James didn''t eat much. After putting down his fork, he casually asked, "Was that a call from your brother?"


    Mirabe nodded, paused for two seconds, and then added, "It''s okay if we head backte."


    Hearing this, the corners of James''s lips lifted in an almost imperceptible smile, his eyes dark and striking against his fair skin.


    He signaled for the waiter toe over so they could pay the bill.


    *


    When Mirabe got home, half an hour had passed. Her usually pale cheeks were now tinged with pink, especially her lips, which were as red and vibrant as roses blooming on a winter''s branch.


    Delh took a closer look at her daughter, feeling that the girl seemed somewhat different after just one outing. Her gaze suddenly fell on Mirabe''s neck, and she asked with a hint of suspicion, "Honey, did you wear a scarf when you went out?"


    Mirabe, without changing her expression, adjusted the scarf around her neck and replied, "Yes, I did."


    "Really?" Delh felt there was still something off.


    She couldn''t recall her daughter owning such a red scarf.


    "Yes, you probably just didn''t notice," Mirabe said as she walked to the fridge and grabbed a bottle of cold c. The icy beverage slid down her throat, soothing the heat within.


    Knowing her daughter always spoke the truth, Delh didn''t pursue the matter further.


    Seeing that Delh had no further questions, Mirabe finished her c and decided not to watch the New Year''s special on TV anymore, quickly retreating to her room.


    After freshening up, the sound of fireworks seemed to reach its peak outside Mirabe pulled back the curtains, gazing at the brilliant fireworks lighting up the night sky, feeling a bit dazed.


    It was as if she was transported back to the times when Catherine was still here.


    Every New Year''s Eve, they would cuddle together in the yard, setting off


    fireworks and watching them explode.


    Mirabe swallowed the lump in her throat.


    The countdown for the New Year echoed from somewhere, and at the stroke of midnight, her whispered, "Happy New Year, Grandma," was drowned out by the sound of


    fireworks outside.


    At that moment, her phone rang on the table. Mirabe stood by the window for a second before turning back to pick it up.


    "Happy New Year," James''s pleasant voice came through.


    Hearing his voice, the sour emotions that had started to well up inside Mirabe seemed to dissipate in an instant. Holding the phone, she replied, "Happy New Year."


    There was a knock on the door. Mirabe looked up, quickly hung up the phone, and walked to the door.


    Opening it, she found Emmitt


    standing outside, looking somewhat uneasy as he avoided meeting


    Mirabe''s gaze, simply handi"


    over a carefully prepared New Year''s gift and saying in a low voice


    "Happy New Year."


    Mirabe looked at the cautious Emmitt, her previous prejudices gone. Now, there


    was only remorse and a clumsy desire to make amends.


    She was silent for two seconds before extending her hand to ept the gift, "Thank you, Emmitt. Happy New Year to you too."


    Hearing his sister''s voice, which still carried a hint of distance, Emmitt sensed something was different. He mustered the courage to look up at Mirabe.