Marriage Games with a Charming CEO

Chapter 77 Camping

Chapter 77 Camping

Alicia noticed that after discussing certain matters with Edmond recently, their interactions began to change gradually, especially concerning the difficulty in conceiving.

Before this, he was still a womanizer, radiating the qualities of a Casanova every day.

He was obsessed with her body, teasing and provoking her, making it hard to tell who was really smitten with whom.

That night, he didn't ask for anything.

With the lights off, they simply embraced each other, listening to each other's breathing.

Alicia caught the scent of Edmond's breath, a mix of shower gel and tobacco, an odd but strangely reassuring fragrance.

As she drifted into sleep, she felt a surge of warmth near her.

In a daze, Edmond's deep and magnetic voice floated down gently.

"In the future, you won't be alone. I'll be there with you."

She had already entered the realm of dreams, not overthinking why that sentence carried a hint of guilt.

*

The following morning, the young couple went to the senior citizens' apartment to pick up Melissa.

Edmond had already arranged for Melissa to return to the apartment a day in advance, waiting for him and Alicia to take her camping.

Melissa had the caretaker help her apply light makeup, and her complexion seemed much better.

Upon seeing her mother, Alicia's eyes brightened, her tone laced with surprise.

"Mom, you actually put on makeup?"

Melissa smiled shyly.

"It's rare to go out, so dressing up a bit is nice."

"I'll take you out shopping every week from now on. You should wear makeup more often; it looks good."

"Yes, alright."

Since her mother's surgery, they hadn't gone out for leisure activities.

The weather was nice for a change, and Edmond had chosen a great spot - a beautiful lakeside in the suburbs of the Arnoford City. While it was a tourist spot, it wasn't crowded on regular days as most preferred the nearby quaint old streets. Content rights by NôvelDr//ama.Org.

Edmond unfolded a folding chair for Melissa.

Sitting beside them, she watched as Edmond and Alicia worked together to set up the tent, her heart filled with joy. She secretly snapped a few photos of the couple.

The young couple still loved to banter, arguing ceaselessly over minor matters.

"Edmond, you got it wrong. It's not like that."

"No, I'm right."

"The tent shouldn't be set up that way."

"Yours is the one that's wrong."

"How could I be wrong?"

"I couldn't possibly be wrong either."

After a while, they realized that Edmond's approach was indeed correct, which caused that man to become a bit smug.

Melissa giggled by the side.

"You guys are too much. You're grown adults, but act like children. Can't you find a middle ground?"

Edmond, looking pleased with himself, said, "This is the charm of a married life."

Alicia retorted coolly, "Clearly, it's just that you lack manners. There's absolutely no charm in that."

As soon as she said this, Edmond raised an eyebrow, smirking at her.

His gaze seemed to say, "Do you want that charm? It's not like it's impossible."

*

The campsite was a bit of a distance from the public restrooms and convenience store. Alicia intended to go to the store and buy a few more bottles of mineral water, leaving Edmond to keep Melissa company.

As soon as she left, Edmond wasted no time.

"Mom, you can't keep hiding your condition from her."

"Edmond, what do you think I should say? I've been contemplating this for a while now and don't know how to broach the subject."

"Find an opportunity later, and have a one-on-one conversation with her."

Seeing Melissa's conflicted expression, Edmond reassured her in a soft voice, "Don't be afraid. I'll help soothe her emotions."

When Alicia returned, Edmond and Melissa were seated by the lake, Edmond preparing a fishing rod.

"Fishing? Count me in."

"You know how?"

Alicia playfully remarked, "You think only you can do it? Of course, I can too."

Edmond handed her the fishing rod and even vacated his spot. Once he saw that Alicia and Melissa were seated together, he quietly stepped away, giving the two women some space.

Even though speaking about this matter himself would have been simpler, Edmond chose to encourage Melissa to speak up instead. Apart from considering Alicia's emotions, this approach would help Melissa gather the courage to face her own condition.

After Alicia cast her fishing line and sat down, she noticed Melissa hesitating.

"Mom? Is there something you want to talk about?"