Ruby Bluen, due to her high level of nervousness, hadn't even put on her shoes after getting into the car and hurried to Serendipity Cafe. Worried that Marcel Horne was getting anxious waiting, she got out of the car as soon as it stopped, instinctively holding her shoes.

Everyone at the cafe either stared in astonishment or looked at her with amusement. She didn't realize what was going on and only had eyes for Marcel Horne. It was only upon seeing Marcel's unusual gaze that she wondered if something was wrong with her. Looking down, she saw her feet clad only in socks. Her face instantly flushed red with embarrassment, and she wished she could just disappear into the ground.

Marcel Horne stood up. Amidst her extreme embarrassment, he gently picked her up and seated her in the chair he had been using at the table. He then took the high heels from her hands, knelt down, and put them on her feet, smiling softly, "My fairy ran so fast she left her shoes behind."

Ruby's face turned even redder. She muttered quietly, "It was all to see you. My dad had just come home, and he forbade me from meeting you. I had to find a chance to sneak out. I can't run fast in high heels, so I took them off... and well, I got so nervous I forgot to put them back on."

After putting on her shoes, Marcel stood up, drawing himself to his full height and looking at her intently, deeply, and affectionately. Ruby gazed back at him just as intently.

The next moment, Marcel pulled her fiercely to her feet and into his arms, hugging her tightly, his heart surging with emotion.

"Marcel, don't. There are so many people here." Ruby longed to linger in his warm, strong, and secure embrace, but when she noticed the suggestive glances from the other patrons, she began to push against Marcel's powerful, mountain-like build.

Marcel remained silent, still holding her. After a moment, he finally released her and gently pushed her to sit down. "The coffee's still quite warm," he said in a husky voice. "Have some to warm yourself up." Then he pulled over a chair and sat beside Ruby, not across from her.

They sat together, slowly sipping their coffee and listening to the sentimental songs playing in the cafe. They pushed aside all unpleasant thoughts, immersing themselves in their brief reunion. Meeting was so difficult for them that they cherished every minute, every second. While others felt time was dragging, they felt it was slipping by all too quickly.

After finishing their coffee, they left their cars parked in front of the cafe and strolled hand in hand through the nearby streets, not to shop, but simply to be together, holding hands.

After a while, it was time for Marcel to return to the military base.

Fingers intertwined, they walked back to the front of Serendipity Cafe, preparing to drive their separate cars home.

The farewell was reluctant, their affection hard to let go. It's difficult to meet, and just as hard to part.

Ruby wished desperately she could return to the base with him. Marcel wished desperately he could go back to the Bluen family home with her.

Marcel led Ruby to her car. Gazing deeply at her, he said, "It's getting late. Get in. Call me when you get home so I know you've arrived safely."

His dark eyes, brimming with tenderness, met hers. "Go on now," he said in a low, husky voice. "Don't worry. I'll ask my older brother to help mediate with your family. Even if the sky falls, nothing can separate us again."

Tears welled in Ruby's eyes. She didn't want to part from him, not even for a night, though she knew they could see each other again tomorrow.

Oh, Heavens, why couldn't time stop flowing, just for her?

Marcel opened the car door and gently helped Ruby inside, reminding her, "Don't be sad; we can see each other again tomorrow. Be careful on the road, and call me the moment you get home. Make it the first thing you do."

Their eyes met one last time before Marcel closed the car door.

After a moment, Ruby, filled with extreme reluctance, drove away.

「Horne Family」

The Wine Party was nearing its end. James Horne no longer wanted to stay inside, nor did he wish to face the women whose gazes seemed to want to devour him. Although these women found his icy demeanor thoroughly unengaging, their eyes still strayed towards him, intentionally or otherwise. It made him want to gouge their eyes out—as if they hadn't seen a man in three lifetimes.

Holding his wine glass, he left the main room and walked into the Courtyard. Seeing it was also crowded with guests, he headed towards the Backyard.

Since the Wine Party began, the two people he loved most had made a brief appearance and then vanished. He guessed they were either in their room or hiding on the rooftop. The guests wouldn't dare go upstairs, let alone to the rooftop. With his older brother likely up there, who would dare intrude without an invitation? He, on the other hand, felt like a hornet's nest, drawing all eyes, while the two people he cared for most could quietly enjoy their private world. He truly envied their deep marital affection.

Tonight's Wine Party had been organized by his older brother specifically for him, with the intention of letting him choose a girlfriend from the many women present. He had explicitly told his older brother that he would never try to come between him and his sister-in-law, Julia. He also knew that even if he tore out his own heart as proof, his older brother wouldn't believe him. His brother's love for Julia was too deep, so profound it bordered on the fear of losing her. He was afraid even of someone else merely coveting her. It was only because they were brothers that his older brother tolerated his continued presence. Look at Nicholas Coldwell. He had coveted Julia, and what was the result? His reputation was ruined, he lost his marriage, and he was forced to leave T City.

He felt no sympathy for Nicholas Coldwell. If their positions were reversed, he would have dealt with Nicholas in the exact same manner. Nicholas Coldwell had brought it all upon himself. Having chosen Diana Powell, he should never have continued to harass Julia. James despised men who used love as a stepping stone.