Chapter 12
Golden sunlight streamed down like threads of silk, gently wrapping the colorful landscape of Westwood in a soft, golden glow. Although there was still a lingering pain in Celia’s eyes from the divorce, what shined brighter was a quiet hope for the life ahead
Fresh out of a failed marriage, she had just set foot on this peaceful and mysterious land. She arrived in Crystal Springs, a place famously known as the City of Eternal Bloom. It welcomed her with warm sunlight and an explosion of blooming flowers.
As she wandered through the quaint streets and winding alleys, a light breeze danced through her hair while vibrant flowers swayed gracefully on the sidewalks, Sunlight filtered through the trees, scattering shadows on the ground like splashes of paint, making her feel as if she were walking through a living. breathing painting.
At the World Expo Garden, the distinctive pavilions left her captivated
In the grand greenhouse, rare plants from different regions amazed her with nature’s wonders. In the International Pavilion, cultural features from various countries converged, as if allowing her to traverse time and space, experiencing the customs of places around the world
For years, she had built her life around Mason, barely taking time for herself and never allowing room to breathe.
She could not even remember the last time she went on a real vacation. So, with the divorce behind her, she figured that it was finally time to rediscover her homeland and reclaim her sense of wonder, starting with Westwood the legendary “Land of Painted Skies“.]
Celia bad brought up traveling countless times when she was still with Mason. She had told him that she wanted to visit Westwood, stroll down the old cobblestone streets of the historic district, and feel the ocean breeze from Millstone Beach drift through her hair,
But he would brush her off each time, saying that he was too busy and always swamped with work. At the class reunion, she finally realized his “busy” and “no time” were excuses to spend time abroad with Brooklyn.
Next, Celia headed to Stone Sentinel Peaks. The moment she stepped into the park, it felt like she had entered a kingdom carved entirely from stone. Massive rock formations towered around her. Some were shaped like noble soldiers standing at attention while others were like graceful dancers frozen mid–spin. Some even looked like playful animals caught mid–motion
She wandered through the maze of stone, brushing her fingers over their rough, time worn surfaces, imagining the centuries of stories they held. As the tour guide shared a local legend about two lovers torn apart by tradition and fate, a wistful look softened her gaze. It was as though she could see the young couple lighting for love through the shadows of history.
After leaving Stone Sentinel Peaks, Celia made her way to the old city district of Silvercrest. She strolled along the smooth, time–polished cobblestone paths. Each step echoed beneath her feet like whispers from the past
Wearing a light blue sundress, with her long hair swaying gently in the breeze, she looked like a lone flower–quiet, resilient, and full of life. Small boutiques lined the streets, bursting with colorful scarves and handcrafted trinkets
She wandered amlessly, letting her mind drift, soaking in the charm of it all. When she finally reached the edge of Millstone Beach, the scene took her breath away. Majestic hills in the distance kissed the sapphire waters of the lake, painting a view raight out of a dream.
Millstone Beach looked like a giant mirror stretched across the land, reflecting the sky in shimmering blues and silvers. The water was so clear and still that the sunligh: danced on its surface, turning it into a glittering sheet of glos
Cells rented a bike and pedaled along the waterfront, letting the breeze carry the lake’s fresh scent across her skin. It was the first time in a long time she had felt so free.
Faroff, the Mistwell Mountain rose like sleeping giants, their peaks wrapped in soft clouds as if guarding a hidden paradise. By Butterfly Cove, the water sparkled with crystal clarity, surrounded by a riot of wildflowers where butterflies clustered like living petals.
She closed her eyes, letting herself sink into the peace and beauty of nature as if she had become part of the land itself.
Cella took a deep breath, hoping that the crisp air could push out the heavy weight in her chest. She thought that she should never have given up so much of her freedom for someone who never truly saw her. She had wasted years walling in a house for a man who had already filled his heart with someone else.[]
