Willow beamed. “Of course I should do that!” Once she spoke, she got up and ran out the door. When she arrived at the deck, she saw bodyguards standing there, stopping tourists from heading on. “I’m sorry, miss. This area isn’t open for guests today,” said the bodyguard.
“I’m a friend of Mr. Quarles. I’d like to congratulate them. Can I do that?” She smiled while explaining to the bodyguard. The bodyguard looked at her pretty face and felt conflicted, so he asked, “May I know your name?”
“I’m Willow Presgrave.” Since the bodyguard knew the names of Ethan’s friends, he asked, “Who is Jared Presgrave to you?”
“He’s my older brother!” she replied. Then, the bodyguard immediately apologized, “Pardon me, Miss Presgrave. I’m sorry I offended you. Please head inside!”
Willow thanked him sweetly before heading toward the deck. It just happened that Ethan and Josephine were sitting together enjoying the sunset, unaware that someone was approaching them until they heard a crisp voice yelling, “Ethan, Josephine, hello!”
He turned around to see who it was while Josephine exclaimed in surprise, “Miss Presgrave! What a surprise.” “I came here to have fun and didn’t expect to
see you two either.” Then she sweetly congratulated them. “I’m here to congratulate you. I wish you a happy and long marriage together and hope you’ll be happy forever.”
Josephine burst out laughing. “We’ve yet to hold a wedding ceremony, but thank you for the wishes.”
“Ethan, what’s the matter?” Willow found it strange that he did not greet her. Then, Josephine pulled her aside and explained, “Miss Presgrave, don’t mind him. He recently lost his memory and has forgotten many things and people.”
“Huh? What happened to him?” Willow was concerned. “It’s all in the past, and he’s currently trying to recover his memories.” After that, Josephine introduced Willow to Ethan. “Eeth, she’s Willow Presgrave, the younger sister of your best friend. She’s your friend too.”
“Miss Willow… Presgrave,” he greeted. “Ethan, just call me Willow! I’m used to that,” Willow replied, feeling quite disheartened about his amnesia.
“Sure, Willow.” He smiled while having a natural, familiar feeling of treating her like a younger sister. Josephine offered Willow a glass of red wine, asking, “When did you get on board?”
“I came on board in Averna too! We might’ve missed each other. Josephine, are you here on vacation too?”
“Yes. We’re here to relax.” “I see! No wonder the ship suddenly docked at Averna. If I had to guess, I would say Ethan called this ship over just for you!” Willow was quick to understand the situation. Smiling sweetly, Josephine admitted. “Yes. That’s what he told me.”
“Oh, wow! It means I must’ve ridden on your coattails to be able to board the ship in Averna!” Willow exclaimed. “There’s a masquerade ball tonight. Will you be attending, Miss Presgrave?”
While looking at her, Willow suggested, “Josephine, why don’t you call me Willow like Ethan does? We’re going to be family very soon!”
Before today, Josephine dared not call Willow by her name because she was the jewel of the Presgrave family and had high status. Yet she discovered Willow was an easygoing, kind- hearted girl who was also down to earth. “Sure, Willow.”
“I’m also looking forward to the masquerade ball tonight, and I’ve already prepared a mask for the party. Will you be going too?”
“Yes! I heard it’ll be fun, so I wouldn’t want to miss it either, Josephine answered. When Ethan noticed how Josephine seemed. more relaxed while happily chatting with Willow, it became contagious for him.
Later, Willow sat with them for a while and found an excuse to leave because she did not want to disturb the couple’s romantic time together. Once she returned to her room and looked at the time, she beckoned to her assistant, “Mary, come over and help me with my makeup!”
