Chapter 445

It was a frigid day. Even without air conditioning, the house felt like an igloo.

"Even the guest rooms lack air conditioning? Does your family torture its guests?" Alexander chuckled.

Many guests had arrived for the celebration. Surely, not all would depart the same day; many would stay overnight. Would they endure the cold as well?

Lily shook her head. "The building in front is for visitors; those guest rooms have air conditioning. The Lodge family resides in the house behind it."

The implication was clear: the family lacked luxuries afforded to outsiders. Alexander sensed something amiss. After a moment's thought, he said, "Does that mean I'm one of 'you guys'?"

He added silently, 'If not, why the room without air conditioning?'

"You're right. Logically, that's what it means," Lily agreed thoughtfully.

Alexander wasn't sure whether to feel happy or sad. "What an honor!" he exclaimed.

They joked briefly, but soon the cold became unbearable. It wasn't time for disrobing and snuggling under the comforter, so they rose. "Let's explore downstairs. I've been here twice, but never had a chance to look around," Alexander said.

His previous visits were brief, obligatory engagements. He'd never had the opportunity to explore the residence, let alone stay overnight. This visit was different; his mood was different, too.

Lily hesitated, but didn't refuse. They donned their coats and headed for the courtyard.

The banquet in the front building was boisterous and crowded. Given the Lodge family's status, many had come to offer well wishes; in addition to visitors, numerous disciples were present. While the family entertained guests in front, the courtyard remained tranquil. Snow began to fall, blanketing the area in white and creating a unique atmosphere. Brown City snow wasn't typically heavy or compact; their footsteps produced a distinct "creak" on the fresh powder, leaving a trail of footprints.

Walking hand-in-hand, Lily stopped, turning to observe the footprints—Alexander's large ones and her smaller ones. An idea struck her. She pulled away from Alexander, saying, "Wait here."

She carefully walked to a clear spot, placing each foot precisely. Though her pace was unhurried, each step was firm and deliberate. After completing a circuit, she revealed a heart shape in the snow.

Clapping her hands, she admired her "masterpiece." "Not bad, huh?"

Alexander smiled. He, too, walked around the edges of the heart, drawing a larger one around hers. Raising an eyebrow, he announced, "Mine's not bad either."

"You're biased. Mine's better," Lily declared, wrinkling her nose at the imperfections in his heart.

"It doesn't matter which looks better. What matters is that you're in my heart," Alexander said, ignoring her critique. He was content, looking at their intertwined hearts.

Lily beamed at his sweet words.

She recalled spending countless hours in that courtyard, practicing kickboxing; different areas were designated for different skills. Since childhood, the courtyard had been nothing more than a training ground for her.