Crystal's One Night of Love

At nine at night, Crystal finally returned to the villa.

The warm yellow light spilled from the hall, casting a cozy ambiance in the dim foyer.

Skyler sat playing the piano with Henry by her side.

He wore a classic three-piece suit, and when the jacket was taken off, his well-proportioned figure would be revealed. Upon seeing Crystal, he gently swirled his wine glass and inquired, “How was your outing?”

Crystal set down her bag and sat on the couch, gently massaging her sore legs.

At that, Skyler wanted to run over to her mother.

She had initially learned to play the piano to find her mother, but now, it no longer mattered.

However, Henry put his hand on her chestnut-colored hair and solemnly said, “Play this piece five more times.”

Skyler turned speechless.

Daddy, you’re so mean! You weren’t like this when you wanted me to help you court Mommy!

Hence, Skyler continued playing the piano at a much faster rate than usual.

Crystal was both amused and exasperated. She said to Henry, “She’s only around five years old. Why do you need to pressure her like this?”

Henry crouched down before her and massaged her feet. His voice was low and gentle as he said, “She’s talented, Crystal. I’ve always wanted to apologize to you, but no matter how many apologies I make, your feet can never go back to how they were. So I want Skyler to have another option.”

Crystal was silent as she stared at him.

She rarely looked at him like this. In the past, she had always avoided developing any romantic feelings. for him again..

After a long time, she whispered, “Even though that’s the case, don’t push her too hard. I want Skyler to live freely, and besides, with you around, she’ll be fine in the future.”

Henry smiled faintly. “It’s rare to have some merits in Miss Winters’ heart.”

They then changed the topic and discussed Melora for a while.

Henry seemed to have thought about it a lot during the day. He held her fair foot and murmured, “I won’t force you to do anything because of Melora’s situation. They are them, and we are us.”

Crystal looked at him, who was illuminated by the lamp.

Her gaze held a touch of tenderness, genuine and unfeigned, as she looked at Henry.

Henry’s heart skipped a beat.

His voice was husky as he asked, “Do you have any affection for me now?”

Crystal reached out to gently touch his attractive face. “Perhaps I do have a bit of affection for you.” A soft chuckle escaped Henry’s lips.

But before their emotions could fully envelop them, Skyler was done playing the piece five times and rushed over to her father, seeking a foot rub.

Henry, ever indulgent, embraced his daughter, attending to both her feet and her hands.

Skyler’s jealousy subsided, replaced by a sense of bashfulness, as she nestled in her father’s arms.

Crystal affectionately touched the little girl’s head and remarked, “She really adores you.”

With a playful tap on Crystal’s nose, Henry teased, “Even though you’re an adult, you still get jealous because of a child.”

That night, Crystal slept with Skyler as usual.

Henry stopped urging her to move to the master bedroom, and neither did he ask her to sleep with him. She had not pushed him away despite what he did during the day in the walk-in closet, so that meant she was not as hostile toward him anymore.

He was in no rush.

This time, he was going to take it slow with her.

He was resolute in pursuing a genuine and proper romantic relationship with her.

Meanwhile, Melora was standing on the balcony.

Julia was taking care of Berthold, so perhaps that night was the most untroubled night she had for years. She should be happy, but after everything she had gone through, she could no longer be the carefree Melora she once was.

phone, which was in

went back inside to pick up the call.

much on it, she

on the other end of the line was silent for a long while before they hoarsely uttered,

whole body froze.

It’s… Alfred.

his call, especially since their breakup was unpleasant. If anything. she had left the relationship in despair and

lips moved slightly, but she could not think

as he asked softly, “Your brother said you hadn’t been

felt a lump

Lodge, why are you calling? We made it clear that we wanted nothing to do with

hint of tenderness, like how he used to coax her. “Your brother said

her eyes. “I’m doing

Silence ensued.

pause, Alfred softly continued, “I’m in Barnwood. Can we meet at

that, Melora flew

me for? A wonderful meal that you were once sick of but have regained the appetite for? Or am I just one of

but his

meeting up for a meal.”

Melora restrained herself

hung up the

night, she cried

I’m not coming

by herself

Maybe it was when she spotted him. working at the hospital or catching him smoking all by himself late at night.

he was Mr. Alfred.

he might blame her brother, so she constantly stuck by him, doing her best to keep

by, he started letting her remain close.

as

they kissed.

a mature man. He never

taken control of the situation, but he did

that men could be that skillful. For

come looking

when Skyler was getting sent off and Alfred had gotten drunk did

him, worried.

Alfred was a being of

help but kiss him. Then… they

as she indulged in worldly desires below him. At that time, she did not even know how much she

attracted

share a night

after that, he kept going

through thoughtful renovations. He made

house, they were

food for her to eat before

if she had been bewitched. She knew that she should not fall for him, but he had been so irresistible. He never talked to her about marriage or the future, and

realized that they could

had no legal ties

was the moments of sweet intimacy in

wanted to publicize his relationship with

in

downstairs at the condominium, and it was from there

not have come, but he could not help himself and specifically

she declined his invitation and refused to come.

the door to the condominium,

for the absence of one

life, seldom experienced such a

night on the couch.

mind was filled with memories of their past passion, and he cherished the moments she

encountered such an innocent

else was manipulative and

entangled in a love game with a young woman. He cared

world was

vulnerable, requiring his undivided attention and protection.