Chapter 5

The production team organized a ski trip, and everyone was in the changing area, donning their ski attire.

Hannah gazed at Simon with her wide eyes. "Simon, would you mind securing my helmet strap for me?"

Simon grinned warmly, stepped closer, and carefully fastened her strap. He even thoroughly inspected all her gear.

Catching my look, Simon turned around helplessly and was about to approach me to secure mine.

I retreated a step and fastened it myself.

He exhaled sharply, appearing irritated by my refusal.

As it was the final day, I decided not to engage in any disputes with him.

While checking my mobile, I noticed Simon had sent multiple messages over the previous two days. Another one had just arrived.

I examined them one after another.

The initial one stated, "Are you trying to be elusive? That strategy won't be effective with me."

The most recent one said, "Even jealousy has its boundaries. Continue this behavior and don't expect me to communicate with you upon our return."

Still as conceited as ever, behaving as if I was eager for his attention.

With only two hours remaining before the shoot concluded, I didn't hesitate to block his number.

The filming wrapped up swiftly, and the crew allowed us free time to enjoy the snow-covered mountain.

I wanted to avoid Simon and Hannah, but they seemed to appear everywhere I went.

Simon cleared his throat. "I assume you're not skilled at skiing either? It's no extra effort to instruct two. Why not join us?"

Hannah seemed displeased but feigned kindness. "Yes, Claire. You're older and probably not a quick learner. Please come with us."

I responded frostily, "I doubt I'm as inept as you."

Simon frowned involuntarily and defended Hannah, "What do you mean? Hannah was just being considerate, and you're so sharp-tongued!"

I disregarded them and attempted it myself, but I could sense Simon's intense gaze on me.

Just as I was about to respond, someone yelled, "Avalanche! Get away!"

Before I could react, a massive wave of snow tumbled down the mountainside.

It resembled a colossal snow beast about to swallow us whole.

I was nearest to the avalanche. My heart raced as the snow surged towards me and my legs felt weak.

I glanced at Simon, silently imploring for help.

He called out to me and began to move in my direction, but then I heard Hannah's frightened voice.

"Simon, I'm terrified!"

She was far away and not in danger, but Simon's expression changed.

Then he turned without hesitation and ran towards her.

I watched him leave, a wry smile forming on my lips as I counted to three in my mind.

The alarm sounded and with it, my memories of him disappeared.

I regained consciousness in a hospital room with my left arm in a plaster cast.

My head ached severely, my thoughts in disarray.

Wendy looked just as she had at twenty, her head resting beside my bed. She even wept in her slumber.

I must have made her cry again.

Next to her was a note directing me to take the journal from her bag.

I retrieved the journal but felt something was missing. The more I tried to recall, the more it hurt.

So, I abandoned the effort.

I was meant to be reminiscing, but I desired a new beginning before my memory faded.

The last entry in the diary stated, "May we cease dwelling on the past and instead anticipate a more promising future."

As I closed the diary, a man entered the room wearing a somber expression.

He appeared somewhat remorseful, but his tone remained patronizing as he spoke. "I was mistaken this time, but you understand Hannah is still young..."