Crystal's One Night of Love

He saw her again on the night before New Year’s Day.

After a grueling twelve-hour meeting, Alfred felt utterly drained as he made his way back to the hotel. He closed his eyes in the car to catch some rest.

There were two adorable purple rabbits on the seat beside him; it was an odd contrast to his persona.

Leslie turned and flashed a smile. “You’ll finally get to meet the girl tomorrow. It’s been quite some time, so she should have calmed down by now.”

Alfred absentmindedly touched the rabbit’s ears and replied, “She’s just a child. I’m not that eager to see her.”

Leslie burst into hearty laughter.

Alfred laughed, too. He was in high spirits, so he rolled down the car window to take in the city’s dazzling lights. Letting out a sigh, he said. “Another year has flown by, which means I’m another year older.”

“You’re still in your prime!” Leslie assured.

And he wasn’t wrong.

Given Alfred’s age and status, he was relatively young.

Alfred playfully patted his pants and said, “Prime? What prime? Crystal is going to be a mother next year, and I’ll be a great-uncle.”

With no outsiders present in the car, their conversation flowed freely.

Leslie teased, “Given your capabilities, it shouldn’t be too challenging for you to have a child.”

Their exchange elicited laughter from the driver as well.

Alfred lit a cigarette and scolded Leslie in jest, “You brat! You’re getting more brazen by the day!”

Leslie responded with more mischievous banter.

The atmosphere in the car remained cheerful. They continued driving, and while waiting at a red light near Fortune Centre, the driver remarked with a smile, Mr. Lodge, it looks like they’re celebrating the New Year over there; it’s quite a vibrant scene.”

glance in that

atmosphere

alive with a continuous burst of fireworks, casting the city in a vibrant tapestry of

of youngsters had gathered at the

unmistakably belonging

crowd, Alfred spotted

white jacket, her head topped with a knitted hat, and in

her beauty outshining even the brilliance of

watched her

seems like she’s having the time of her life while I’m yearning for her. I thought she would be grieving

there? It’s not safe for a young lady to be out this late. Why don’t we

in agreement.

patted his woolen trousers, then opened the car door and stepped out.

not far from Melora, hoping she would raise her gaze and see

the square echoed with a tremendous

“Propose!”

“Propose!”

“Propose! Propose! Propose!”

young man holding roses went down on one knee amidst the dazzling fireworks.

was proposing

saw Melora covering her mouth in surprise.

observed the sincere expression on the young man’s face as he professed his love to Melora under the spectacular canopy of bursting lights.

he did not approach them despite having already exited the

stood there, silently

he rubbed his forehead

forgotten that she has plenty of options. She’s from the Miller family, the wealthiest in the northern region. Moreover, she’s a beauty with countless suitors. She can choose anyone she wants.

only had two

deal with. Hence, as long as Melora

she could remain a little girl