Everest's Guardian Hubby Watched Me Freeze My Ghost Knows Where He'll Burn novel Chapter 18

Chapter 5

Elara hadn’t expected to see him here, not in this place, not today.

She didn’t answer his question. Instead, she threw it right back at him, her voice steady but edged with surprise. “What are *you* doing here?”

Nicholas flinched, a flicker of unease flashing across his eyes.

“Oh, uh—just meeting a friend for lunch nearby. I saw you and thought I’d check in,” he stammered, trying to sound casual.

Before Elara could reply, the passenger door swung open. Valentina stepped out, a bright smile on her face as she slipped smoothly between them.

“Nicholas, is this your wife?” she asked, eyes twinkling with mischief.

Nicholas clearly hadn’t expected her to get out of the car. His panic doubled, but he forced a calm tone. “Elara, this is… uh, my friend, Valentina Cross.”

Valentina extended her hand politely. “Nice to finally meet you! What brings you all the way out here?”

Elara ignored the outstretched hand, her gaze dropping to the ground. Her voice was barely above a whisper. “Checking something off my birthday list. Getting photos done.”

Valentina’s eyes lit up instantly.

“Photos? Oh my God, can I come along? I’m actually pretty good at this stuff—I could help with outfits, poses, all that.”

Elara glanced at Nicholas, who remained silent.

She didn’t refuse.

***

The three of them piled into the car. Elara settled alone in the backseat, staring out the window at the passing scenery, feeling invisible.

At first, the car was heavy with silence. Nicholas sat tensely beside Valentina, barely speaking.

Then Valentina broke the quiet, chatting casually about a new movie that had just come out.

Nicholas responded politely at first, but she kept the conversation flowing—touching on every topic he liked.

Slowly, he relaxed, getting drawn into the banter. He started talking more, even laughing.

In that moment, he forgot Elara was there, sitting quietly behind them.

When they arrived, Nicholas jumped out and walked ahead with Valentina without a second glance.

Elara watched them disappear toward the studio entrance. Alone, she maneuvered her wheelchair out of the car and followed at her own pace.

As the trio reached the studio, a greeter hurried over to meet Nicholas and Valentina with a bright, welcoming smile.

Nicholas and Valentina both turned their attention to Elara.

She answered flatly, without looking up. “Lifestyle portraits.”

Valentina’s eyes sparkled with an idea.

“Okay, here’s the plan. You go pick out your outfits, and Nick and I will do a few test shots so you can see how the poses work. That way, it’ll be way easier when it’s your turn.”

Before Elara could respond, Valentina was already tugging Nicholas toward the studio.

At first, Nicholas seemed hesitant, unsure.

But Valentina kept guiding him, adjusting his posture, telling him where to look.

Gradually, he began to loosen up, getting into the flow.

They took a handful of shots, then a few more.

Valentina stood on her tiptoes and playfully pinched his cheek. “Come on, grumpy. Smile for me.”

Nicholas looked down at her, caught by the sparkle in her eyes, and finally smiled.