Chapter 71 Going to Aetherland
It was Lillian's first time traveling abroad. Kevin had already arranged her passport. She thought they would be taking a flight from a particular airline, but when they arrived at the airport, she realized they would be flying on the Sinclair family's private plane.
Lillian was very excited. Not only was it her first time traveling abroad, but it was also her first time flying on a private plane. After all, she had never even left Ridgedale her whole life.
Suppressing her inner excitement, Lillian followed behind Alexander onto the plane. She looked around. The interior of the cabin had been remodeled, and the understated yet luxurious decorations made her exclaim in admiration.
"Alexander and Lillian are here. We can depart now," Beatrice said, sitting on the spacious sofa, smiling.
Lillian looked over when she heard the voice and realized that some people had already arrived. Beatrice sat side by side with Ethan on the sofa. Blake and Rena sat facing each other on the other side. Samantha sat with Leah in a slightly more forward position.
"Bro!" Leah turned around and waved to Alexander, gesturing for him to come over.
Alexander held Lillian's hand and briskly walked over to Samantha's side. Even though Lillian's hand, which was tightly held, was slightly painful, she didn't dare withdraw it and greeted the others while walking.
"They are so close. They are still holding hands on the plane," Beatrice joked.
Lillian forced a smile as a response.
Alexander and Lillian sat side by side. Lillian sat by the window, and Alexander sat on the aisle seat.
As the plane started to taxi, Lillian felt a slight sensation of weightlessness. She nervously clenched her hands and swallowed some saliva.
"Is this your first time flying?" Alexander asked, noticing her nervousness.
"Yes, it is. My first time," Lillian replied shortly.
Alexander did not show any contempt after hearing her response but instead lowered his head to continue reading his magazine.
As the flight became smooth, Lillian gradually relaxed. She pressed her face against the window and exclaimed at the sight outside.
"Wow! It's so beautiful! I never realized the sky could be so breathtaking.”
"The cars on the ground look like little ants rushing around. Even the mountains appear smaller!" Lillian said excitedly.
For the wealthy, flying might be ordinary, but for Lillian, everything was filled with novelty.
"Keep your voice down!" Samantha sat across from her and gritted her teeth. "Do you want everyone to know that you're an uncultured country bumpkin?"
Lillian felt embarrassed and apologized in a hushed tone. "Samantha, I'm sorry. It's my first time flying."
Samantha disapprovingly pursed her lips and warned, "No more talking loudly. Keep any thoughts to yourself!"
"I understand." Lillian nodded.
Samantha returned to her seat and sighed. Leah intentionally instigated trouble by whispering to Samantha, "Mom, she's so clueless. I'm really afraid she'll embarrass herself in Aetherland. It's one thing for others to laugh at her, but it would be bad if it reflected poorly on Alexander, too."
Samantha helplessly said, "I'll make sure to remind her when we get there."
Lillian curled up in her seat and stared at the sea of clouds outside. Feeling belittled, she felt a bit upset. The excitement and exhilaration she had felt earlier now plummeted to the bottom.
'You deserve it! You shouldn't have shouted like that! Do you really think you're so important?' she harshly reproached herself in her mind, hoping to awaken herself and avoid making the same mistake again in the future.
After a while, Lillian started to feel tired. She slowly closed her eyes and fell into a deep sleep.
Alexander noticed that she had fallen asleep. He casually grabbed a blanket and threw it over her, covering her head.
Alexander awakened Lillian. He said impatiently, "Get up. We're about to land."
She squinted and looked out the window, seeing that the plane had already descended. She whispered, "How time flies!"
Sleeping in the same position for a long time made Lillian feel uncomfortable. She stretched her arms and straightened her back, giving her body a little relief. But as her arm fell, her palm accidentally slapped Alexander's face.
"Oh my god!" Lillian covered her mouth and quickly apologized. "Mr. Sinclair, I didn't mean to."
Alexander was angry. He coldly said, "There's no way that wasn't intentional!"
"I really didn't mean to," Lillian said, feeling wronged.
"Enough with the excuses. Hurry up!" Alexander commanded.
Upon entering the cabin, Lillian realized that they were the only two left, as everyone else had gone downstairs.
The weather in Aetherland was pleasant, providing a comfortable feeling. The Sinclair family had already sent a car to pick them up, waiting at the entrance.
After the group exited the airport, the butler, Jamison Glyn, approached them and respectfully greeted Ethan, saying, "Mr. Ethan."
Ethan was in a good mood and patted Jamison's shoulder, saying, "Jamison, long time no see."
"Yes, the last time I saw you was last year," Jamison bowed and gestured, saying, "Mr. Ethan, you have had a tiring journey. Please get in the car."
Lillian learned that Ethan was the fourth oldest in the family, which made her curious about Alexander's rank. She glanced at him and silently pondered.
Ethan, Beatrice, and the children got into one car. Samantha, with a displeased expression, endured her anger and got into another vehicle with Leah. Lillian and Alexander rode together.
The exotic and charming streets excited Lillian. However, because of her previous embarrassment, she chose to appreciate the surroundings quietly and refrain from speaking.
The car continued until they reached the Sinclair family's estate. As the ornate iron gates slowly opened, Lillian saw three very old-looking buildings. They proceeded along a road lined with tall trees, blooming flowers, and statues and fountains scattered throughout. The car fleet drove towards a row of two-story buildings connected to the gardens and lawns, presenting a spacious area.
The vehicles finally stopped in front of one of the buildings. After everyone got out of the car, Jamison told Ethan, "Mr. Ethan, please take a rest. Mr. Thomas will see you later."
"Okay," Ethan nodded and walked inside.
Lillian followed Alexander into one of the rooms. The servants placed their luggage inside and left. Alexander stood on the balcony with his hands on his hips for a while before going outside.
Seeing him leave, Lillian breathed a sigh of relief. She walked around the room. It was a well-equipped suite with a decent size, resembling a hotel room yet still very cozy.
After tidying up her belongings, Lillian went to the balcony. The air in Aetherland was humid and warm. The evening breeze carried the fragrance of flowers and trees, creating a pleasant atmosphere.
"Lillian," Rena greeted her with a smile from the neighboring balcony.
"Rena," Lillian smiled back.
"Alexander and Blake are both out. Come over and keep me company for a little while. I'm feeling a bit bored all by myself," Rena invited, placing her hand on her waist while pregnant.
Lillian had nothing else to do and agreed readily, "Sure, I'm coming."
