Chapter 118 Chapter 118

Chapter 118 Chapter 118
As their final handclasp was about to break, Vince pulled her tightly into his arms. "Serenity, believe me. I will return to you someday."

"I believe you."

Echoes from the third winter

Winter came early this year, draping the city in a layer of freezing frost. Serenity sat in her small room, her hand lightly touching a memory box. Inside, the tiny Christmas tree Vince gave her when they were still students was still there, as silent as her own love.

Another Christmas arrived. A season of peace. The desire to see Vince and the longing for him in this freezing winter grew more intense.

Suddenly, the tiny neon lights on the tree flickered out, as if the last bit of warmth had finally left her. Serenity called Kelvin, hoping to find a bit of light from the past.

"The Christmas tree design Vince made three years ago... do you know where he bought the neon lights hanging on it?"

"Neon lights," Kelvin replied sleepily.

"Yes, they’re broken."

"They’re sold at the third intersection near the city’s largest cinema. Oh, remember to stop by the TenZ shop, the green building. Not many places sell that kind."

Serenity followed the directions, but amidst the bustling crowd, the TenZ shop seemed like a non-existent ghost. While she was confused, a strange hand suddenly grabbed her from behind and shoved her into the deep darkness.

While Serenity was being dragged away, the atmosphere at a tavern was equally tense. Adele’s father had returned to the country, continuing his precarious battle with Tony: the decisive drinking round.

"I told you three years ago, I would drink with you after I returned. You have to out-drink me, or I’m taking Adele back over there with me." He challenged.

Tony remained steadfast. "Don't worry, sir. I definitely won't lose to you. I’ll win this round to make Adele happy."

Adele sat beside them, helplessly watching the two most important men in her life risk everything for the sake of alcohol. She murmured, "Serenity, I’m sorry. I can't help you with anything. You’ll have to manage on your own."

At a dark, unknown location, Serenity huddled in fear. "Adele, Tony, where are you guys. Uncle and Mom, have they really forgotten me? I’ve been here all night, and no one cares about me. Where is this place?"

A deep, gravelly voice rang in her ear. "Do you know who we are?"

Serenity shook her head violently.

"Tonight, we’re going to teach you a lesson."

They dragged her out to the main central road and then vanished. Before Serenity could even regain her composure, her eyes were met by a giant Christmas tree shining brilliantly in the heart of the city. Her phone vibrated.

"Serenity, the Christmas tree symbolizes happiness. I’m giving that happiness to you; it’s my promise to you this Christmas season. Serenity, turn around."

Serenity turned her head. Amidst the shimmering lights, Vince stood there, his smile as warm as spring sunshine in the middle of the freezing winter.

"Serenity, I’m home."

"Vince..."

She ran to him, throwing herself into his arms, feeling the familiar warmth she had been apart from for three years. He held her tightly, as if wanting to carve her deep into his soul. Sincere love helped him understand that geographical distance was only a test, while the heart always knows the way home.

As it turned out, Serenity’s "kidnappers" were actually Kelvin and Kai. Elsewhere, Joan angrily interrogated them, but Kelvin only smiled mysteriously. "It was Vince’s idea. He wanted a very unusual reunion."

Kelvin took out a CD. They watched it together, but instead of the hot models Leo was expecting, the screen showed the sweetest footage: their first kiss, the dates between Serenity and Vince, and even Adele and Tony from the day they entered school until they graduated.

Joan burst out laughing. "Kelvin, you’re such an idiot. Vince tricked all of us."

Kelvin nodded, taking Joan’s hand. "Meeting you was the greatest happiness of my life."

The whole group looked at each other and smiled. Happiness doesn't have to be something grand; sometimes it’s simply the presence of the people we love, right here and right now. The three-year gap was no longer an obstacle when their hearts found their way back to each other, to continue writing a new chapter of their romance, more passionate and brilliant than anything they had ever known.

End