Chapter 186

“Huh? Where?” Emma asked.

Liam tapped her nose. “You’ll find out when you get there.”

Dream World was already open. Liam had brought Emma during the last closed beta, but the parade—her main interest—hadn't been running. This time, he’d meticulously planned a parade and fireworks show.

The parade began at 7:30 p.m., but they arrived at 7:40 p.m. Emma leaped out of the car. “Hurry, or we’ll miss it!”

She’d heard the park's nighttime scenery was breathtaking, and that the first couple to see the Dream Castle fireworks would spend their lives together. She’d always longed to see them with Liam.

Seeing her anxiety, Liam considered telling her he'd arranged everything, that there was no need to rush. But wanting to surprise her, he remained silent.

Reaching the castle, Emma was breathless. “It hasn’t started yet!”

Liam smiled mysteriously. “Wait here. I’ll get you your favorite ice cream.”

“Alright, hubby. Come back quickly,” Emma replied.

He bent, kissed her forehead, hugged her, and left. Emma waited, gazing at the night sky.

She heard murmurs: “Why hasn’t it started?” “It’s usually at seven-thirty. Is there a special event?” “A special fireworks show?” “Don’t tell me it’s canceled!”

Her worry grew. The parade and fireworks couldn’t be canceled, could they?

As she pondered, a masked man in a silver suit approached. “Emma, what a coincidence! Why are you alone? Where’s my brother?”

Her good mood instantly soured. “Why aren't you scheming to steal Halls Group shares? Why are you at an amusement park? It's not for singles like you.”

Brad’s face darkened. He smirked. “You're more confident now. But it's no wonder. If you don't act boldly now, you won't have the chance later.”

“What are you saying?” Emma asked coldly.

“My father won't approve of you two,” Brad sneered. “If he wants to stop it, no one can disobey him—unless Liam gives up his inheritance. Then everything in the Hall family would be mine. I'd just sit back and enjoy the spoils.”

His smug expression intensified. “But Emma, do you think my brother will give up the entire Halls Group for you? I doubt it. See that woman with him? My father introduced her. She’s in charge of the amusement park, and she’s known Liam for a while. Did you know?”

Knowing Brad’s penchant for discord, Emma looked where he pointed. Liam was indeed with a curvy, voluptuous woman—a stark contrast to Emma’s slender, composed figure. Emma remained impassive.

“What’s wrong, Emma? Did my brother hide it from you?” Brad gloated, eager to see her upset.

Emma's unexpected reply stunned him. “Brad, you constantly watch your brother. Do you have a crush on him?”

“W-What are you talking about?” Brad’s expression changed drastically, still haunted by the photoshopped images Emma had created.

Emma snickered. “If you have a strange fetish, give up on your brother. Liam is undeniably heterosexual. He doesn’t like trash like you.”

Enraged, Brad was about to explode. Emma rolled her eyes, ignoring him, and walked towards Liam, wanting to know why he was chatting with another woman instead of buying ice cream.

She heard Liam say, “The show is in ten minutes. Don't mess up. Act natural. It’s a surprise for her.” The woman’s ugly expression revealed her feelings for Liam. But Liam was only thinking of Emma.

Emma stopped, knowing he wouldn't disappoint her. She returned to her spot.

Soon, Liam returned with ice cream. “Not like Savekine Restaurant, but it should be alright. Try it?”

Emma took it, gazing at him with sparkling eyes.

“How is it?” he asked.

“It’s sweet,” she replied, her tone subconsciously softer after learning of his surprise.

Suddenly, the sky lit up. “The fireworks! They’re starting!”

Couples held hands, hoping to be the first to see them. Emma watched expectantly.

A luxurious three-story parade float, adorned with red and white roses, approached. The rich scent filled the air. Cartoon characters danced and greeted everyone, their float a spectacle of thousands of fresh roses. People cheered and took photos. "Oh my God, it's the parade!" "They're coming over!"

A costumed character descended and approached Emma. Though she knew Liam had a surprise planned, her mouth widened in surprise as the float arrived.

Emma and Liam were then brought to the float's top floor, to a small turntable big enough for two. Inscribed in gold lettering: "Liam and Emma, together forever."

This was the surprise. Their elevated position gave them the best view of the fireworks.

Liam's warm lips brushed her ear. His voice was low. “Emma, get ready. Three, two, one—”

The countdown ended with a whoosh.