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 her room, rang.

inside to pick up the call.

on it,

end of the line was silent for

body

It’s… Alfred.

was unpleasant. If anything. she had

she could not think of

he asked softly, “Your brother said you hadn’t been home in two years. Is that true?”

a lump in

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

to

eyes. “I’m doing fine.”

Silence ensued.

long pause, Alfred softly continued, “I’m in

flew

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 you see me as someone you should hide away?”

his

we’re just meeting up for a meal.”

Melora restrained herself

she hung up the call.

in the night, she cried o

“Mr. Lodge, I’m not

all by herself for a long time.

him. working at the hospital or catching him smoking all

her, he was Mr.

blame her brother, so she constantly stuck

by, he started letting

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

that, they kissed.

a mature man. He never had any trouble

control of the

that men could be that skillful. For days after that night, she avoided him, fearing

looking

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

him, worried.

was a being

help but kiss him. Then…

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

him attracted

share a night with each

going to Barnwood

invested in a beautiful condominium unit and transformed it into a delightful haven through thoughtful renovations. He made it a

they were

to eat before

had been so irresistible. He never talked to her about marriage or the future, and yet, she

then she realized that

legal ties to each other.

give her was the moments of sweet intimacy in that condominium.

publicize

sat in his car.

it was

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

declined his invitation and refused to

upstairs and opened the door to the

same, except for

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

night on

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

encountered such an innocent

else was manipulative

his early forties, he found himself entangled in a love game with a

was treacherous.

was too vulnerable, requiring his undivided attention and