Chapter 128
The next morning, Janie and Jackson had a good night’s sleep and were in great spirits.
Jackson fussed over her like a concierge at a five–star resort, and Janie accepted it
Today’s plan was simple: a hike through the mountains.
a matter of courses.
“Janie,” Jackson said with a grin, “it’s been ages since we’ve done this. Wherever you want to go, whatever you want to do, just say the word, okay?
Janie modded and smiled, “Sure thing?
David had spent a sleepless night wrestling with his thoughts, but by morning, he’d found some measure of peace.
Ryan and Zion were exhausted and irritable. They tried to bury their frustrations by showering Xena with extra care, hoping it would ease the knot of guilt.
Xena was far from comforted. Her night had been a disaster.
Sharing a tent with Emily, who snored like a freight train and ground her teeth loud enough to rival a chainsaw, had left her sleep–deprived and livid.
Xena was in deep regret. She thought, If I’d known Emily snores like that, I’d have slept on the freezing ground?
Noticing her tired expression, Ryan frowned. “Xena, you okay? You look like you didn’t sleep.”
Though Xena’s recent behavior had disappointed Zion, his protective instincts remained intact. Sensing something was off, he also turned his attention to her.
Xena sighed and shook her head. Her gaze shifted briefly to Emily. I just didn’t sleep well, that’s all.”
Ryan and Zion exchanged a glance.
Emily was completely unaware. “Oh no! You didn’t sleep well? That’s awful! I slept great!”
Xena clenched her jaw. She thought, “Of course you did, Emily. You’re the reason I didn’t
Xena couldn’t bear to let Emily get away with looking so smug.
And with the livestream equipment running all night, there was no telling if the world had picked up Emily’s earth- shattering snores.
If no one cleared the air, people might think it was her, and Xena refused to let that happen
With a sweetly sharp tone, she remarked, “Emily, you may have slept like a baby last night, but you made sure I didn’t.”
Emily froze, her cheerful expression faltering. “Wait… did I do something
Xena tilted her head, pretending to hesitate.
[Jackson is peak sibling energy. Someone protect this man at all costs.]
Without any blood relation, who knows what’s going on?]
[People are so weird about Jackson and Janie. Chill, they’re just siblings being siblings.]
[Oh, what’s up with Xena? She doesn’t seem to be in a good state.
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23:55 Wed, 16 Apr
Chapter 128
If you caught the livestream last night, you know. Emily’s snoring was the stuff of nightmares. Xena deserves a medall
When the topic came up, Jason couldn’t hide his frustration.
His tent had been strategically placed next to Xena’s—his not–so–subtle attempt to create some buzz–worthy “romantic moments that fans might eat up
But instead of sweet, curated moments, he got a night of absolute chaos.
The snoring had jolted him awake, and no matter how hard he tried, he couldn’t get back to sleep
Jason spent the rest of the night seething, cursing Emily for ruining his plans and dragging Xena into it by association.
And when he finally realized Emily was the one snoring, he wasn’t exactly feeling apologetic toward Xena. If she hadn’t let Emily crash in her tent, none of this would have happened.
Everyone was not foolish and had their suspicions. But the smart ones knew when to stay out of it.
Emily was fuming. She was sure Xena’s earlier comments were meant to call her out.
With a tight–lipped smile. Emily said. “Xena, if you’ve got something to say, just say it. There’s no need to beat around the bush. We’re close enough to be honest with each other”
Xena hesitated.
Sensing the awkward buildup, Jason stepped in. “Alright, let’s just drop it. It’s really not worth all this.”
Emily snapped. “Jason, what’s that supposed to mean?”
While the three of them spiraled deeper into the mess, Janie and Jackson quietly drifted away.
