The Retired Young Mercenary Is Secretly a Billionaire

Chapter 318: Hnmm!!!

Saturday Evening

Star Harbor Beach

The setting sun painted the horizon with shades of gold and orange.

Gentle waves rolled toward the shore one after another, creating a peaceful rhythm that blended with the distant cries of seagulls.

A Ducati stood parked near the edge of the beach road.

Its metallic body reflected the fading sunlight.

Not far away, Miles and Chloe stood together facing the ocean.

The sea breeze played with Chloe’s hair.

For a long moment neither spoke.

Neither needed to.

The silence itself felt comforting.

Chloe slowly leaned closer.

Then gently rested her head on Miles’ shoulder.

Her eyes closed.

The corner of her lips lifted into a faint smile.

Miles looked down at her.

His expression softened immediately.

He wrapped an arm around her shoulders and gently patted her head.

Just like he used to.

Just like he always wanted to.

For several moments they simply listened to the ocean.

Then Chloe spoke quietly.

"Miles."

"Hnm."

"Do you think I am dreaming right now?"

Miles smiled.

His fingers gently moved a strand of hair away from her face.

"Even if it’s a dream..."

"I am not waking you up."

Chloe laughed softly.

The sound was carried away by the wind.

"You know..."

"I always thought it was too late."

Miles listened quietly.

"Maybe I was holding on too much."

"Maybe I was thinking about you too much."

Her voice became softer.

"I thought you had probably moved on."

She looked up at him.

"You are too handsome."

"I was afraid someone might have snatched you away."

Miles chuckled.

"You think so?"

Chloe narrowed her eyes.

"What does that mean?"

Then she pointed a finger at him.

"Tell me honestly."

"Did you date someone after that?"

Miles thought for a moment.

"Not really."

Chloe looked suspicious.

"Did you meet beautiful girls?"

Miles immediately answered.

"Oh, I did."

"So many."

Chloe’s eyes widened.

"But..."

Miles smiled.

"I never had feelings for them like I have for you."

The answer made Chloe’s heart warm.

Unfortunately it also created another question.

"So you flirted with them?"

Miles looked toward the sea.

"Umm..."

"Maybe."

"I don’t really remember these things, but I don’t cross line."

Chloe instantly puffed her cheeks.

Her expression became adorable.

Miles almost laughed.

"Are you still in contact with them?"

"Some of them."

Chloe stared at him.

Miles quickly continued.

"As friends."

"Like my guy friends."

That explanation did not help much.

Chloe stepped in front of him.

Then gently pressed her forehead against his chest.

A tiny fist landed on him.

Not enough to hurt.

Just enough to complain.

"Why are you so honest?"

Miles laughed.

He wrapped both arms around her.

"Are you jealous?"

"Hnmph."

"Of course I am."

Then her voice softened.

"But I believe you."

She closed her eyes.

"You won’t do things to hurt me."

Miles felt his chest tighten.

She is always so trusting?

So sincere.

So pure.

He gently kissed the top of her head.

"Why are you so sweet?"

Then he became quiet.

"I never planned to move on."

Chloe looked up.

"Really?"

A playful smile appeared.

"What if I was the one who moved on?"

"Would you have done the same?"

Miles answered without hesitation.

"I would be very happy for you."

The answer surprised her.

Miles continued.

"That you found happiness."

"Believe me."

"I could never forgive myself if you stayed unhappy because of me."

His eyes were calm.

Honest.

"If you had found someone who loved you and made you happy..."

"I would have wanted you to choose that happiness."

Chloe stared at him.

Even now.

Even after everything.

He was still thinking about her happiness first.

"Even though it was my fault?"

Miles shook his head.

"I was not entirely truthful to you, was I?"

Chloe lowered her gaze.

"But it was your duty."

"Things you couldn’t tell anyone."

Miles sighed.

"Still."

"I didn’t just hide things."

"I lied about my profession."

Chloe suddenly hugged him tightly.

Very tightly.

As if she never wanted to lose him again.

"I forgave you for that."

Her voice trembled slightly.

"Will you please forgive me too?"

Miles immediately tightened his embrace.

"That was never your mistake."

"You were the most innocent person in that entire situation."

Chloe smiled against his chest.

"Thanks."

A comfortable silence followed.

