Now, the thick snow covered Lily’s memories of this place, perhaps because she could depend on the person next to her. It was as if the courtyard was not the one she once knew, even though it was the same.“Are you feeling cold? Do you want to go back?” Alexander held Lily’s shoulders, worried she would feel cold.Lily smiled. “It’s not going to be much warmer when we go back. If we run around here, it won’t be as cold.”That was the truth since their room was chilly. Especially now that there was nobody around, it would feel even colder.“If you’re uncomfortable, we don’t have to stay here tonight. Let’s go home,” Alexander suggested after some thought. It was hard to imagine how Lily survived all this for many years.Alexander had interacted with the Lodge family a few times through business, but nothing extensive. He did not know they had such old-fashioned thinking.“I grew up like this, so it is no big deal. I’m worried that you’re not used to it instead.” It was not that sh
Lily did not expect to see the young man she had been trying so hard to find in her family’s backyard. He looked like he did not change much except that there were no more sparkles in his eyes. There was a gloomy atmosphere surrounding him instead.“Everyone who’s here today has the same purpose,” Benedict stated as he raised his head nonchalantly and glanced toward the banquet hall.“Then why aren’t you inside?” Lily asked.“You’re not either.” Benedict looked at Lily. Although Benedict looked less happy than his previous self, he was still the same mouthy kid.“You still owe me an explanation. Why did you quit all of a sudden? You were the one who promised that you’d handle the job I gave you properly, but then you just disappeared without even a text or a phone call,” Lily could finally voice out her dissatisfaction after keeping it inside for such a long time.When Benedict heard what she said, his eyes became further clouded. He did not try to explain and just mumbled, “I h
Derrick’s eyes were like laser beams scanning her from head to toe coldly. His eyes contained no warmth as if to express displeasure at her behavior. The moment he looked at her, Lily felt a shiver down her spine, but then she realized she did not need to fear him as he was just a nobody to her. After adjusting her perspective, she felt better and stood erect, holding his gaze firmly. Derrick was surprised that this young woman had such courage in her and was not intimidated by his stare. He frowned and was about to open his mouth to speak when someone interrupted them.“Mr. Tanner,” Alexander, who was watching the whole ordeal from not too far away, decided to step in. He came over and stopped to stand next to Lily. Derrick was surprised to see Alexander, “Alexander Russell?” “I didn’t see you inside, so I assumed you had sent someone else to attend on your behalf. I didn’t expect to see you here,” Alexander spoke eloquently without offending anyone.“I was running late
Even Derrick could not hide his obvious shock. Though it was a private matter, for people with their status in society, the only way that you could meet your partner was most likely from an arranged marriage. It was impossible for news not to travel if someone from their social hierarchy got married or was engaged. Alexander was always deemed an eligible bachelor in most women’s eyes. They were all dying to date him or even try getting married to him. However, there was never a rumor about him dating or being interested in anyone. He was always only focused on his work and how to build up the Russell family. Now getting the news of his engagement so suddenly was a shock to Derrick, plus it was coming from Alexander himself. It was just unbelievable. “Fiancee?” Benedict yelled with his eyes wide-opened, looking at Lily. “Enough, Benedict!” Derrick reprimanded him sternly for his rudeness. He immediately regained his composure and addressed Lily politely, “This was surp
Lily extended her palm toward Benedict and continued asking, “Where’s my wood?” Benedict was speechless at her stubbornness. “I don’t have it anymore. I’ve used all of them,” he said simply. Lily could tell that he was lying from his reaction, “I don’t care! You’ve made a promise, and since you finished using them, you can start from scratch and plant them. Everyone should honor their promises, even if you’re a kid!” Lily was so serious about her wood that Benedict could not convince her to let it go, so he looked at Alexander for help, “Why aren't you even trying to stop her?” Alexander just shrugged nonchalantly. Realizing he was on his own, Benedict said helplessly, “Why are you so obsessed with that piece of wood? You wanted me to make a birthday gift for you, so I did. Why are you still so determined to get that piece of wood back?”Lily would not mind explaining to him why she was so fixated on it, but Benedict’s attitude was awful, so Lily just said, “It’s non
They had a good night’s sleep at the Lodge family’s manor. However, Alexander stirred awake from the commotion downstairs at the break of dawn. Although he was not a morning person, he was a light sleeper, especially in an unfamiliar environment.Any noise would wake him, so he got up from the bed and walked toward the window to look outside. It had finally stopped raining, and the front yard was clear of snow. The Lodge family members were already awake and had started their morning training routine.They were having their morning jog in such cold weather. It was strange because Alexander could feel the heat just from seeing them run. It was as if the cold never bothered them.There was a knock on the door, and Alexander went to open it. He saw his wife standing outside, yawning, “You’re awake?”“I just got up. Let me wash up, and then we’ll go down,” Alexander said.“Okay,” Lily agreed while rubbing her sleepy eyes. She wanted to go back to bed but could not, as this place was n
Today, Alexander experienced it first-hand.After taking a few bites absentmindedly, Lily put down her silverware and said, "I'm going to see Grandpa.""Okay," Justin lightly answered as he lowered his gaze.Perhaps this was how the Lodge family interacted, but Alexander found it strange as a bystander.The Lodge family seemed indifferent on the surface. Even after not seeing each other for years, they showed no enthusiasm when they met. It was as if it did not matter whether or not Lily showed up. However, they were very meticulous and thoughtful.Although there was no heater in the room, they had prepared thick bedding alongside hot water bags. These things were placed quietly on the comforter without any explanation.Another example was how the housekeepers had prepared an extra sandwich alongside glasses of milk just because they had a light breakfast of porridge and eggs. Alexander could tell they did not prepare a large portion, so it was apparent that the Lodge family had
Wilfred sighed. "What are you talking about? Who told you I have insomnia? Don't listen to the nonsense Justin says!"Lily knew it was true the more Wilfred tried to deny it. After being the family’s backbone for so long, there was no way he would admit that age was catching up to him and that he was getting frail and sick.However, Lily knew Wilfred's pridefulness and did not try to call him out. Instead, she agreed, "I know you choose not to sleep, but didn't you always tell us the importance of resting for kickboxers like us? You said that we'd have to recharge our energy. Yet, you're not doing it yourself."Wilfred laughed after hearing what she said, and this surprised Lily. It was rare to see a severe man like him laughing. A few seconds later, he sighed again. "You still remember what I said?""Of course I do!" How could she forget? After so many years of teaching, it had already instilled itself in her. She could remember everything even with her eyes closed."Then you mus