Novel Palace
Chapter 367
Chapter 367
Chapter 367: All is Understood Without Words
Julia took out two bars of chocolate from the storage box, her heart sinking at the sight of its
nearly empty state. “I should have taken more bread instead of snacks,” she lamented, realizing their
meager supplies were barely enough for one hearty meal for the four of them.
Sean’s response to her dismay was a light–hearted laugh as he casually picked up two bottles of wine
from nearby. “No worries, as long as I have my wine, the rest of you can have the food.”
“That’s not acceptable,” Frederick interjected, snatching a bottle from Sean’s grasp and hugging it
to his chest. “I’m fine with just wine as well.”
Claire and Julia could see through the men’s pretense of greed for the wine; they were simply trying
to leave more food for the women. While Claire was accustomed to such gestures, Julia, with her
hearty appetite, would hardly be satisfied by a single bag of bread.
With a smile, Claire picked up an orange, tossing it in her hand. “Perfect, I’ve been planning to
diet anyway. One fruit per meal is just enough for me.”
Julia’s eyes welled up again at the sight of their selflessness. “You guys…”
“Come now,” Claire shifted closer to Julia, draping an arm around her shoulder with a warm smile. “Although adversity reveals true friendship, I genuinely am satisfied with just a fruit. Don’t worry
about me, go ahead and eat.”
Julia glanced at Sean and Frederick before reluctantly picking up a bag of bread and biting into it fiercely. The bread, seemingly infused with the extraordinary circumstances, tasted unusually
delicious and fulfilling.
“I’ll be content with just a loaf of bread as well,” she declared, as they exchanged knowing smiles, understanding each other’s sentiments without needing words.
The island’s winds grew stronger at night, making the temperature drop significantly. Fortunately, they had chosen a sheltered spot away from the direct sea breeze. Without the distractions of the internet, television, or any modern amusements, they spent a pure and simple night by the fire- chatting, laughing, and showing no signs of the despair one might expect in their situation. To an outsider, it might even seem like they were on an adventurous camping trip.
Chapter 367. All is Understood Without Words
outsider, it might even seem like they were on an adventurous camping trip.
MIMI JILUGUMII. IM MII
As time ticked away, exhaustion eventually set in. Sean was about to drape his suit jacket over Claire when she stopped him, taking the jacket and placing it back on him with careful hands.
“Sean, you are my pillar of strength right now, and you can’t afford to fall ill. If you hold me tonight, I won’t feel cold.”
Accepting her concern, Sean didn’t protest. He wore the jacket and pulled Claire into his embrace, covering her back with it. With Sean’s warmth in front and the jacket shielding her from behind,
Claire didn’t feel cold at all.
Julia, feeling somewhat awkward amidst their affectionate display, self–consciously touched her nose. Like Claire, she was also dressed in a skirt and the chilly night air was a concern. Casting a furtive glance at Frederick, she coughed softly, hugged her arms, moved closer to the fire, and laid down. Without exchanging a word with Frederick, she closed her eyes.
Julia knew that if she spoke up, Frederick would undoubtedly oblige, but she couldn’t bring herself to say such words, no matter how bold she felt. Instead, she harbored her thoughts silently, hoping
the fire would last a bit longer.
Frederick watched the girl curled up with her arms hugged to her body, lying on the ground. His lips tightened slightly, but he said nothing, sitting quietly and gazing up at the night sky. Their island haven, blessedly free of wild beasts, allowed Claire and the others a peaceful night’s rest.
Occasionally feeling the chill of the night air, Claire would instinctively snuggle closer into Sean’s embrace, drawing warmth from him like a little cat seeking refuge from the cold.
As dawn broke and sunlight streaked across the sky, the island gradually brightened, and the warmth of the sun brought a slight comfort to the four weary souls. Julia smacked her lips, attempting to turn over but found herself unable to move. With a flicker of confusion, she managed to pry one
eyelid open.
Startled by what she saw, her other eye snapped open. Before her lay the handsome visage of Frederick. Blinking hard, then again, she slowly looked down to discover she was nestled in Frederick’s embrace. How had this happened? She had clearly fallen asleep alone on the ground…
Her surprise nearly caused her to tremble, and just as she was about to look around, she heard hom from the man and quickly closed her eyes, feigning sleep.
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Her surprise nearly caused her to tremble, and just as she was about to look around, she heard a low
hum from the man and quickly closed her eyes, feigning sleep.
Frederick’s eyes adjusted to the sunlight. He didn’t move, but his head lowered to see Julia
pretending to sleep in his arms, a barely noticeable warm smile tugging at his lips.
Nearby, Claire yawned and awoke, stirring Sean in the process. They both got up to stretch. Suddenly
Claire spotted Julia, cozy in Frederick’s arms, looking like a lazy fox, and she was both amused and surprised. She had clearly seen Julia sleeping alone the night before. What had happened since then?
“Ha ha ha…” Claire laughed, running over to them, pointing at Julia. “Fred, did you sneak Julia
into your arms while she was asleep last night?”
Frederick’s eyebrows twitched, ready to speak, but Julia suddenly opened her eyes and leaped out of his embrace, her face flushed and heart racing. “No, no, it wasn’t like that. I got cold in my sleep
I must have rolled over to Mr. Frederick’s side, and then… and then…”
She was at a loss for words, unsure of how to explain this unexpected turn of events. Claire folded her arms behind her back, giving Julia a meaningful look before turning her gaze to Frederick. She hadn’t forgotten Mrs. Vanderbilt’s task for Sean.
Now was the time to strike while the iron was hot. With Frederick’s slow–to–warm and traditional nature, he would likely gloss over the situation. “Fred, is that really what happened? I recall Julia having quite a disciplined sleeping posture. Generally, she remains in the same position throughout
the night…”