Chapter 20: Sloane Bennett Pressed a White Fox Ear Headband into Clara Whitmore's Hand

Sloane Bennett pressed a white fox ear headband into Clara Whitmore's hand while adjusting her own pink cartoon headpiece.

"Put it on!" she urged.

With a resigned sigh, Clara secured the headband in her hair.

Sloane stepped back to admire her handiwork, eyes lighting up. "You look just like a little vixen!"

She grabbed Clara's wrist and charged forward. "We're riding every attraction today!"

Screams exploded around them.

Clara rubbed her ringing ears, glancing at Sloane slumped on a bench.

"Feeling better?"

"Ugh—"

She quickly handed over bottled water and tissues.

"That rollercoaster nearly killed me..." Sloane wiped her mouth weakly.

"Who insisted on extreme rides?" Clara shook her head.

Sloane collapsed against her shoulder with a groan. "I admit defeat..."

After resting, they headed for lunch.

Suddenly, the crowd stirred.

"Look up!"

The blue sky filled with colorful balloons like a dreamy ocean.

"Some rich guy's birthday surprise," bystanders murmured.

Sloane rolled her eyes. "Let's go. I'm starving."

* * *

A long queue snaked before the pirate ship.

Paige Lawson returned with shaved ice. "Our turn's next!"

Grant Holloway scrolled through his phone indifferently.

Near the carousel, gasps erupted as balloons ascended.

A man knelt with roses before his girlfriend, embracing her in the floating colors.

"So romantic..." Paige whispered.

Today was her birthday too.

Grant gave a dismissive glance before returning to his screen.

Such flashy gestures had always disgusted him.

He'd never indulged Clara with them.

Certainly wouldn't start now.