Time flew quickly whenever you spent every second with someone who accepted your vulnerabilities without judgment.
The couple spent their days happily together.
The butler and maids barely had anything to do because the two preferred doing things themselves. After picking fresh fruits and vegetables from the farm, they would cook together inside their cabin.
Per the young master's orders, the staff were not allowed within ten meters of them unless called.
What the couple didn't know was that the old man had been secretly observing them the entire time, amused by how absorbed they were in each other's company.
Inside one of the nearby cabins, the old man sat on the balcony of his bedroom while speaking with his personal butler.
"Have you found anything?" the old man asked calmly.
"Yes, Master. These are all the files and photos I managed to gather from the internet."
The butler handed him a folder.
The old man adjusted his glasses while reading.
"She's still seventeen? Turning eighteen tomorrow?" he muttered in surprise. "How about her family? Is she married?"
"No, Master," the butler replied respectfully. "But she has been living with her boyfriend since she was sixteen. It appears they're having problems, which is probably why she came here. The young master happened to meet her at Hotel XY."
The old man continued flipping through the file.
"And her relationship with my grandson?"
"We still don't know, Master. But…" The butler hesitated. "Some pictures online suggest she had several boyfriends."
The old man suddenly stood up and grabbed the binoculars resting nearby.
Using them, he looked toward the direction of the young couple.
Not far away, Alexa was climbing a fruit tree while laughing happily.
One of her legs wrapped around a thick branch while one hand held onto another branch for support. Stretching her other hand upward, she successfully picked a ripe fruit.
Below her, the young master watched with an unusually soft smile on his face.
The old man chuckled warmly.
"I don't care if she had one boyfriend or a hundred," he said proudly. "As long as she isn't married, even if she were divorced or widowed, I wouldn't mind."
His eyes narrowed mischievously.
"As long as my grandson keeps making that expression."
The old man lowered the binoculars.
"Does he know tomorrow is Alexa's birthday?"
The butler awkwardly coughed.
"Master… you know how private the young master is."
"Hmph." The old man snorted. "Prepare gifts for the girl. One from me and another under my grandson's name."
"Yes, Master."
The butler bowed respectfully before leaving.
Back at the couple's cabin, the two rested together after lunch.
They lay cuddled together on the bed peacefully.
"Hon," the young master murmured softly, "tonight will be our fifth night together. The second to the last."
His arms tightened slightly around her waist.
"Are you happy spending time with me?"
Alexa turned slightly and smiled sweetly at him.
"My Honey Beast, of course I'm happy," she whispered softly while gently patting the arm wrapped around her. "Thank you for making me feel special."
Something inside his chest tightened unexpectedly after hearing her words.
"Tomorrow is our last night together," he murmured quietly. "I'll make it special for you."
Then he smiled faintly.
"No… I should be the one thanking you."
After a moment of silence, he leaned closer and whispered near her ear.
"Let's go shopping later."
Alexa blinked.
"Do you need something?" she asked curiously while turning around to face him.
"Just a few things," he lied smoothly.
The truth was, he wanted to spoil her.
But after spending days with Alexa, he already knew she disliked extravagant gifts and luxurious things.
"Okay," Alexa agreed easily. "I'll take a thirty-minute nap first."
"I'll wake you later," he said while kissing her forehead gently. "I'll prepare the car."
After leaving the bedroom, the young master walked toward the wine bar where a small silver handbell rested.
He rang it three times.
Moments later, the butler appeared immediately.
"Yes, Young Master."
The young master slowly lifted his gaze.
"...Young Master?" he repeated coldly.
The butler immediately paled.
"Sorry, Sir!"
"I want a candlelight dinner prepared tomorrow night at the gazebo near the pond," he instructed calmly. "I also want floating candles and flowers covering the water. Arrange fireworks too."
The butler quickly nodded.
"Yes, Sir."
"And hire musicians. Keep them at least ten meters away."
"Yes, Sir."
The young master paused briefly before adding:
"Also… prepare a customized necklace. I'll send the design later."
"I understand, Young Ma— Sir."
The butler hesitated nervously.
"Sir… may I ask something?"
"What?"
The butler smiled shyly.
"Is tomorrow a marriage proposal?"
The young master immediately frowned.
"No. It's just a romantic dinner."
Then his expression darkened.
"Now get lost."
"Yes, Sir!"
The butler practically fled.
Afterward, the young master poured himself a glass of wine and stood silently by the balcony.
But instead of drinking immediately, he became lost in thought.
Why does my chest ache whenever I think this dream will end soon?
He frowned deeply.
At first, I only wanted her company.
Yet somehow, things had changed.
I don't even believe she's the type to sell herself.
He sighed heavily.
Who exactly are you, Alexa?
Why was she crying when he first met her?
Why did she seem so broken?
And why did he suddenly care so much?
He finally drank the wine in one swallow.
Then another thought crossed his mind.
Grandpa has been unusually quiet these past few months…
A dangerous feeling suddenly crept into his mind.
Those two old men are definitely planning something again.
He groaned softly.
Damn it. I came on this vacation to relax before becoming vice president of the family business, not to deal with emotional problems.
Suddenly, he glanced at the clock.
"Damn. I forgot the time."
He rang the bell again.
The butler appeared immediately.
"Prepare the car. We're going to the mall."
"Yes, Sir."
The young master returned to the bedroom and quietly opened the door.
Alexa was still sleeping peacefully.
A gentle smile unconsciously appeared on his face.
Slowly, he sat beside her and gently brushed the back of his fingers against her cheek.
Then he softly patted her shoulder.
"Hon," he whispered gently. "Wake up. It's time to go."
Alexa slowly opened her sleepy eyes.
The moment she saw him, a bright smile instantly bloomed on her lips.
"Hey, Beast…" she murmured sleepily. "Did I sleep too long?"
"Nope," he replied softly. "Now hurry up and freshen up."