NEXT 100 Bonus Chapter 602 Happy and Healthy Always ( End ) Victoria was able to empathize with Summer on some level . A relationship between her and Erik would set them apart socially . " However , his words demonstrate his deep feelings for you . He doesn't want these material aspects to restrict you or cause any complications in your relationship . In fact , a man like Erik was hard to come by . He had built his own career from the ground up and had no parents or relatives . Hence , his interpersonal relationships were uncomplicated , as he had always been aware of his needs . He single - handedly plotted out his entire future , including marriage . With his marriage proposal to Summer , it was clear he had given this much thought and was ready to take the next step . " I know. " Then , Summer lowered her eyes and continued , " I didn't believe it before . I thought he might not be able to accept it because I resigned suddenly , but when I went to buy gifts for Nicole and Nathan , I realized that he was still using the pen I bought at a discount for him all this while . " This may sound like a trivial matter , but it is of great importance for this man , who possesses billions of cash in liquid assets . At least , that was what she thought . N However , Victoria listened to her narration quietly , and the corners of her lips curled up . " Honestly , you don't have to worry so much . If you like him , just go for it . Anyway , even if you decide to be with him , you won't get married so soon . You might even change your mind after being together with him . " " You have a point there. In that case , I shouldn't contemplate anymore . Why don't I just try it out with Erik ? It's just dating anyway . " Summer was initially conflicted , but she felt much more relieved after speaking with her best friend . " Yep . Life is full of trials and errors , and it doesn't matter if you make a mistake . Who can confidently say that our initial steps will prove fruitful ? " " You're the best , Snowball ! You are truly my life savior ! " Summer felt her heart unraveling , so she couldn't help calling Victoria's nickname tenderly while tilting forward to hug her . " If I hadn't met you during the most difficult time in my life , my life would probably be over by now , let alone having the life I have now and meeting him . " Victoria hugged her back and placed her hand on Summer's shoulder while patting it gently . She had always been able to feel Summer's gratitude toward herself . " So , thank you , Victoria . " On the other hand , Erik and Summer were in no hurry to leave the following day , so they extended their stay . Since it was the New Year holidays , everywhere was crowded and lively , so they took the children out to visit various attractions . At this time , Mary had heard that praying at a specific church and lighting candles would bring her family luck , so she took the whole family out to pray . The church was on top of a hill , and the climb from the bottom to the top took about half an hour . Initially , the two children climbed up happily by themselves , but after about ten minutes , Nicole became tired and climbed on top of her mother . As Victoria prepared to pick her up , Alaric scooped his daughter up . In the meantime , Nathan outwalked Nicole for another five minutes before he became too tired to continue . Just as Adrian was about to pick him up , he heard a voice from behind . Let me do it . " At this instant , Erik offered to carry Nathan on his back . " We don't want to trouble you . " # " It's not a problem . I go to the gym regularly , so carrying a kid is an easy job for me . " When Victoria saw that , she didn't utter a word . She reasoned that since only two young men were present , Erik must have felt bad about leaving Adrian to do all the work . Meanwhile , Mary's opinion of Erik improved after he volunteered to carry the boy . Summer may only be Victoria's best friend , but she's a lovely young lady , so it's no surprise that she has won my heart . I had planned to introduce Summer to other guys , but now that she has met such a wonderful person , I am naturally happy for her . Furthermore , Erik appears to be a good man , so I don't mind assisting in setting them up . With a smile , she commented , " Erik , I heard that people often come to this church to pray for relationship matters . You should do it if you deem it suitable . " After saying this , she glanced at Summer . " You too , Summer . Go on and pray . " Summer , who had been strolling along nonchalantly , flushed red at mentioning her name and held her tongue . However , Erik's face lit up with a smile as he looked down at her reddening face and ears . All is not lost on this trip . Also , the Cadogan Family is very welcoming . He was already looking forward to having a family like theirs if he married . " Okay , I will pray with a sincere heart . Thank you for letting me know in advance , Mrs. Cadogan . " After hearing this , Mary waved her hand at him and smiled happily . Ten minutes later , they arrived at the top of the hill . The weather was great , so by standing on top of the hill , they could feel the clouds right in front of them . They could see the summit of the hills beneath them and how they connected to the distant villages . The view was as breathtaking as a work of art . There were a lot of tourists around at this time , and while some snapped photos of the scenery , others took pictures of themselves in front of the backdrop . On the other hand , Victoria and the rest also took several photos before going to a nearby stall to buy some candles . The church was jam - packed , the air was heavy with the scent of burning candles , and people were waiting in line because they wanted to make a wish . While inside , Erik stood directly in front of Summer . At first , she didn't believe he was serious , but then she saw him cup his hands around the candle and close his eyes as if making a wish . The unexpected and heartfelt nature of his act left her surprised and touched . Suddenly , she heard a voice from behind asking , " Aren't you going ? " Summer was finally jolted from her thoughts by Victoria's voice . Hence , Summer rushed forward , closing her eyes . Her emotions were all over the place because of him , but everything was crystal clear when she closed her eyes . A wish , hmm ? I hope my family can be safe and healthy , and as for me …. I hope to find someone who will treat me sincerely and passionately for the rest of my life . Her wish was simple , and when she finished praying , she turned around and locked eyes with Erik . Her heart skipped a beat , so she dashed forward to place the candle on the altar . When they were finished , Victoria got her turn to make a wish . As soon as she lowered her head , Alaric followed suit . " What are you going to wish for ? " he asked lazily as he looked at her with raised brows . The corners of her lips curled up slightly . " Wishes won't come true if you say it out loud . Make your own wish , and don't ask what's mine . " After saying this , she closed her eyes , and Alaric had no choice but to follow suit . In fact , his wish was straightforward , and even if he didn't tell the Gods , everyone knew what it was- All he wanted was her . On the other hand , Victoria also had nothing particular to ask for . Her wish was always straightforward and similar to everyone else . She hoped for the safety and health of her family , as well as the safety of her two children . After reciting her prayers silently , she paused momentarily , opened her eyes , and quickly glanced at him . She just happened to notice the side of his face with his eyes closed , looking solemn and pious . Then , she looked away and closed her eyes again . " I pray that we will always be happy and healthy . " The End .
Departure with a Belly (Alaric and Victoria) novel - Chapter 602
Updated: Oct 24, 2025 2:49 AM
