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 direction.

atmosphere was lively.

came alive with a continuous burst of fireworks, casting the city in a vibrant tapestry of colors. The scene was truly captivating.

at the open space to

around, unmistakably belonging to

Alfred

with a knitted hat, and in her hand, she held

beauty outshining even the brilliance of the

watched her quietly.

her life while I’m yearning

“Isn’t that Miss Melora over there? It’s not safe for a young lady to be out this late. Why don’t we give her a

in

opened

she would raise her

the square echoed with a tremendous

“Propose!”

“Propose!”

“Propose! Propose! Propose!”

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

was proposing to Melora.

her

young man’s face as he

not approach them despite having already

opening, Alfred simply stood there, silently watching another man’s proposal

his forehead and let out a soft

the time, but you’ve 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

only had

to deal with. Hence, as long as Melora wished, Henry could take care of her

that way, she could remain a little girl forever.