12.8 % Chapter 21 Chapter 21 Nolan walked slowly along the streets of the small town , the setting sun casting a long shadow behind him . Low Tibetan buildings lined both sides of the street , the air rich with the scent of butter tea and highland barley wine . The sound of hoofbeats approached from the distance . Nolan looked up to see a little girl wobbling toward him on a pony . Suddenly , the pony spooked , rearing up on its hind legs . The girl screamed as she lost her balance , about to fall . Acting on instinct , Nolan rushed forward and caught her , both of them tumbling heavily to the ground . The girls face had drained of color , tears welling in her eyes . Ignoring his own pain , Nolan quickly checked her for injuries . Are you fine ? The girl shook her head , her voice quavering . Thank you , Mr … why did you risk yourself to save me ? Nolan paused , studying her face . Something in her features reminded him of Aurelia when she was young . His expression softened as he answered quietly , Because you look like someone I love . The girl blinked curiously . Are you here to get married ? A faint smile touched Nolans lips . He didnt correct her . Yes , thats right . The girls face lit up with a radiant smile . Then I wish you happiness ! A gentle light flickered in Nolans eyes . We will be happy . Early the next morning , the assistant knocked on Nolans door only to find the room empty . His stomach dropped . Rushed out of the hotel , searching everywhere . Finally , he found Nolan near the sky burial platform . Nolan stood facing the distant mountains , his calmness unnervingly complete . The assistant . anxiety in his voice Sir , its time to head back . oached , Nolan turned to look at him , his tone casual . Go pick up some souvenirs ? Ill be back shortly . The assistant hesitated before nodding reluctantly . Yes , Sir . After the assistant left , Nolans gaze returned to the burial platform . 06:53 Eternal Pledge , Where Mountains Touc 13.2 % Chapter 21 He pulled a note from his pocket , placed it gently on the ground , then swallowed a bottle of sleeping pills and slowly closed his eyes . When the assistant returned , his heart plummeted as he pushed through the gathering crowd to find Nolans lifeless body . In his hand was clutched a note that read Sky burial like hers . In the end , we got married after all . The assistants vision darkened as his knees nearly gave way. His hand trembled as he took the note , tears blurring his sight . In the distance , vultures circled in the sky , as if welcoming a new soul . The next day , the assistant knelt beside Nolans body , his shaking fingers brushing the cold cheek . His voice was barely audible through his grief Sir … you and Miss Thorne are finally together . He looked up at the burial master , his tone resolute Please perform the sky burial … it was his final wish . The burial master nodded solemnly . The assistant stood watching as the burial master followed the ritual..The entire process was … swift and thorough . Silent tears streamed down the assistants face as he gazed toward the distant mountains , almost seeing Nolan and Aurelia standing side by side , their faces bearing gentle smiles as if they had finally found peace . Sir , Miss Thorne … you can be together forever now . The assistants whisper carried endless sorrow and release . In the distance , vultures circled in the sky , as if escorting the lovers on their final journey ….. Chapter 1 Aidens words hit me like a bolt of lightning from a dew dy , being me campery defensors My mind went blank Despite the sweltering summer afternoon , I felt ice cold all over The conversation in the dassroom continued . His friends fell silent for a moment before menne sake again , Classic Aiden , using the perfect girl as practice So what , shes basically like his personal plaything ? Aiden laughed carelessly , Come on guys , its not like the didnt enjoy it . Someone quickly agreed . True that . Though she is kind of skinny compared to Madisons curves … Aiden threw a textbook at him , cutting him off mid sentence . Look , we were both caught up in the moment . And she seemed pretty … eager . The guys exchanged knowing looks and started teasing him . Who knew Little Miss Perfect was so thirsty ? Cant blame her- our boy Aidens got game . Might as well take whats offered . After pining after you for so many years , bet she couldnt wait to get her hands on you . The laughter in the room grew louder . I bit my lip hard , my hands clenched into fists . It took everything I had just to stay standing outside that classroom door . Footsteps echoed from the end of the hallway . 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