Burning Passion

CHAPTER 321: LIVING IN STEVEN'S SHADOW

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To celebrate their engagement, Harry brought Nina to a ridge where can view the ocean far ahead. 

Arriving in the spot, Nina breathed in and filled her lungs with fresh air. It was nice to see green scenery, which in the distance is the deep blue sea. 

"Do you like it here? I love taking the trail of the neighboring ridge. But it is dangerous for you," said Harry. 

Nina guesses that Harry wasn't alone going for a walk, but with Steven. However, Harry chose not to mention his twin brother. Sometimes, it saddened her to what happened in the twins' relationship. But she loves Harry, and Harry made her feel pure love.

"I am not used to walking trails. I need to prepare my body if I plan to try for the first time," Nina replied, tilting her head to the side; set aside her thoughts about Steven. It is unnecessary to think anything about the guy. 

Today, she and Harry celebrated their engagement. Even though it was just a secret for now; it is one of the most precious moments of her life. 

"Hm. You are right... Are you still feeling sore?" Harry asked casually. However, he received Nina's sweet glare instead. 

It amused him at how her face flushes, remembering their sweet and sweaty moments. Harry leans over to brush his lips on top of Nina's.

But the reason she was blushing is the people nearby. It is Nina's concern, more than caring for the soreness of her body. 

However, the naughty Harry only pushes a smirk on the corner of his mouth, and he seems to enjoy teasing her! 

"Don't worry. They were also honeymooners on this island," he whispered. 

Nina looks at Harry with delight—hearing the words 'also' means something precious for Harry... 

They aren't married yet. But spending time together intimately behind closed doors feels like they were indeed on a honeymoon. Not mentioning Harry proposes to her just this morning. 

Recalling such an event made her shed tears. Nina peered at her engagement ring. 

The gem is gleaming under the sunlight. Until now, she could still not believe that everything was happening at the moment. 

Harry's fingers rub her eyes, wiping the teardrops trailing down her cheeks. 

"I love you… always remember that," said Harry from the bottom of his heart. 

"And you are the one I love… Please remember, no matter what happens." Because she still feels uneasy, thinking Steven might hurt his twin brother. With Steven's personality, he is the kind of person who won't accept the truth. 

What will he do now she and Harry are planning to get married? 

"What's wrong?" asked Harry, noticing the sadness in her eyes. 

Nina rested her head on Harry's chest. Shaking her head as she replied. "Nothing…" 

However, Harry has a strong hunch of the things that concerns Nina. 

"Are you thinking about him?" Harry doesn't need to guess. He felt when Nina pressed her forehead into his chest. It was her response. "Don't worry. He won't get near you anymore." 

"I hope so…" And she's praying to the Heavens. 

"Are you hungry? Let's grab lunch before heading to the hospital. There is a grilling restaurant at the foot of this ridge." 

"Okay!" 

Hand in hand, Harry and Nina took the stairs down to the parking lot below this ridge. 

"If you prefer another dish, we can drive around to search for a French, Italian restaurant or a Chinese one?" 

"I'm okay with barbecues, although I crave Italian pasta and lasagna with a lot of cheese!" 

"Hm. I think I know one restaurant that serves different dishes." 

"Let's check out that one then?" said Nina excitedly. 

Having meals with Harry is her favorite thing to do now. She doesn't want to end this vacation. By now, she just wanted to stay in Hawaii forever where they don't need to hide their relationship, but she and Harry could act like a married couple. 

She was in deep thought when Harry bends in front of her. She asked curiously, "What are you doing?" 

"You can hop in on my back." 

"Huh? But might I'm heavy?" But it does excite her to ride on Harry's back.

"Not at all!" Harry beamed while saying it. 

She glared at him. "And why are you smirking now?" 

"I just know you're not heavy." 

Nina widened her eyes, looking at Harry astonishingly. 'This guy is teasing her!' Flashback of their intimate moments flashing her head.

But Harry's action really touched her. She hops on Harry's back. He effortlessly carried her down below. Gladly, she was now in jeans. 

Before Harry opens the car door, he holds her face with both of his hands; they kissed. It was sweet and intense. 

At the restaurant parking lot, they were walking hand in hand toward the door when a woman came out of the restaurant with a group of people that looked like her family.

"Steven Shang? Nina Li?" 

Harry froze on his feet while Nina tried to stay calm. 

"Mrs. Harris, hello." Nina greeted the woman. She is from the school Finance Office. 

Gladly, Harry wore black sunglasses. It was easy to pretend. The woman didn't doubt it was Harry, as everyone in the University knew who Nina's boyfriend was.

Harry cleared his throat before he greeted the woman. At this moment, he is thankful that his voice does not differ from Steven's. 

"Hello, Mrs. Harris…" he then turned his head to the man in uniform standing next to the woman. "Captain Harris, good to see you, sir." 

"Oh, Mr. Shang! Good to see you too!" Mr. Harris extends his hand, he and Harry shake hands. "I remember classes still ongoing. What are you guys doing here?" 

Before neither Nina and Harry could answer, Mrs. Harris cut in as she remembered something. 

"I forget!" she claps her hands. "Mrs. Shang was in the hospital. Your father, Mr. Shang, excuses both you and Steven to be away from school. They brought your mother to which hospital?" 

"The Queen's Medical Center, Ma'am." 

"I see. Thank you. We're going ahead! You both enjoy your date!" said Mrs. Harris. She and her family walked toward their car. 

"Goodbye, Mrs. Harris... Captain Harris..."

After bidding farewell, Nina and Harry entered the restaurant. After sitting down at their table and give their orders, Nina noticed Harry's silence. She reached for his hand, squeezes it. 

"Harry…" Honestly, she doesn't know what to say. She wants to comfort him when people keep mistaking him for Steven. 

Harry smiled at Nina. He took his sunglasses off and placed them on the table. He drew Nina's hand close to his mouth and kissed the back of her palm as he muttered, "Don't think about it, okay?" 

'No! It's always like this!'

When can they get rid of Steven? When would Harry stop living in Steven's existence? It seemed like his shadow following them anywhere they go!