18

18

At that moment, my eyes grew moist.

"I... I'm not in good shape. I've been ill, and my body is also—"

Soren blinked, looking at me. "Miss Duke, remember what you once said? You hope everyone can feel happiness and joy, and that naturally includes yourself."

He said hopefully, "I want you to realize that wish too."

A gentle breeze passed by, and sunlight filtered through the gaps in the leaves, illuminating his features.

The spring I once thought was out of reach had, without my noticing, quietly arrived.

13 (Conrad's perspective)

Another winter came, and Vivienne's company declared bankruptcy.

Those who had bullied Melody had long since been sent to prison by Conrad.

After a series of twists and turns, Grey's narrowly escaped death and got back on his feet.

Conrad sat alone in his office, gazing out at the swirling snow and the flowing lights on the street below.

He had been in workaholic mode for half a month, almost completely isolated from the world.