Randy and Kennedy immediately find a place to sit. Darwin and Veronica, on the other hand, take in the natural flower garden, which is in full bloom. As before, Veronica doesn’t want to miss the opportunity and captures everything she sees in photos.
“You don’t want a photo together with Darwin?” Randy teases as she notices Veronica busy taking pictures. “It won’t be as fun if you only have a collection of flower and landscape photos.”
Veronica, who is engrossed in taking photos with her phone, looks up and smiles at Randy. She responds, “So, what do you think I should do?”
“Well, take a photo together with Darwin, of course. You could take a selfie together or should I help you take the picture? The location and view are perfect for it. You can even show off the photos on social media, Ve.”
Veronica agrees with a nod, and shortly after, she calls out to Darwin, who is currently engaged in conversation with the guards and the navigator.
“Why?” Darwin asks as he hears his name being called by his wife.
“I want a photo together. Are you up for it?” Veronica asks directly, and Darwin responds with a nod.
He walks over, even finding a good spot for both of them to capture the image.
“Right here. The lake and the pine trees provide a great background.”
Veronica complies, immediately moving to stand right beside Darwin. Meanwhile, Randy, the designated photographer, aims the camera and adjusts their positions.
“Are you two a married couple or not?” the photographer remarks. “Why are you so far apart in the photo? Show some affection!” Then Randy’s gaze focuses on Darwin, who looks a bit stiff. “Win, put your arm around your wife. If you’re standing so far apart, the photo will look like a couple in World War 10.”
Darwin sighs. He wants to protest but feels embarrassed due to the crowd. So, after a moment, he decides to comply and shyly puts his arm around Veronica’s shoulder.
“Not the shoulder!” Randy protests again. “Put your arm around Veronica’s waist. Why be so shy? She’s your wife. Or do you want me to switch positions?”
Darwin sighs deeply, inwardly cursing Randy for successfully teasing him. Instead of arguing, he obeys his cousin once again, allowing her to guide him and Veronica through various poses.
As a result, numerous photos are taken. As time goes on, Darwin and Veronica seem to enjoy following Kennedy’s instructions. The exact count of photos saved in the galleries of Darwin’s and Veronica’s phones is uncountable.
“Since the rest time is sufficient and everyone’s energy is back, it’s a good idea to start descending,” Pak Choi reminds them. “Moreover, weather conditions on the mountain can change unexpectedly if it gets late in the day. So, once again, I remind you to watch your steps and stay on the path to ensure your safety.”
“How long does it usually take to descend?” Kennedy asks while organizing her belongings.
“Faster than the ascent. Because on the way back, we take a different, shorter route.”
“In that case, let’s head down now,” Darwin suggests.
All the members of the group, who have recharged their energy, start moving down with enthusiasm. Just as Choi Min Soo mentioned, suddenly the previously sunny weather shifts to overcast and cold.
Mysteriously, fog appears along the way. Kennedy, Randy, and Darwin’s group even stop for about 15 minutes at the first checkpoint.
After confirming a somewhat safe condition and making sure to stay ahead of any rain, they hurry to continue on to the next checkpoint.
However, after only an hour of descending, the fog returns, even thicker than before. As a result, their visibility is significantly reduced for a while. After proceeding cautiously, the entire group eventually reaches the last checkpoint.
“Sir, how long does it take to reach the entrance gate?” Kennedy inquires, making sure.
“About 15 to 20 minutes.”
Kennedy nods in understanding. To check on the rest of the group, the man turns around and starts counting the participants, until he notices something unusual.
“Randy?” he calls out to confirm the presence of the group members behind him. Due to the fog, visibility is quite limited.
“Yes, I’m here,” Randy responds.
“Park Hyo Jin? Lee Byun Hae?”
Both names Kennedy called out respond in unison, confirming their presence. Ensuring safety, Kennedy then calls the next names.
“Darwin, Veronica?”
“Yes, Ken,” Darwin answers. “I’m right he-” Darwin’s voice, which was initially clear, suddenly stops. A moment later, he’s heard shouting, “Veronica isn’t in the line!”
“What? Is that true?” Kennedy and Randy responded simultaneously.
An instant panic ensued. Veronica, who had been in front of Darwin from the start of the journey until the trip back, suddenly vanished from the lineup.
“Mr. Choi, what’s happening?” Darwin couldn’t hide his anxiety. His feelings became mixed after realizing that his wife wasn’t by his side.
“I’ll contact the officials to ask for help first.”
While Choi was contacting the officials, Darwin checked his backpack. Making sure all the equipment he brought was there, he decided to try to find Veronica, who might have been left at the top.
“Sir, I need to go to the top first. The day is getting cloudier. I’m worried my wife might get caught in the rain. She doesn’t have much gear in her bag.”
“But, we have to wait for the officials,” Choi reminded him.
“How much longer do we have to wait? The day is getting darker, sir. I know this terrain. Besides, this isn’t the first time I’ve hiked in Hallasan.”
After assessing the conditions and the surroundings, Choi and Lee decided to accompany Darwin as he retraced his steps up the mountain to find Veronica. The three of them followed the path they had descended earlier, hoping to find Veronica before the day turned rainy or darker.
***
Vivian appeared to be sitting thoughtfully in her office chair. Her mind was wandering, recalling a meeting she attended a few days ago with someone before deciding to return to Kalimantan.
“I’m sure you’re really in love with Darwin, right? Would you be okay if the man you’ve been waiting for suddenly falls for someone else?”
Vivian looked up instantly, giving her conversation partner a questioning look.
“Falls for someone else? What do you mean?”
“Yeah. Just so you know, Darwin and Veronica are getting comfortable in their marriage. And if they really get into a serious relationship, would you be okay with it?”
Vivian took a deep breath. Of course, she wouldn’t be okay if the man she fought for started loving someone else.
“But I’m sure Darwin would never betray.”
“Who says? Darwin even suggested to Veronica that they try being real husband and wife for the next month. If this trial works out, they’ll cancel all agreements about divorcing after six months of marriage.”
“No way!” Vivian shook her head repeatedly. “Darwin would never break his promise.”
“And if that really happens, are you sure you’d just stay quiet? Are you sure you’d just let it happen?”
Vivian fell silent. The recent question made her think deeply.
“Even if I’m not okay with it, I can’t do anything now. Veronica has even threatened to do anything if I violate the agreement.”
“That’s why I’m asking you to collaborate. Let’s separate Darwin and Veronica before it’s too late.”
Because of this proposition, Vivian had trouble sleeping. She was constantly torn and preoccupied. Was what she had been told the truth, that Darwin was beginning to move on? Or was it just a fabrication to manipulate the situation for some purpose?
Even if all of it was true, should she accept the proposal to collaborate? If she agreed, she had to be ready for the consequences Veronica had mentioned. And if she refused, she would inevitably have to be prepared to lose Darwin.
That’s why Vivian kept weighing her options, considering carefully all the risks she might have to face.