A fate for love

Chapter 26: Are you okay?!

Back to the present

As Elina walked away, tears streamed down her face, each drop a testament to the pain she had carried for so long. She sniffled, trying to wipe her tears as memories of the past overwhelmed her, especially the day Kevin left without a word. The flood of emotions from losing her parents, Sia leaving, and the guilt of it all threatened to swallow her whole. But she couldn't afford to break down, not here, not now.

After taking a moment to compose herself, she took a deep breath, wiped her face with the back of her hand, and walked back towards the camp. As soon as she walked in, Aria spotted her. "Look, there she is!" she exclaimed, and everyone turned toward Elina.

Elina gave an awkward smile as she approached her team. "I'm sorry, I couldn't collect any flags," she said quietly, her voice carrying the weight of her earlier emotions.

Her teammates acknowledged her with understanding nods. Clara spoke up, "It's okay, Ms. Elina. They were just about to announce the winner, but we realized you weren't back yet."

Just then, Fredrick walked over, concern evident on his face. "Ms. Elina, is everything alright?"  he asked.

Elina nodded, though the lingering pain was still present in her eyes. "Yes, I just lost my way..." she explained.

Fredrick sighed in relief, placing a gentle hand on her shoulder. "Glad you're okay. I was worried for you,"

Elina gave a smile, a little weaker. "Thank you," she replied softly, grateful for his concern and Fredrick nodded, with a smile before heading back to his team.

Just then, the announcer's voice boomed through the camp, "Everyone, we have the winning team!"

Fredrick gestured for Elina to stay with her team as he moved back to his own. 

Elina stood with her teammates, the anticipation thick in the air. "I hope we win," Clara muttered, her fingers crossed.

After a dramatic pause, the announcer finally declared, "It's the Directing Team!" the cheers erupted from across the camp. Fredrick's team squealed in joy, the rest of the teams, including Elina's, let out soft sighs, their hopes dashed, but still clapped for their victory. 

Clara, trying to compose herself, pressed her lips into a thin line before saying, "Even if we didn't win, it was fun this time."

Her teammates exchanged glances, nodding in agreement. Aria then turned to Elina with a grateful smile. "Thank you, Ms. Elina, for filling in for me."

Elina shook her head quickly. "I couldn't even collect a flag. I was of no help. Don't thank me," she said with a small, self-deprecating laugh.

Win chimed in as he reminded her, "Ms. Elina, you're forgetting your own words."

With a smile, the whole team, chimed in unison, "It doesn't matter if we win or lose, what matters is the team spirit!"

Elina laughed along with them, for a brief moment, the joy with her teammates washed away the lingering pain she had felt moments ago. 

"Now, the CEO will present the award to the winning team," the announcer declared, causing a ripple of surprise across the participants. Most of the employees looked around in confusion, except for a few who had stayed back in the camp, including Aria, and Elina who earlier met Kevin.

"Why is the CEO here?" Felix asked, wide-eyed.

"Yeah, he never attends such trips," Win added, equally puzzled.

Clara rolled her eyes, leaning in with a smirk. "I'm telling you, he's a simp for me now."

Without missing a beat, the entire team responded, "Oh, shut up, Clara!" they shouted in unison, while Clara widened her eyes as she shook her head.