Chapter 87

Grace’s lips twitched as she forced out a stiff smile that never reached her eyes. “I’m glad you like it, Kimberly.”

“Oh, come now, why are you still calling her ‘Kimberly’?” Victoria said with a mischievous smile. “Shouldn’t you be calling her ‘sister-in-law’ by now?”

Grace opened her mouth, her face tense. “It’s a difficult habit to break.”

“Asher, try this grilled lamb,” Kimberly said, spearing a perfectly cooked piece with her fork and offering it to him. She was using the same fork she’d just eaten with. Asher didn’t seem to mind in the slightest, obediently accepting the morsel from Kimberly. A cold light flashed in Grace’s eyes as she clenched her fists, her knuckles turning white.

“Delicious,” Asher said, his eyes crinkling with genuine pleasure. Kimberly smiled back, her eyes forming happy crescents. Grace’s expression darkened considerably. With a grim face and cold tone, she said, “Brother, I’ll go back to my table now.”

Kimberly pretended not to notice Grace’s thunderous expression and asked cheerfully, “Sister, would you like some lamb? I’ve just grilled it, and your brother says it’s quite good.”

“No, thank you,” Grace replied coldly before turning away. Kimberly and Victoria exchanged meaningful glances across the table, both smiling knowingly. Charlotte suppressed a laugh, giving Kimberly a discreet thumbs-up.

Asher knew Kimberly had been deliberately putting on a show for Grace’s benefit, and he had played along perfectly. Now that Grace had left, he still wanted to continue their affectionate display.

His eyes sparkled with amusement. “Kimmy, I’d like to try those barbecued chicken wings. Would you feed me?”

Kimberly looked at him with amused exasperation. “If you want some, you can serve yourself.”

“Are you serious, mate?” Sebastian laughed heartily. “Has being in love reduced you to needing to be spoon-fed? Is this really the Asher Blackwood we all know?”

Asher leaned back in his chair, his eyes glinting with good humor. “Jealous, are you? Why don’t you ask your girlfriend to feed you? Oh wait—you don’t have one, do you?”

Sebastian’s laughter died instantly. He clutched his chest dramatically. “Bloody hell, that’s a bit below the belt! Is that any way to treat your oldest friend?”

Not to be outdone, Sebastian turned to Victoria. “Victoria, darling, feed your poor brother something. We can’t let them win this.”

Victoria stabbed a grilled sausage with unnecessary force and shoved it toward Sebastian’s mouth. “Here, eat this and choke on it, why don’t you?”

“Mmph!” Sebastian struggled to extract the sausage as Victoria continued to push it against his mouth with surprising strength. The entire table erupted in laughter at their antics, the atmosphere warm and convivial. Meanwhile, Grace was seething with rage. Kimberly was flaunting her relationship right in her face. The plastic fork in her hand snapped in two as Grace’s eyes darkened with malice. “Kimberly,” she thought venomously, “let’s see if you’re still smiling after what comes next!”

After finishing their meal and resting briefly, everyone prepared to begin the hike. Sebastian and Victoria took the lead, with James and Charlotte following closely behind. Drake, Grace, and her friends came next in the line. Kimberly and Asher brought up the rear. Asher walked beside Kimberly, holding her hand the entire time.

“Kimmy, it’ll take about two hours to reach the viewing platform at the summit. Will you be alright?”

“Of course. I love hiking—experiencing nature is both relaxing and invigorating.”

Asher knew Kimberly enjoyed outdoor activities. During university, she’d frequently gone hiking and rock climbing with her adventure society friends. He was simply concerned that she might be out of practice since she’d had fewer opportunities for outdoor activities after graduation.

Kimberly smiled. “I’ve conquered far higher and more treacherous mountains. I’ve climbed Mont Blanc and hiked through the Swiss Alps. South Downs is hardly a challenge.”

Asher’s eyes brimmed with affection and pride, his smile tender. “My Kimmy is quite remarkable, isn’t she?”

“Naturally,” she replied. These were things Asher knew about Kimberly, but Drake did not. When Kimberly had been with Drake, she’d suggested hiking numerous times, but Drake would either claim to be too busy or complain that hiking was too strenuous. He had never bothered to learn about Kimberly’s interests or spent time accompanying her in activities she enjoyed.

After walking for some distance, Drake suddenly stopped, positioning himself at the side of the path, ostensibly to let people behind him pass. When Asher and Kimberly approached, Drake extended his hand toward Kimberly. “Feeling tired yet, Kimberly?”

Kimberly’s smile didn’t reach her eyes. “Not in the slightest.”

Asher pointedly raised their interlocked hands. “Your assistance won’t be necessary.”

Drake lowered his gaze, his eyes lingering on their clasped hands.

“You’re blocking the path,” Kimberly said irritably.

Drake remained planted in the middle of the trail, showing no intention of moving.

Asher looked up with a mocking smile. “What’s this? Eager for a front-row view of our affection? Very well—we’ll walk ahead, and you can admire us from behind.”

With that, Asher unceremoniously pushed past Drake, his smile provocative. “Do take plenty of photos for us, won’t you?”

Drake was left speechless. Grace, unaccustomed to physical exertion, began complaining of fatigue after merely half an hour. She removed her already lightweight backpack and, as Asher approached, attempted to push it into his arms.

“Brother,” she wheedled, “I’m absolutely knackered. Could you carry this for a bit?”

Asher gestured to the backpack straps on his shoulders, his tone indifferent. “Can’t manage it. I’m already carrying one.”

Grace persisted in her whining: “Brother, I’m truly exhausted. Won’t you help me, please?”

“Certainly,” Asher replied. Grace’s expression brightened at his agreement, her lips curving upward in satisfaction. The next moment, however, Asher pulled out his mobile phone and began dialing. “I’ll call someone to take you back down. If you’re tired, you should head back early and rest.”

Her smile froze instantly. Grace stared at him in disbelief. “Brother, you’re sending me back down?”

Asher didn’t even look up as he continued dialing. “Yes, aren’t you tired?”

Grace panicked and hurriedly stopped him. “No need, no need! I’ve just had a brief rest and suddenly feel much better.”

She swiftly shouldered her backpack again. “I’m truly fine now. Please don’t make that call.”

“Then let’s continue,” Asher said expressionlessly, pocketing his phone. Kimberly watched the exchange with thinly veiled mockery dancing in her eyes. She curved her lips into a smile and affectionately took Asher’s arm. “Shall we continue, darling?”

Grace and Drake could only stare in silence. Asher clearly enjoyed the endearment, so much that he couldn’t suppress his smile as they walked on.

After walking for some time, the group came upon a small stream. Asher carefully guided Kimberly across the stepping stones. “Careful, Kimmy.” The final step required a larger stride to reach the bank, making it challenging for the women in the group. All the other women had needed assistance to cross. Kimberly made it across with Asher’s help, but as they reached the bank, they heard a startled cry from behind. Kimberly turned to see Grace standing on a stepping stone in the middle of the stream, her face pale with alarm.

“Brother,” she called out, “I can’t make it across. Could you come help me?”