30

The figure unexpectedly fell into the river under Geoffrey's watchful eyes.

He struggled desperately, the drunk man now fully awake, shouting for help. But as soon as he managed to utter a word, he sank down.

The young boy's thin face showed astonishment as he stared at the ripples on the water's surface, unaffected.

Bradford grabbed onto some water plants, exerting all his strength, and surfaced with a red face. He saw Geoffrey standing on the bank, looking at him. A glimmer of hope ignited in him, "Quick... pull me up."

Geoffrey maintained a blank expression, no response given. The man began to cry out of desperation, trembling as he pleaded, "Dad was wrong, I shouldn't have treated you that way before. If you pull me up, I promise to live a better life from now on."

"Geoffrey, trust your dad. I love you both. Sniff... I know I was wrong... sniff."

Drinking a large amount of water had caused Bradford's belly to swell. Seeing him submerged again in the water, his mother's words echoed in the young man's ears, and his blue eyes showed a hint of emotion.

...After all, he's still your father.

Love and warmth triumphed over reason. He dropped the hammer and jumped into the river. The bone-chilling cold stimulated the young man's brain, bringing back memories of 17 years of being beaten and verbally abused by his father, and seeing his mother covered in bruises. He paused, and his eyes gradually regained calmness.

Eight years later...

Snowflakes danced in the air, landing on the streets of all sizes.

"Cary, today is Christmas. Are you really going on a date with someone else?" The girl pouted, her red velvet skirt swaying left and right, and her white mink slipped off her chest.

"I've said it many times. It's not a date. Moon happened to need a co-host for an event, and I'm helping out." The young man's voice on the phone sounded cheerful, explaining impatiently.

"Just happened to need a co-host? There's no such coincidence. I've already booked the restaurant. If you don't come, don't ever see me again." The girl's coquettish voice turned the threat into a playful tone.

After hanging up, Aileen looked displeased as she looked down at the gift box in her hand. She couldn't help but curse her aunt's stupid idea. All that talk about sincerity and exchanging true feelings turned out to be fake, and now she wasted two months knitting scarves.

That Cary...

He's just a big idiot!

Leaving the villa, Aileen walked through the snow-filled area with a downcast look, torn between two choices. If she returned home now, her father would surely mock her. Passing through a maple tree path, she noticed a man sitting on a bench underneath. He wore all black, making a sharp contrast against the surrounding white snow.

Intrigued by the man's unique cold and melancholic aura, Aileen unconsciously approached him. As her footsteps grew louder, the man slowly lifted his head, only to see a girl dressed like Little Red Riding Hood, bending down playfully to look at him.

"Are you alone too?"

Behind his golden-rimmed glasses were a pair of contrasting black and white eyes, reflecting the girl's bright smile. His expression remained unchanged, and his thin lips stayed sealed until Aileen smiled to the point of stiffness, and he finally made a sound, "Yes."

"What a coincidence, I'm also alone..." Aileen didn't mind the man's coldness and was reminded of Cary standing her up. A small sense of revenge rose in her heart.

"I got stood up today, so I have an extra dinner ticket. If you don't mind, would you like to join me at a nearby Michelin-starred restaurant?"

Aileen blinked her almond-shaped eyes, trying to make herself appear harmless. Geoffrey met her gaze, surprisingly not outright ignoring the girl. He figured she probably didn't even realize that the curve of her lips gave away her thoughts.

Not having been back to the country for three years, Geoffrey's only attachment to this city was his mother. Although he was briefly back, there was nowhere else to go.

"That pastry shop has delicious treats, and the ambiance is quite..."

"Yes, but-"

Aileen decided to try harder and caught him off guard with her response, making her smile from ear to ear. "Are you saying you're willing to go?" she asked.

"It's my pleasure."

The girl's overly emotional expression was so pure that Geoffrey could easily see through her. He could tell she grew up in a loving family. He shook off the snow from his coat, stood up, and said, "Thank you for the hospitality."

His deep voice matched his cold demeanor. Standing up, the man appeared much taller than expected, creating a sense of oppression. Aileen comforted herself secretly, thinking it was just a dinner, and she should treat it as getting to know a new friend.