Then Chloe remembered something.

"And regarding me moving on..."

"What about you?"

Miles looked toward the ocean.

Thinking carefully.

"Maybe I might not have moved on."

His answer was honest.

"As long as I could, I would have resisted."

"My mom tried setting up dates."

Chloe blinked.

"She did?"

Miles laughed.

"Many times."

"And I protested every single one."

That made Chloe smile.

"But eventually..."

Miles shrugged.

"For my family’s happiness."

"I might have moved on."

"But..."

Miles gently touched her cheek.

"I would still protest until I wasn’t allowed to."

"I would keep your memories."

"Then someday..."

"I would try to forget you."

Chloe looked up again.

"Forget me?"

Miles nodded.

"It would hurt."

"A lot."

"But I couldn’t be with someone while thinking about someone else."

His voice remained calm.

"That would be unfair to both people."

Chloe looked at him for several seconds.

Then a beautiful smile appeared.

"Thank you for being truthful."

She gently held his hands.

"But I am not letting you go anymore."

Her eyes sparkled.

"So you have to keep the memories."

"The good ones, of course."

Miles laughed.

Chloe moved closer.

Very close.

Close enough to hear each other’s heartbeats.

"I plan..."

She hesitated.

Then smiled shyly.

"To grow old with you."

The words landed directly in Miles’ heart.

"And..."

She looked away for a second.

"I am waiting for the day you propose."

Her face turned red.

"I have dreamed about that day."

Miles felt his own face heating up.

His arms instinctively tightened around her.

Holding her closer.

Protecting her.

Keeping her near.

Chloe blinked.

Then blinked again.

"Miles."

"Hnm?"

"Will you let me breathe?"

Miles immediately loosened his grip.

"Oh."

"Sorry."

Chloe laughed.

A genuine laugh.

"Don’t be."

She looked directly into his eyes.

"I like how strong you are."

Miles instantly looked away.

His ears had become red.

"Umm..."

"Ahh..."

The mighty Ghost who terrified entire armies suddenly forgot how to speak.

Chloe found that incredibly cute.

Miles quickly changed the subject.

"About tomorrow..."

"You are coming, right?"

Chloe smiled knowingly.

She knew exactly why he was changing the topic.

"Yes."

"Me."

"Lissy."

"And Kate."

Miles nodded.

"We’ll wait for you at the port."

The waves continued rolling toward the shore.

The sun slowly disappeared beneath the horizon.

And standing there together, with the ocean before them and tomorrow waiting ahead...

Both silently hoped that this peaceful moment would last forever.

Next Morning

The large gates slowly opened.

Miles’ vehicle rolled out first.

A few moments later, another car joined them from a nearby road.

Inside sat Flora and Dion.

The two vehicles traveled together toward the harbor.

Soon the massive port came into view.

Cargo ships, yachts, fishing vessels, and ferries filled the waterfront.

The smell of saltwater lingered in the air.

The cars entered the private parking area near the marina.

As soon as the engines stopped, the doors flew open.

Hope and Asher practically exploded out of the vehicle.

"The sea!" Hope shouted excitedly.

"Yay!!" Asher jumped.

The twins immediately ran toward the railing before Elena called them back.

Hope pointed toward the endless blue water.

"Big bro! Do we go in a boat?"

Miles stepped out of the car and smiled.

"We are going in our own yacht."

Asher’s eyes became round.

"A yacht?"

"Big brooo, you are so rich."

"My friends already say they are jealous."

Everyone laughed.

Miles rubbed his head.

"You really tell your friends everything, don’t you?"

Asher nodded proudly.

"Of course."

Monica crossed her arms.

"Why don’t you bring your friends sometimes?"

Asher thought seriously.

Then nodded.

"I can do that."

The twins looked particularly adorable today.

Miles had dressed them himself.

The three almost looked like a coordinated team.

Miles wore a casual white polo shirt paired with light navy trousers and white sneakers. A pair of sunglasses rested on the collar of his shirt, giving him a relaxed yet elegant appearance.

Hope wore a cute white summer dress with small navy blue ribbons that matched Miles’ outfit. Her hair was neatly tied into twin ponytails.

Asher wore a white shirt with navy shorts and small sneakers. Standing beside Miles, he looked like a miniature version of his big brother.

