingrid came out, fully dressed, Hansel had set his phone aside. and was massaging his temples, looking exhausted.

He’d left the office in such a rush that he hadn’t managed to get through. much of his work. Joe had compiled the urgent matters and sent them his way, and he’d just wrapped up dealing with them.

“Finished changing?” Hansel asked as he stood up.

“Y–Yes,” Ingrid replied.

“Let’s go.” He headed for the door without sparing her a glance.

Ingrid’s excitement felt like it had been doused with cold water, but she quickly pulled herself together.

Hansel was still a man, after all. Even if he wasn’t paying attention now, his protective side would kick in once they were out and other men

started noticing her.

With that in mind, Ingrid adjusted her top, pulling it down a bit. “Dear, wait up!”

The beach was packed. As far as the eye could see, the shore was dotted with people in every shade imaginable, sporting every color of bikini and swim trunks.

Ingrid caught up to Hansel but purposely kept some distance, not linking arms with him.

As they walked, she drew plenty of admiring glances and a few whistles, but Hansel seemed completely unaware, striding ahead on his own. Ingrid gritted her teeth in frustration.

When they reached the beach, Hansel immediately lay down on the sand. Ingrid stood there, unsure whether to join him or not.

She felt out of place, her movements stiff and her expression uneasy. She had come on this trip to relax and enjoy some romantic time, not to feel like she was being overlooked.

But then again, since it was Hansel who was ignoring her, she figured it was worth it.

Luke Clemett, a handsome guy with brown eyes, approached with a warm smile. “Hey there, beautiful. Are you from Hebrana?”

Ingrid returned his smile. “Yes, I am. Do you speak Hebranian?”

“I actually teach Hebranian,” he replied.

They started a lively conversation, but Ingrid kept sneaking glances at Hansel, watching for any sign of a reaction