Chapter 488

Finally reaching the mountain peak, they found the flat stretches of rock perfect for lying down and gazing at the stars. The autumn sky was completely clear, with no clouds or haze, and the Milky Way stretched across the vast expanse in all its glory—a mesmerizing sight. Richard settled onto a rock, and Angela did the same. He reached out to steady her as she sat, while the others sprawled across nearby stones and soon began sharing memories of their childhood mischiefs. Hugging her knees, Angela tilted her head upward, lost in the glittering canvas of stars above. Their stories fascinated her—lives so much more vibrant than her own strict upbringing. Being an only child—her mother had never wanted another—Angela had been the center of all her family’s expectations. From a young age, she had been shuttled between expensive cram schools. Though not a pianist, she had still achieved Grade 8 certification. Though not a dancer, she had developed respectable skills. When her mother insiste