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.

was

the call. It was a call from an unfamiliar

much on it, she said, “Hello?”

line was silent for a long while before they

body

It’s… Alfred.

his call, especially since their breakup was unpleasant. If

slightly, but she could not think

softly, “Your brother said you hadn’t been home in two years. Is

lump in her

why are you calling? We made it clear that we

used to coax her. “Your brother said you were not.

eyes. “I’m doing

Silence ensued.

“I’m in Barnwood. Can we meet at the same condominium?”

that, Melora flew into a

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

but his

just meeting up for a meal.”

Melora restrained herself

she hung up the call.

night, she

I’m not

balcony all by herself for a long time.

liking Alfred. Maybe it was when she spotted him. working at the hospital or catching him smoking all by himself late at night. Perhaps it could have been the

was

her brother, so she constantly stuck by

rolled by, he started letting her remain close.

doze off on the couch in his cramped office. One night, as she woke up, she discovered him tucking a blanket over

that, they kissed.

her-he was a mature man. He never had any trouble winning over a woman’s

of the situation, but he

be that

come looking for her either.

getting sent off and

him, worried.

Alfred was a

but kiss him. Then… they did

that narrow couch, she kept calling him “Mr. Alfred” again and again as she indulged in worldly desires below him.

attracted her.

thought they would only share a night

kept going to

in a beautiful condominium unit and transformed it into a delightful haven through thoughtful renovations. He made it a point to be there regularly, visiting her whenever he was on

that house, they were

to eat

had been bewitched. She knew that she should not fall for him, but he had been so irresistible. He never talked to her

was then she realized that they

ties to each

her was

never wanted to publicize his relationship with

in his car.

the condominium, and it was from

himself and specifically made this trip while keeping it hidden even from

his invitation and refused to

Alfred went upstairs and opened the door to the condominium, which had already been tidied up.

except for the absence of

life, seldom experienced such a sense of loss and an intense longing to

entire night

their past passion, and he cherished the moments

he encountered such an innocent

was

had long lost his sincerity, but in his early forties, he found himself entangled in a love game with a young woman. He cared for her deeply, but he could not let her get

world was

she was too vulnerable, requiring his undivided