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.

then, her phone, which was in her room, rang.

call. It was a call from an unfamiliar

it, she said,

silent for a long while

body froze.

It’s… Alfred.

especially since their breakup was unpleasant. If anything. she had left the relationship

she could not think of what to say.

much calmer as he asked softly, “Your brother

a lump

out, “Mr. Lodge, why are you calling? We

a hint of tenderness, like how he used to coax her. “Your brother said you were not. doing well.”

eyes. “I’m

Silence ensued.

Alfred softly continued, “I’m in Barnwood.

that, Melora flew

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

breath hitched, but his voice

up for a

Melora restrained herself

up the call.

night,

I’m

balcony all by herself for a

finger on when exactly she started 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

was Mr.

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

he started letting her

couch in his cramped office. One night, as she woke up, she discovered him tucking a blanket over her.

they kissed.

older than her-he was a mature man. He never

control of the situation, but he did not take

could be that skillful. For days after that

looking for her either.

only that night when Skyler was getting sent off and Alfred had gotten drunk did she

him, worried.

Alfred was a

help but kiss him. Then… they did it.

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

attracted

only share

after that, he kept going to Barnwood on business

transformed it into a delightful haven through thoughtful renovations. He made it a point to be there regularly, visiting her whenever he was on his business trips there.

house, they were

food for her to eat

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 yet, she had gone to

then she realized that they could never be together.

legal ties to each other.

along, the only thing he could give her was the moments of sweet intimacy in that

wanted to publicize

in his car.

condominium, and it was from there that he made

come, but he could not help himself and specifically made this trip

declined his invitation

the door to the

for the absence of

a man known for his shrewdness all his life, seldom experienced such a sense of loss and an intense

entire night

mind was filled with memories of their past passion, and he cherished the moments she nestled in his arms, calling him “Mr.

had he encountered such an innocent girl in his

everyone else was manipulative and

found himself entangled in a love game with a young woman. He cared for her deeply, but he could not let her get caught up in his dangerous

world was

requiring his undivided