Chapter 114: I wanted to make it memorable.
Nicholas brought her to a small restaurant nestled along the bank of a sprawling lake. The countryside air was fresh and cool, carrying the faint, calming scent of earthy aroma.
Ava stepped out and was immediately captivated by the setting. Strings of tiny, sparkling lights adorned the palm trees that lined the border. The wooden fence surrounding the area was also wrapped in lights, twinkling like stars scattered on the earth.
Her lips curved into a soft smile as her eyes roamed over the peaceful scenery. The sound of the breeze blowing and the gentle ripples from the nearby lake added to the tranquil ambiance.
"This place is beautiful," she said quietly. Then, as her gaze settled on the lake in the distance, a flicker of recognition crossed her face. "This place seems familiar." Her brows furrowed slightly.
Nicholas felt his heart skip a beat. A mixture of excitement and anticipation coursed through him. "What do you remember about this place?"
Ava’s eyes scanned her surroundings, the wheels of her memory turning. "I came here when I was young," she said with a tinge of nostalgia, her thoughts clearly lost in the past. "Papa brought me here on vacation. We camped by the lake and had a picnic."
Nicholas watched her intently, his pulse quickening.
Ava turned her gaze to him. "There is an orphanage nearby," she added.
Nicholas stopped breathing, his thoughts racing. He wanted to ask if she remembered saving a boy from the lake, but before he could gather the courage, she said something that made him swallow his words.