Chapter 14 Tender Consolation

• The depth of the ocean, fed by the rush of hundreds of rivers, was as unfathomable as the resolve of a wall that stood a thousand miles long.
• Everything seemed insignificant before the sea. Instead of mourning the loss of a relationship, it was better to bid farewell; say goodbye to everything in the past, no matter how good or bad they were.
• Unbeknownst to Michaela, her surging mood had receded so gradually that even she temporarily forgot about the embarrassing situation she would have to face after canceling the engagement.
• Even though she only wanted to enjoy the rare moment of peace, a sudden voice behind her denied even that simple request. “I'm sure canceling a wedding isn't as depressing as that?”
• From a distance, all he could see was the girl seated alone with the wind in her hair. He did not notice her shaking shoulders until he got closer, which he construed to indicate some suppressed emotion.
• Having thought that all her sadness was hidden under her calm appearance, he did not realize the hint of anger in her voice.
• In truth, his sudden voice merely startled Michaela. She turned around suddenly, and her lips curled into a smile upon seeing who it was.
• There were no traces of tears on her pretty little face. On the contrary, the girl appeared to be in a great mood. She was merely caught off-guard to see him.
• By the next second, she slid deftly off the hood of the Land Rover and subconsciously tugged at her shirt. “M-Mr. Jonathan!” she stammered in greeting.
• “What are you doing here alone?”
• Jonathan was still wearing the suit from earlier that day. Despite being debonair, it looked comically out of place with the relaxing and casual atmosphere by the sea.
• Even so, it did not affect the regal way he carried himself.
• “I was just heading back!”
• Jonathan merely nodded with no intention of leaving. There was a hint of charming tenderness in his voice when he spoke again. “Life isn't all smooth voyages, you know. No matter what kind of life experiences one goes through, the sun will always shine tomorrow no matter which corner of the world you live in!”
• “What?”
• Michaela's expression froze momentarily before she quickly regained her composure. “Did you think I'm here to kill myself, Mr. Jonathan?”
• Jonathan did not deny it. Instead, he turned to face the sea and stood with his hands behind his back. His perfectly straight posture exuded masculinity and confidence.
• Michaela smiled so broadly that her eyes were reduced to slits. Did he say all those strange things because he thought I was going to throw myself into the sea? Do I look that weak?
• The deep male voice sounded again while Michaela was dumbstruck with incredulity. “Zack is the one who has wronged you! Trust me. You deserve better!”
• “I think so too!”
• Jonathan glanced sideways and saw the moonlight shining down on Michaela's shoulder, illuminating the smile that softened her brows and eyes.
• When their eyes met, Michaela even saw her reflection quite clearly through his dark eyes, which reminded her of the accidental eye contact in Sommer Gardens that afternoon.
• Having the flustered feeling renewed by that recollection, Michaela felt a sudden loss of her faculties. Feeling her heartstrings tremble, she quickly dropped her flickering eyes.
• “It's getting late. I should head home! Goodbye, Mr. Jonathan!”
• He watched the girl hurriedly bid him farewell before turning around and scrambling into the Land Rover. Due to the fluster, she almost scraped her knee.
• After slamming the door shut, the car sped away from where he stood without stopping as if it was a panicked beast. As he shook his head and chuckled, Jonathan suddenly felt a pang of affection in his heart.
• The Land Rover was at a considerable distance when Jonathan muttered, “We will be meeting again soon!”