CHAPTER 111: CHAPTER 111: REFINED SCOUNDREL

In the evening, the two of them stayed up in the top floor tower room.

The tower room was small, with walls lined with books, a rocking chair, and a table in the middle, creating a unique atmosphere.

A maid brought up two cups of coffee for them.

Zane and Sophia nestled together.

Outside, on New Year’s Eve, the lights sparkled, and brilliant fireworks burst in the sky, spreading infinite light.

Colorful lights passed through the beautiful medieval stained glass windows, creating a dreamy realm.

Dong—

The clock on the castle struck midnight.

Outside, countless fireworks bloomed instantly.

"Sophia, happy New Year."

"Zane, happy New Year."

Zane bowed his head, she looked up, and their passionate kiss found its destination.

The kiss was gentle, tasting lightly.

She lay on Zane’s chest, her cheek against his chest, feeling his rhythmic heartbeat.

Thump, thump, thump...

The strong sound even caused a slight vibration in his chest.

"Zane," Sophia asked cautiously, "Was it you who got someone to beat up Nancy Sawyer’s leg?"

"No," he frowned.

Did she really think of him as such a ruthless person?

Reflecting on Henry Quinn’s matter, maybe he was slightly close to that.

But he wouldn’t do such a thing; if he did, there would be nothing left to find.

Nancy deserved death, but it hadn’t reached the point where someone needed to be sent after him. Plus, he was Sophia’s father, and despite no affection, he couldn’t do that.

She might be saddened.

Sophia pursed her lips and gave a slight ’oh’ sound.

If it wasn’t him, then it could only be that person.

The elder who took Nancy away that day.

She breathed a sigh of relief, glad it wasn’t him who did it.

"I heard about Nancy’s incident, but it really wasn’t me..." he said.

"I believe you," Sophia interrupted him.

"Do you believe everything I say?"

Zane pinched her cheek, then played with her hair, twirling it around his index finger.

"Yes, I do." She nuzzled closer to Zane.

"That’s better." He said, "We are lawful citizens, we don’t do unlawful things."

Sophia lifted her head, climbed up a bit, propping an elbow beside him, looking down at the man beneath her.

"Is there anything else you’re hiding from me?" she asked.

Zane had many things she hadn’t asked about; it was only recently that she discovered his true identity.

"How would I dare? Hmm?" Zane placed his hand on her waist.

"Do you remember Professor Fumble?" Sophia brushed his eyebrow.

"Professor Fumble, of course I remember." Zane furrowed his brows mischievously, "Talking about others at this time, isn’t it a buzzkill? Hmm?"

"I... Ah~"

She angrily pounded his chest, calling him a beast.

"Do what?" he chuckled, his low voice magnetic.

——

The next morning.

The family drove to Aethelgard Temple to pray for blessings.

"I must really pray for a blessing for you and Zane. This Willow, married for two years, and still hasn’t given the family a child..."

Zoe Walsh held Sophia’s hand, leading her up to Aethelgard Temple, muttering as they walked: have a baby...

Sophia pressed her lips together, occasionally casting a look for help at Zane.

Zane was supporting Grandpa Sterling as they chatted. When he met her gaze, he only smiled, with an expression that said: deal with it.

"Mom, Zane and I haven’t planned for children yet." She murmured, her face flushed.

The two found a place to sit down, and she pounded her thigh, massaging it occasionally.

Last night, when her legs were hoisted on his shoulders, she knew she was in trouble.

And sure enough, this morning, her thighs were sore beyond measure, making it hard to handle climbing the temple.

Her legs still trembled.

Zoe Walsh chuckled, "It’s not like I’m telling you to have one now. You young folks should enjoy life first, no rush. The wedding hasn’t even happened yet, can’t be unfair to you."

Oh right, the wedding hasn’t even happened yet.

You young folks should enjoy life first—

This line, it had a bit of a suggestive tone.

Sophia didn’t know how to respond.

Soon after, they joined up with them too, and Zane sat next to Sophia.

He noticed her little movements with her hands.

He chuckled, patting her knee, and gave it a gentle squeeze.

Sophia quickly pushed his hand away.

How could this man be so thick-skinned?

He doesn’t even know how to be shy...

"You’re tired after such a short walk? Hmm?" he smiled.

Sophia glared at him.

And you have the nerve to say that!

Who was it last night talking about starting the new year with new actions, insisting on finding videos online to learn?

Sophia felt her face warming, almost confused.

She thought Zane was already skilled enough and didn’t need further learning, but he pulled her along with him.

Meanwhile, Zoe Walsh, seeing that there weren’t many people around, continued to walk upwards with the others.

Intentionally leaving the two of them behind.

"Zane, keep your thoughts pure, The Great Sage is watching."

"With so many people praying today, The Great Sage doesn’t have time to listen to us."

"..."

Seeing Sophia didn’t respond, he continued, "The Great Sage also said, desire for food and sex is human nature; a gentleman can have desire without indulgence..."

He hadn’t finished when Sophia quickly stood up and walked away.

Leaving Zane chuckling behind her.

"Hypocrite..." she murmured, a faint smile forming on her lips.

Zane followed her with his steps, the little woman couldn’t stand joking, teasing made her blush easily.

He felt that he was enchanted by Sophia, seeing only her in his eyes.

They hadn’t walked far when they encountered a familiar figure.

"Sophia."

"Faye?"

"What a surprise meeting you here." Faye chuckled, he came alone, seeing Sophia by herself, he was delighted.

"Here to pray for blessings." She replied lightly.

"What a coincidence." Faye asked, "Together?"

"No, that wouldn’t be appropriate." Sophia shook her head, and the conversation died.

Then, a warm large hand circled her waist from behind, fingers casually pressing against her hipbone, breaths close by.

An undercurrent surged in the silence, as if hiding a whole summer night, suffocatingly warm.

Her heart was flustered, but she did not decline.

The man beside her, the faint sandalwood scent was too familiar.

The last time Faye appeared, he was already quite angry, and if they had to pretend not to know each other now, he’d probably practice all three hundred and sixty techniques tonight.

"Meeting again." The man curled his lips, his face smug with the confidence of someone in control.

Faye looked at Zane’s hand on her waist, then at her calm expression, and suddenly understood.

Yet he couldn’t help but ask, "When did you get together? Haven’t heard a word."

Zane chuckled, "We got married a week before last year’s Fashion Week."

He bowed his head, glancing at the woman before him, his face saying: No lying before The Great Sage.

She gave a faintly awkward smile, nodding slightly.

A week before last year’s Fashion Week.

This man deliberately stated the precise time, most likely as a reminder to the man before them.

And they weren’t just together; they were married.

That truly came as a surprise.

He just didn’t understand why Sophia kept it a secret from him.

Faye: "..."

Fine, you win, you rascal.