Chapter 990

Snowflakes fell in thick clusters, drifting down from the sky in a quiet dance. Aaron gently lowered Lena to the ground, but his hands remained on her waist, steadying her. His gaze locked onto her flushed face, red from both laughter and the cold. “Then… do you want to be with me?”

Lena tilted her head up to look at him. Her neck was starting to ache, and the snow landing on her skin was cool to the touch. Had Aaron worn height insoles today? Why did he seem taller than usual?

“I do,” she answered honestly. “But I don’t dare to.”

His heart gave a sharp thud. Finally—finally—she had given him a response, even if it was just a sliver of acknowledgment. She was afraid. And he knew exactly what she was afraid of.

His dark eyes deepened, reflecting the night’s shadows. “Whatever you fear, I’ll take care of it. You just need to be brave enough to move forward.”

Lena’s eyes were filled with him—with this man whose face, in her eyes, was the most beautiful in the world. Even when she had once liked Nate, in terms of looks, Aaron had always come first. Snowflakes landed on his brows, his nose, and his lips, melting into droplets that shimmered under the streetlights like tiny diamonds. His words still echoed in her ears. Be brave. How brave was brave enough?

Her gaze lingered on his lips. And then, before she could overthink it, she lifted onto her toes and kissed him. Their lips met, soft and hesitant, sending a shiver through both of them. Lena flinched slightly, but before she could retreat, the firm arm around her waist tightened, holding her in place. In the absolute silence of this snowy night, their heartbeats pounded loudly against the hush of the world. A snowflake landed on her forehead, its coldness shocking her back to her senses.

What did I just do? Did I really just kiss Aaron? Did I just break some kind of sacred, unspoken rule? Sober clarity rushed in, and in a panic, she quickly let herself drop back down onto her heels. Trying to cover up her embarrassment, she lifted her chin and forced out a casual, “That’s brave enough, right?”

It was brave.

Chapter 990

But the way she immediately backed away revealed her cowardice. Aaron saw everything clearly. He didn’t press forward, didn’t take advantage of the moment. Instead, he exhaled slowly and scolded her, “Nonsense. You’re completely drunk. Go home,”

Without waiting for her response, he turned and walked away. His tall figure cut through the snowfall, standing strong and unwavering—yet each step he took only carried him further from her. A dull ache spread through Lena’s chest, laced with unspoken grievances. She had kissed him. And yet he still remained indifferent? Had he truly fallen for Xandra? Had he really convinced himself that his feelings for her were a mistake? How could a man’s emotions be so fickle? She didn’t believe in love anymore.

Lowering her gaze, she wasn’t sure if it was the snow blurring her vision or if the alcohol had finally hit harder. Her legs felt weak, her balance unsteady. She reached out instinctively, trying to grab onto something—anything—before she fell. And then, suddenly, a firm hand wrapped around her arm.

Aaron. He had come back.

“Let’s go,” he said simply.

Go? She was still mad. And she definitely didn’t want him helping her right now. With a sharp tug, she shook his hand off. Surprisingly, he let go without resistance. The moment his grip left her, her body wobbled dangerously. She managed to remain standing, but if she so much as lifted a foot, she would undoubtedly faceplant straight into the snow. Or rather, into his footprints. But Aaron didn’t reach for her again. He simply stood there, watching.

Chapter 990

Once, he would’ve never let her stumble, would’ve caught her before she even had the chance to fall. Once, he would’ve indulged her tantrums, and he would’ve soothed her whenever she was upset. But now… he let her struggle on her own. He didn’t coax her, didn’t try to pacify her. So this was it. He didn’t love her anymore. She was nothing to him now. All those words… that even if he cut ties with the Ace family, he still is an Ace… all those words meant nothing now.