Chapter 19
The village’s tourism project was officially launched. Naomi invited travel and food influencers to visit and share their experiences on social media.
Many traditional homes retained their original structures, featuring reinforced walls for added safety. Some were turned into guesthouses, while others became small local restaurants.
The entire village was thoughtfully renovated to highlight its natural beauty. Scenic viewing platforms were added, and the atmosphere of an old trade route was recreated to give visitors a glimpse into the region’s rich history.
Visitors could also learn traditional crafts from the village elders, like heritage weaving and woodblock printing.
The first wave of influencers who visited the village all provided glowing feedback. Spending two or three days there felt like a true escape. It was relaxing, peaceful, and rejuvenating.
The online buzz grew rapidly, with wave after wave of positive coverage. Soon, the village began to gain recognition as a charming rural getaway.
The second group to arrive was a team from a well-known corporation on its annual retreat. Each employee had a great experience, further boosting the village’s reputation.
Before long, travel agencies began reaching out for partnerships, and a growing number of independent travelers also started arriving. With limited capacity, the village eventually implemented a reservation system to manage the influx of visitors.
When news spread, many couples who had left the village for work returned to help the elders with their new family businesses. Education and healthcare facilities were also established, and every resident in the village was overjoyed.
“It’s wonderful. Everything you’ve done has truly paid off,” Roy praised sincerely as he stood beside Naomi, both of them gazing out the window at the passing tourists.
Naomi smiled. “Everyone contributed. I’m glad, too.”
Then, her expression shifted, a hint of reluctance touching it. “It’s time for us to go. There are other places that need us.”
She wanted to use her abilities to help more people. Hence, more children could go to school, and more elders would have someone to rely on.
“Alright. Let’s go,” Roy replied with a smile. Something between them had subtly shifted. At least now, she no longer asked him to leave.
The day before Naomi was set to leave, Cassian showed up.
Chapter 19
Mabel led him in and warned Naomi cautiously, “Sweetheart, this one’s no good. Stay away from him. I’m right outside. Call me if anything happens.”
Naomi offered a faint smile and looked toward Cassian, who was standing in the doorway. Seeing him again, she was calmer than she’d imagined, like encountering a stranger passing through.
They hadn’t seen each other in nearly two years, and Cassian had changed a great deal. He had lost a lot of weight, and his face was drawn with exhaustion and weariness he could no longer hide.
The light in his eyes was gone, as if his whole being had been steeped in darkness. He was no longer the dazzling, gentle man who could make her heart flutter with just one glance.
“It’s been a while, Mr. Hartwell,” Naomi said indifferently, her voice flat and emotionless. Cassian’s eyes turned red in an instant. Naomi’s aloofness struck right at his heart.
He had imagined their reunion countless times. He thought she might cry, yell, break down, and demand to know why he had lied to her.
However, he had never anticipated this scene. Her expression was calm and detached, treating him like a mere stranger as if the love they once shared had never existed at all.
“Honey… please don’t treat me like this.” His voice was hoarse and strained.
Naomi cut him off, “Mr. Hartwell, we were never married. I am not your wife, and whatever was between us ended a long time ago. Whatever you came here to say, I don’t want to hear it.”
He shook his head frantically and lunged toward Naomi, reaching out to pull her into his arms. “No, you’re my wife. I love you.”
Naomi stepped back and slapped him hard across the face. “Please show some respect, Mr. Hartwell.”
