Vicente stood there wearing a gray baseball cap and a sleek black tracksuit.
His tall, athletic frame was accentuated by the fitted clothing, exuding an undeniable aura of masculine charm.
Melissa tilted her head up to look at him, her dark eyes sparkling with excitement.
"Are you taking me to see the fireworks now?
How are we getting there?"
Clearly, the moment fun or adventure was involved, all traces of her earlier awkwardness vanished instantly.
She had barely taken a step forward when she suddenly halted, grabbing Vicente’s arm in a panic.
"Wait, wait, wait—what about my brother?
What if he finds out?"
Now that her brother was back, she didn’t dare run off without a second thought.
Vicente, having anticipated her hesitation, turned to face her.
His gaze was calm as he took in her worried expression.
I’ve got it covered."
With someone else taking responsibility, Melissa naturally didn’t hold back.
"Alright then, but when my brother comes looking for me, you better not forget to take the blame!"
Her eyes curved into crescents.
"Wait for me, I’ll go change real quick."
She couldn’t possibly watch fireworks in her pajamas.
Vicente glanced at her sleepwear, his deep obsidian eyes softening with quiet fondness.
"You’re perfect as you are.
Melissa felt heat rush to her cheeks at his words.
"Almost time," Vicente said gently, checking his wristwatch.
Nodding eagerly, Melissa trailed obediently behind him as they headed out.
The butler, having just finished overseeing the estate affairs, paused on his way to the rear courtyard.
His brow furrowed slightly at the sight.
Mr. Vincent and Ms Melissa were growing closer by the day.
The butler made a mental note to find an appropriate moment to remind Mr. Taylor—soon.
The two got into the car and sped all the way to a hilltop not far from the Taylor family estate.
The late autumn wind carried a faint chill.
Melissa shivered involuntarily, unable to suppress the tremor that ran through her.
Vicente, ever perceptive, noticed immediately.
Without a word, he shrugged off his black jacket and draped it over her shoulders.
Wrapped in the lingering warmth and the distinct scent of him, Melissa felt a comforting heat seep into her bones—just enough to ward off the cold.
But noticing that Vicente was now only in a short-sleeved shirt, she moved to take the jacket off.
"Keep it on," Vicente cut in, deftly zipping it up for her before she could protest.
Before she could reply, he spoke again, his voice steady.
Melissa turned to him, her bright, dewy eyes shimmering with excitement as she nodded eagerly.
Vicente pressed the button on his watch.
His long, elegant fingers gently cradled Melissa’s head, turning it slightly toward the sky.
No sooner had the words left his lips than—
A cascade of fireworks erupted from below, streaking upward before bursting into radiant blooms.
The dazzling lights painted the night sky, their reflection shimmering in Melissa’s wide eyes.
As they descended, they scattered like a shower of shooting stars.
Melissa squinted in delight, her smile deepening until it reached the very corners of her eyes.
Vicente watched her, the edges of his own lips curling upward unbidden.
Vincent had never understood the appeal of something so fleeting.
But then again—if it made her happy.
That’s a different story altogether.
The fireworks display lasted a full half hour before finally coming to an end.
"Disney-level fireworks?"
Melissa turned to Vicente, her eyes crinkling with amusement.
"How did you pull this off?"
As everyone knew, Disney’s fireworks were sourced through channels completely inaccessible to ordinary people.
Replicating them was next to impossible.
"Melissa," Vicente gazed at her, his deep, obsidian eyes swirling with unspoken emotion.
"Not just fireworks," His voice was low, every word weighted with sincerity.
"If it’s something you love, I’ll move heaven and earth to make it happen."
The unexpected confession sent Melissa’s heart racing, rooting her to the spot.
"W-what... what do you mean by that?"
Her thoughts tangled into knots as she met his unwavering dark gaze, her fair, delicate cheeks flushing with warmth.
"Melissa," Vicente’s deep, piercing eyes locked onto hers with unwavering intensity.
"You heard what I said in the study this afternoon, didn’t you?"
Melissa immediately recalled the conversation Vicente had with her brother earlier that day.
Her breath hitched, her pulse quickening in panic.
"N-no, I didn’t hear anything."
"That’s alright," Vicente murmured, a faint smirk playing at his lips.
"Then I’ll say it again."
Calvin leaned in slightly, his dark, steady gaze holding hers as he spoke, each word deliberate and tender.
"Melissa Taylor... I love you."
Fireworks exploded in Melissa’s mind—brighter, more dazzling than any display she’d ever seen.
It took her a long moment to process his words.
When she finally did, her wide, beautiful eyes filled with flustered disbelief.
Melissa’s mind was in complete disarray, her hands and feet fidgeting nervously as she struggled to find the right words.
"I know this must come as a shock to you," Vicente murmured, the corners of his lips curling into a deeper smile.
"But for me, it’s been a long time coming."
His voice softened further, almost pleading.
"If you don’t dislike me, could you at least not reject me outright?
Give me a chance, hm?"
Melissa bit her lip, nodding instinctively before shaking her head in confusion.
Something wild and electric surged through her veins, making it impossible to stay composed.
Seeing the light dim in Vicente’s eyes, she blurted out,
"I—I don’t dislike you."
That was all she said. But for Vicente, it was enough.
A slow, satisfied smile spread across his face, his dark eyes brimming with restrained yet fervent affection.
Vincent reached up, took off his cap, and gently placed it on her head.
"Let’s head back," he said, his voice rough with unspoken longing.
If they stayed any longer, he wasn’t sure he could stop himself from kissing her.
And right now, he had no right to.
Some embraced, some loved, some pined in longing.
The Calvin Family Villa, West District.
Grandma Calvin sat in the living room, her expression stern as she watched her grandson walk in from outside.
"Where have you been these past two nights?
Why are you only coming back now?"
Noticing the dark circles under Calvin’s eyes, a flicker of concern flashed in her gaze, but her furrowed brow remained tense.
"You have a girlfriend now.
You must behave yourself and come home on time, or else—"
Calvin loosened his tie and sank into the sofa across from her.
Taking the tea handed to him by a servant, he gave a wry smile.
"Or else I’ll introduce Fanny to other"
Grandma Calvin huffed, irritated by his indifferent demeanor.
"Our Calvin family has no shortage of outstanding young men—certainly more than just you."
Calvin choked on his tea, erupting into a fit of violent coughing.
Truly, his own grandmother.