The similarity made several people smile.

Another car door opened.

Flora carefully stepped out while Dion stayed beside her protectively.

"Good morning everyone," Dion greeted.

Hope instantly ran toward Flora.

"Big sis Flora!"

Flora laughed and gently hugged her.

"Hello little princess."

Elena smiled warmly.

"It’s good you came."

"The fresh air is needed during pregnancy too."

Then she looked at Dion.

"You should take her out more often."

Dion raised both hands.

"I’ll keep that in mind, Aunt."

"Though today I am more excited to meet someone else."

Flora immediately looked toward Miles.

A mischievous smile appeared.

"You kept her hidden from us, huh?"

Dion stepped forward and smacked Miles’ shoulder.

"Aren’t we brothers?"

Miles rubbed his shoulder.

"It was complicated."

Dion shook his head.

"I would have done anything to sort it out."

"Just like you did for us."

For a moment Miles looked genuinely touched.

"Thanks."

Flora folded her arms.

"So where is she?"

"I can’t wait to see my future sister in law."

Hope raised her hand.

"Me too!"

Asher raised both hands.

"Me too!"

Monica looked toward the marina lounge.

"I see Alice’s car parked here."

"Maybe they’re already inside."

Daniel nodded.

"Let’s go then."

The entire group headed toward the private harbor lounge.

The spacious waiting area overlooked the ocean through giant glass windows.

Several yachts floated peacefully outside.

As they entered, three familiar figures immediately came into view.

Alice.

Kate.

And Chloe.

Chloe stood near the window.

She wore a light blue summer dress that flowed gently around her knees. The color matched the ocean visible behind her.

Her long dark hair rested naturally over her shoulders.

The elegant hairclip Hope had given her sparkled softly in the morning light.

Simple.

Beautiful.

And completely effortless.

Elena immediately smiled.

"There she is."

Alice stood up first.

"Good morning Chairman."

"Mr. and Mrs. Keller."

"Miss Monica."

Then she looked at the twins.

"Hello cuties."

Hope waved enthusiastically.

Alice laughed.

Elena stepped forward.

"Good morning everyone."

"Thank you for coming."

Alice smiled.

"Thank you for inviting us."

Kate bowed politely.

Then Chloe stepped forward.

Her face already slightly red.

"Hello everyone."

"Good morning."

Elena immediately covered her heart dramatically.

"How cute."

Chloe’s face became even redder.

Daniel stepped forward.

"Though we already met at The Atelier..."

"I’m Daniel."

Chloe smiled politely.

"Nice to meet you, Mr. Keller."

Before anyone could continue, Hope and Asher had already positioned themselves beside Chloe like loyal bodyguards.

Hope held Chloe’s hand.

Asher stood proudly beside her.

Flora’s eyes widened.

She stared at Chloe.

Then stared again.

Then stared some more.

Her eyes practically sparkled.

Miles immediately noticed.

"Hey."

"Don’t stare at her."

Flora pointed at Chloe dramatically.

"Miles, you are such a bad boy."

"You never told me about her."

"She looks like an angel."

Dion nodded.

"And I thought he was very shy around girls."

Miles sighed.

"Can you two stop attacking me for one minute?"

Neither listened.

Flora was already walking toward Chloe.

Miles rubbed his forehead.

"How about introducing yourselves first?"

Then he pointed.

"She is Flora."

"And he is Dion."

The pair waved.

Miles continued.

"They are like my older brother and sister."

"I grew up with them."

Dion immediately placed a hand over his chest.

"Making us emotional, are you?"

Flora nodded dramatically.

"Our baby brother finally grew up."

Miles groaned.

Chloe couldn’t help laughing.

"Nice to meet you."

Flora immediately moved beside her.

"Hello."

"I’m Flora."

Then she leaned closer and whispered loudly enough for everyone to hear.

"If this boy troubles you..."

"Just tell me."

"I’ll take care of him."

Chloe laughed.

"Of course."

"Hey!" Miles protested.

Everyone burst into laughter.

Even Daniel struggled not to smile.

The cheerful atmosphere spread through the lounge.

Miles finally shook his head and gestured toward the marina.

"Alright."

"Let’s go."

Beyond the glass windows, the massive white yacht waited at the private dock.

And their day on the island was finally about to begin.