Chapter 325: I Want Us to Last for Eternity

Nathael smirked, but he had no intention of showing Maggie the photos. Knowing her personality, he knew that if he handed them over, she'd definitely try to keep some, and he wasn't willing to part with a single one. After all, they were photos of the two of them.

"Hey, you two!" They quickly caught up with the clown photographer from earlier.

"I took a few more pictures because you both looked so sweet together," he said. "Would you like to see them? Free of charge!"

The photographer was obliging; he eagerly handed over the photos.

Maggie snatched them. Before Nathael could protest, she ran off to look at them. The photos showed them walking arm in arm; there was a candid shot from the front; and one captured a playful moment where she tried to steal the photos from him.

Nathael tilted his head and smiled at her, his eyes full of affection. She, on the other hand, seemed to have forgotten all her worries; her expression was lively, with a touch of playful annoyance. "Maggie" Nathael approached and spoke in a deep voice.

Maggie looked at him and said with a smile, "Nope, don't even think about it!" This was payback for his earlier teasing.

Surprisingly pleased with herself, Maggie tucked the photos into her bag. Her face held a triumphant expression, like a child who had just won some candy.

Nathael frowned. He still wanted Maggie's photos, but he was unwilling to give his up. After a moment, he suggested in a deep voice, "Trade?"

Maggie's eyes sparkled with mischief. Recalling the stack of photos the photographer had given him earlier, she readily agreed. "Okay, one for one."

Although she agreed, Maggie knew the photographer's extra shots weren't as numerous as the first batch; therefore, she felt she was at a disadvantage in the trade.

The two twenty-somethings stood beneath the massive Ferris wheel, as if conducting some kind of secret exchange. Maggie handed one of her photos to Nathael, carefully placing it face down. Nathael did the same, handing over a photo of them kissing. The photographer had probably clicked the shutter too rapidly, or perhaps they'd kissed for a long time; there were several similar photos. Nathael chose one and gave it to Maggie. The backdrop was a fairy-tale castle with fireworks illuminating the sky, surrounded by brilliant lights, and they were tightly embracing.

"Not bad," Maggie said with a satisfied smile. She put the photo away with no intention of swapping it back.

However, Nathael's expression darkened when he looked at the photo he received. It was just a back view—a plain back view!

"Want to trade again?" Maggie asked eagerly, knowing he had a whole stack from the photographer.

Nathael's expression was grim as he put the photo away. "Nope," he refused.

"Petty!" Maggie muttered, secretly annoyed at herself for blushing at the photographer's words earlier. She should have grabbed the photos first.

No one mentioned the photos again. Since they hadn't eaten much earlier, Maggie suggested grabbing some snacks at the amusement park. Later, they went on three or four less-thrilling rides together. Maggie wasn't very adventurous and didn't dare try extreme activities, so she only played a few simple games with Nathael.

As they got off the carousel, the night air felt chilly. Nathael draped his jacket over Maggie's shoulders, guiding her down. She immediately noticed the clown photographer standing by the entrance and felt a wave of confusion. Is he taking photos again? He can't keep targeting them, right?

The photographer didn't approach them. Camera in hand, he simply smiled at Maggie. Maggie was speechless. Maybe I'm just overthinking things.

"Let's go on the Ferris wheel," Nathael said in his low voice, already holding tickets. Maggie had never ridden a Ferris wheel before, so she followed him. They chose a blue carriage. Shortly after entering, the Ferris wheel slowly began its ascent. If it weren't for the gradually changing view, one could hardly feel the carriage moving.

Maggie nestled into Nathael's chest. She gazed at the vibrant city lights below. "Thank you," she whispered.

"What for?" Nathael's voice was low and steady as he gazed into the distance.

"Thank you for the warmth and happiness you've given me," she replied, a soft smile playing on her lips. "Thank you for the times you stood by my side and indulged me. Thank you for the companionship and protection. Thank you for being a source of light in the darkest moments of my life. And thank you for making this farewell memorable and joyful."

Maggie thought that even if times got tough, she would find the courage to keep going. She hoped to live, and she would stay alive. And she believed that one day they would meet again.

It was unclear how long had passed, but the Ferris wheel gradually reached its peak. Nathael spoke softly, "There's a romantic legend about the Ferris wheel. They say that when it reaches its highest point, any wish you make will come true."

Maggie paused. She stared at him and realized why he'd brought her here. He had probably sensed her uneasiness and tried to ease it with this gesture. A pang of pain struck her heart, making it hard to breathe, like a fish struggling to get back to the ocean after being pulled ashore.

Suddenly, Nathael placed a ring on her left ring finger. He said softly, "I want us to be together forever." As he spoke, another round of fireworks burst into the sky. The Ferris wheel reached its highest point while the castle's bell rang in the distance. Maggie gazed at the ring on her finger, her eyes welling with tears. It had a modest design, a simple rose-gold band.

"Can you help me put this on?" Nathael handed her another ring with a matching design. Maggie examined it closely. It was the same style, but with a tiny diamond embedded in the inner wall, flanked by their initials.

She swallowed the lump in her throat, gently took his hand, and slid the ring onto his finger. The subtle gold color and simple design gave it an understated elegance. Maggie felt her heart swelling with affection. Her eyes stung with unshed tears. She struggled to find the right words; they felt inadequate and pale. No moment could surpass this one.

With her throat tightening, Maggie lowered her gaze and kissed his lips softly. "Does the legend say anything about kissing on a Ferris wheel?" she whispered.

Nathael took charge. He clasped her head and unleashed all of his suppressed emotions. His kiss was intense and fervent, conquering her lips and entwining eagerly with her tongue. The moist warmth spread in their mouths; it seemed never enough. Their breath grew hotter, and the air thickened around them. Nathael was losing control, wishing he could meld her into his very being. For the first time, he cursed the Ferris wheel for moving too slowly.

As soon as it touched down, Nathael picked Maggie up in his arms and headed straight for the parking lot.