CHAPTER 151: CHAPTER 151: MEMORIES (51)

The evening seemed even colder as the two returned to the lounge.

Ethan helped her take off her hat and gloves: "Did you hurt yourself when you fell just now?"

She still had a smile on her face: "No, it didn’t hurt."

Ethan helplessly wiped the fine beads of sweat from her forehead.

Florence caught his hand, her bright eyes looking into his deep, dark ones, getting lost in them.

She stood on tiptoe and wrapped her arms around Ethan’s neck. Before she could get close, Ethan pulled her by the waist and kissed her.

This kiss was different from their first. The first one was gentle and exploratory, while the current kiss was demanding, as if he wanted to devour her whole.

Lost in the kiss, they exchanged breaths, and Florence never expected such a gentle man like Ethan could exhibit such intensity.

In the peaceful lounge, their heavy breathing was very clear, with Ethan pressing his forehead against hers, their breaths intermingling, causing Florence to break into a sweat again.

Yet, her hands wrapped around Ethan’s neck refused to let go.

When her breathing steadied, Ethan kissed her once more.

Filled with tender affection and warmth.

Ethan booked the hotel restaurant, and the staff decorated it. Florence, walking in front, noticed the setup and said to Ethan, "If I knew, I wouldn’t have been so hasty, then all this preparation wouldn’t have been for nothing."

Even if she hadn’t said anything, the moment Ethan brought her here, she would have known what would happen.

"It wasn’t for nothing," Ethan held her hand as they sat down: "Now you know, don’t you?"

"Since I said it first, won’t you be a little disappointed that your setup wasn’t used as intended?"

Ethan shook his head: "On the contrary, I’m very happy."

Hearing her call him her boyfriend, Ethan was overjoyed.

The overwhelming joy was so intense it overpowered all his senses in an instant.

They had formed a bond together.

"But I’m a little disappointed," she looked into Ethan’s eyes brightly: "How were you planning to confess tonight? I’d still like to hear it."

Ethan held her hand, kneeling before her with sincerity in his deep eyes: "Did you like tonight?"

"I did."

"Do you like me?"

"I do."

"Shall we be together?"

"We shall."

Florence pouted: "I thought you would’ve prepared a long romantic vow."

"More than words," Ethan stood up, and Florence looked up at him: "Hmm?"

"I prefer showing it." He caressed her face with one hand while lifting her chin with the other, leaning down to kiss her again.

They lingered in the ski lounge for a while, and by now, their once-awkward kisses had grown familiar.

He bit her lip gently, and she opened her mouth.

After a sweet and lingering kiss, Florence pursed her swollen lips: "Let’s eat first, I’m hungry."

Having known each other for years, they had become very familiar, and their relationship advanced swiftly.

Back in their country, it was the New Year, and Florence and Ethan spent the holiday at the ski resort.

It was early in the day, and Florence just entered the lounge when Michael called.

She sat on the sofa to answer the call, Michael asked: "Where are you? Aren’t you coming home for New Year?"

"I don’t usually spend New Year at home anyway," Florence replied.

Michael paused: "Regardless of past years, come back quickly."

"I can’t come back," Florence said honestly: "I’m abroad."

"What are you doing abroad!" Michael was displeased: "Even if you’re out having fun, don’t you know you should come back for New Year?"

"Drink some water," Ethan said softly, handing her an open thermos cup.

Florence took it and responded to the call: "Grandpa and Grandma don’t really like me around; when you all visit for New Year’s, I’m still home alone, so I might as well go out and have fun."

Michael seemed angry: "Come back quickly!"

Then he hung up the phone.

Florence wasn’t about to listen to him, and she didn’t return until just before school resumed.

She bought many trinkets, and Abigail had just returned from France a few days ago, bringing her a new painting.

Florence knew Abigail’s paintings were highly valued, and there were already four or five hanging at home, and now another one had been added.

She couldn’t refuse, so Abigail picked a place on the living room’s back wall, planning to have someone hang it there.

Compared to Abigail’s painting, Florence felt her small gifts were insignificant, but Abigail read her mind and smiled: "Don’t think too much. As long as it’s from you, Aunt Monrose will love it. After all, we’re family now, aren’t we?"

Florence blushed: "Aunt Monrose, you know."

Ethan had said he would wait until she was ready to tell.

"I asked," she pulled Florence close: "Ethan is my son, after all. I can tell when he has feelings for someone, and I thought it was time you both admitted it."

Florence bit her lip, shyly glancing at Abigail: "Aunt Monrose, you don’t mind?"

Abigail smiled: "Why would I mind?"

"Now that he’s with me, aren’t you worried that I’m scheming something against Ethan since I came here?"

"My dear girl," Abigail tapped her forehead lightly: "If you had ulterior motives, you wouldn’t have even gotten past me, let alone Ethan. He seems gentle and kind, but he’s shrewd too. If you were aiming for anything, it would only be his looks."

Florence giggled: "Don’t say that, he’ll be upset if he hears."

Ethan, who was fiddling with something at the bar, sensed something and glanced at them.

Locking eyes with Florence, they couldn’t help but smile.

Abigail watched them in their sweet, lovestruck state, her eyes filled with a tinge of envy.

There was a time when she, too, was infatuated with a man like Florence. But later, she realized it was just a fleeting attraction for him; he never truly loved her.

Thinking of this, she stroked Florence’s long hair, bringing her back to the present: "What’s wrong? Aunt Monrose?"

"My dear, you must be happy from now on," she smiled gently: "Promise me."

Florence thought for a moment: "But the future is uncertain..."

"Ethan would never do something as morally wrong as betrayal; he has his own code of loyalty," Abigail explained: "And you’re a good child, independent and strong. If Ethan stays by your side, I’ll be at ease."

Florence felt an inexplicable unease: "Aunt Monrose, don’t say that. You need to be by my side for me to feel at ease."

"But Aunt Monrose can’t be your husband," she chuckled: "However, Aunt Monrose can certainly be a good mother-in-law, treating you with all the love and care."