In previous years, the family photo was always taken on the first day of the New Year. However, this year, due to L''s absence and Amelie being hospitalized, the tradition was skipped.


    No one said anything about it. They simply walked out to the yard together. Behind them, the evening light was dazzling, and the cool breeze stirred the hems of their skirts. L pulled out two small photos, about the size of the palm of her hand, one in each of her hands.


    Kieran stood close by, his arm loosely draped over her shoulder. Carol held the camera and clicked the shutter a few times in quick session. Dinner was quiet. Even Noah, who was usually the talkative one, didn''t say a word.


    After dinner, L mentioned that she didn''t want to stay the night. Nicole didn''t say a word and followed them to the door to see L and Kieran off.


    The car hadn''t gone far when L spoke up. "Can you take me to Amelia''s ce?"


    Kieran''s grip on the steering wheel tightened involuntarily. He didn''t say anything. He just turned the car around. He had thought about the worst-case scenario, that even though L no longer med his family, she might not want to be with him anymore.


    When they arrived at Amelia''s building, L was about to open the car door when she turned back to look at Kieran. "Kieran."


    He lifted his gaze and met hers, his eyes locked on her face as if afraid that if he looked away, he might never get the chance to see her again. L didn''t look away either. "Do you love me?" she asked bluntly.


    "I do," he answered without a moment''s hesitation. "I''ve loved you for a long time," he added quietly.


    L didn''t quite understand the concept of "for a long time", but she thought that since their breakup had only been less than a year ago, it couldn''t have been that long. But as soon as his words fell, she unbuckled her seatbelt and moved into hisp.


    L parted her legs slightly, settling onto him, her hands pressing on his shoulders. Looking down at him, she said, "Then, let''s date." Kieran''s pupils dted.


    "If, one year from now, we''re still in love, let''s get married, okay?" she asked without waiting for his response before leaning down to kiss him.


    The confined space suddenly felt much warmer. L could feel his body stiffen for a brief moment. She pulled back after a brief taste, but hisrge hand gripped the back of her head, turning the tables and making the kiss far more intense. Without a word, he gave her the answer she was looking for.


    When the kiss ended, L pulled back just a little, her eyes filled with desire. Kieran, too, was affected, his gaze darker and full of emotions he could barely contain.


    The couple held each other''s gaze for a moment. Her impulse faded, but her hand shook slightly as she reached for the car door. Her movements were swift as she escaped the small, tight space of the driver''s seat, though she didn''t close the door behind her.


    "Stay here. I''ll go get Nova." In case he didn''t know who Nova was, she added, "My kitten''s name is Nova."


    Kieran took a slow breath, his emotions settling. "I''ll help you get your things."


    "It''s alright. Amelia''s probably


    already showered, and it''ll be


    awkward for you to go up. I don''t have much stuff here anyway.".


    Before he could respond, she turne


    and rushed toward the building, almost as if she were running away from him.


    Amelia owned a private residence with a beautiful view. L rang the doorbell before punching in the code. When the door opened, Amelia was standing right there, and the two of them startled each other.


    Amelia''s mind was racing. The day before, she had reached out to L but got no reply, so she had boldly contacted Kieran. She knew L had been sleeping, and given the circumstances, it didn''t make sense


    ve


    that she would suddenly wake up, break ties with the Morgan family, ande running to her.


    She pondered for a moment before asking, "What are your ns now?"


    It was a perfectly reasonable question, and it didn''t directly touch on the pain L


    might be feeling. Amelia couldn''t help but feel proud of her quick thinking.


    "I''m here to pick up Nova," L responded.


    "Huh? You''re taking her away?" Amelia was perplexed. "Where are you two


    going? Aren''t you going to stay at my ce?"


    "We''re going back to Evergreen Heights."


    Amelia gasped.