Chapter 15: A Box of Memories

Lillie Bai wasn't the type to dwell on the past.

She wasn't the type to hold on to meaningless things.

And yet…

Whenever she felt lost, distressed, or burdened, she always found herself returning to this.

A simple wooden box, tucked away in the corner of her bedroom, right beside the company documents.

Her mother was nosy—too nosy, at times—but even she knew better than to invade Lillie's privacy. Mrs. Bai understood just how much her daughter treasured this box, and she would never allow anyone to snoop through its contents.

Lillie reached for the key hanging around her neck. The delicate chain felt cool against her fingers as she unlatched the small lock.

With a quiet click, the lid opened.

Inside, perfectly preserved, were ninety-nine letters, arranged meticulously by date.

She reached for the very first one. The paper was slightly worn at the edges from years of careful handling, but the ink remained crisp.

Slowly, she unfolded it.

**[Hair as beautiful as the moon,

That even the wind kisses and swoons.

Your eyes of luscious blue,

Like the wonderful sky's hue.

Years I would wait,

For I believe in fate.

My love for you, I hope you claim,

As I, forever, will remain.]**

She had read this letter so many times that she could recite it in her sleep.

All ninety-nine of them.

For years, she had kept them. From the moment her mysterious suitor first began writing to her, all the way until…

Until he stopped.

It had been in her second year of high school when the letters suddenly ceased. No explanation. No final goodbye.

And yet…

Despite being a practical woman, despite assuming that he had likely met someone else, perhaps even married by now, she never brought herself to throw them away.

She kept them.

Stored them carefully.

Protected them.

But why?

Lillie stared at the letter for a long moment before neatly folding it back and placing it inside the box.

She secured the lid, locked it, and slid it under her bed.

Out of sight.

Out of mind.

Satisfied with her new bedroom, Lillie took a moment to admire her surroundings.

Much like her old room, but bigger. Better.

The walls were adorned with elegant golden fleur-de-lis carvings.

Her walk-in closet was fully arranged, her perfumes and accessories perfectly aligned on her vanity table, just the way she liked them.

Knock, knock.

"Young Miss, dinner will be served shortly," Butler Tian's voice came through the door.

"Thank you, Butler Tian. I'll be down in a moment."

Lillie walked to the bathroom, washed her face, and changed into something more comfortable—a loose black turtleneck sweater and white leggings. She swept her hair into a messy bun and removed her contact lenses, replacing them with her round eyeglasses.

Sophisticated. Elegant. Even in the simplest of clothes.

She didn't try to be. It was simply who she was.

With one last glance in the mirror, she left her room and made her way downstairs.

***

Ethan was already seated at the dining table, waiting.

The silence was peaceful, much to Lillie's relief.

Dinner was served, and they began to eat.

But while Lillie focused on her meal, Ethan's attention was entirely on her.

She looked… younger, somehow, without her usual makeup. The round glasses softened her sharp features, giving her an almost schoolgirl-like innocence.

She was cute.

He never thought he'd use that word to describe Lillie Bai.

His gaze drifted downward—toward her neck.

A key pendant necklace.

Ethan's sharp eyes narrowed slightly.

A key necklace could symbolize many things—new opportunities, unlocking one's potential… or the key to someone's heart.

A strange sense of unease settled in his chest.

Lillie shivered suddenly, feeling an intense stare on her. Lifting her gaze, she caught Ethan looking at her.

Their eyes met.

Her brows furrowed. "Is there a problem?"

Ethan leaned back in his chair, his expression unreadable. "That necklace suits you."

Lillie blinked at the unexpected compliment. "It's not for fashion," she corrected. "It's a real key. I wear it for safekeeping."

Ethan's curiosity deepened. A key?

A special key that she kept so close? Something valuable enough to be carried around at all times?

His mind raced with possibilities.

"What does it open?" he asked, testing the waters.

Lillie's gaze sharpened. "I don't see why that's any of your concern, Mr. Li."

A polite but firm dismissal.

She wasn't going to tell him.

Ethan clenched his jaw, suppressing his agitation. She had never spoken about that key to anyone before, not even to her mother. Yet, here he was, the first person to ask—and she shut him down instantly.

How odd.

And intriguing.

He wanted to know.

He needed to know.

But he wouldn't push her. Not yet.

They still had 324 days before the wedding.

And he had every intention of melting the ice around Lillie Bai's frozen heart.

No matter how long it took.