Chapter 77

After taking photographs, Asher and Thalia built a snowman in the courtyard. Thalia crafted an adorable snowman, about half her height, adorning it with a scarlet scarf and a crimson hat. She even used her peach oolong tea-colored lipstick to give the snowman rosy cheeks.

Asher leaned close, his breath warm against her ear. "Those rosy cheeks are utterly enchanting, just like yours when you're… flustered."

Thalia laughed, a delicate blush rising. "Of course they are—this is my very own daughter, after all."

After completing their creation, Thalia brushed snow from her gloves and regarded the snowman with parental pride. "We simply must give her a proper name, don't you think?"

"Capital idea," Asher replied, his lips curving upward, his gaze fixed on Thalia. "How about Sugar? It sounds rather like your name, Lia. Sweet… irresistible… tempting…"

Thalia's eyes brightened, either ignoring or enjoying his playful innuendo. "That's absolutely perfect. Sugar it is."

"Let's take a family portrait, shall we?" Asher suggested, his smile warm and tender as his hand rested on her back, drawing her slightly closer.

"I'd love that," she replied, taking the camera. "I'll find someone to help us."

Thalia approached a young couple. "Excuse me, would you mind awfully taking a photograph for us?"

"Of course," the young woman replied, taking the camera. "Though I'm not terribly familiar with this contraption."

Thalia leaned in to show her the settings. "They're already adjusted. You only need to press here."

"Right, I see."

"Thank you ever so much."

"It's no trouble at all," the young woman whispered. "You and your boyfriend make such a gorgeous couple. Are you Instagram influencers or something?"

Thalia shook her head, her eyes crinkling with amusement. "Goodness, no. And thank you—you're quite lovely yourself."

Afterward, Thalia and Asher visited a famous traditional inn, its historical ambiance palpable. From the carved wooden windows on the third floor, snow-capped mountains were visible, embodying the poetic sentiment of "the window frames a thousand years of snow on the western mountains." Most tourists visiting Annecy photographed this view. Thalia, having previously planned a trip here but been prevented by Drake, finally fulfilled her long-held desire.

Drake had consistently dampened her enthusiasm. "It's just standing by a window looking at mountains. What's so special about that? I'll take you to Switzerland someday—the mountains there are truly worth seeing." His dismissiveness extinguished her excitement. Later, work and time conspired against her visit.

Now, over two years later, she was here with Asher.

A cold breeze made Thalia sneeze. Asher pulled up her down jacket hood, his fingers lingering to brush a strand of hair from her face. "Keep your hood up to block the wind. I can think of much more pleasant ways to make you shiver."

"I want to take photos soon, and the hood won't look particularly fetching in pictures."

"You can take it off for the photos. The wind is rather brutal now—be a good girl for me."

"All right," Thalia replied playfully. "Are you cold as well?"

Asher smiled, his eyes darkening slightly. "A kiss would warm me rather thoroughly."

"So you're not cold then."

"Cold or not, I still want a kiss. Call it… payment for services rendered last night."

Thalia smiled. This man, normally cool and distant, subtly sought affection when they were together. His stance clearly indicated he wouldn't budge until she kissed him.

Smiling helplessly, she stood on tiptoe to kiss him. He towered over her.

"Lower your head, you impossible man," she pouted. "I can't reach you."

Asher obediently bent, bringing his lips closer. "Your wish is my command, my lady." The normally imperious heir willingly lowered his head, only for Thalia.

Thalia hooked her arms around his neck and kissed him. Self-conscious with onlookers, she gave him a fleeting peck, then attempted to pull away. Asher deepened the kiss, reminding her vividly of the previous night.

Realizing what was happening, Thalia struggled free, her face crimson. She coughed to hide her embarrassment. "Ahem, ahem."

"There are far too many people here. We can continue this when we get back," she whispered, the promise unmistakable.

Asher's eyes were soft with affection, his lips curved in a satisfied smile. "I shall hold you to that promise, my love."

Thalia turned her head, her face still flushed. Suddenly, her expression froze.

A biting wind swept through, and snow began to fall again. Drake Ashcroft stood at the inn's entrance, gazing at her from afar through the swirling snow.

Asher also noticed Drake. The smile vanished from his eyes, replaced by an icy coldness. He took Thalia's hand and walked toward Drake.

Drake remained motionless, watching the couple approach. Snowflakes landed on his khaki coat, melting and disappearing. The scene seemed frozen in time.

Something became increasingly clear to Drake. The girl had once smiled and clung to his arm, begging him to take her to Annecy. She had dreamed of the snow-capped mountains and the quaint inn. What had he said then? He couldn't quite remember, only that he'd made excuses, watching her smile fade, her disappointment evident. He hadn't wanted to comfort her or compromise; it was just casual fun, after all. There was no future with her. Now he had come, but she was no longer by his side. Drake's lips tightened, his chest constricting.

The couple stopped before him. Asher's lips curled into a mocking smile. "What a remarkable coincidence. We seem to encounter you at every turn."

Drake's lips were rigid. He ignored Asher, staring at Thalia, his eyes pleading. "Thalia, I'm here now. Just like you wanted."

Thalia's expression was cold. "What are you talking about? I never made any arrangements with you."

A flash of pain crossed Drake's eyes. "Two years ago, you said you wanted to come here. I was busy then, but I'm here now. Doesn't that mean anything to you?"

"Belated sincerity is worth less than grass," Thalia replied, her tone measured. "And those who pretend to be sincere are worth even less."

"Look, Thalia…" Drake's eyes mingled with regret and pain. "Can't you give me another shot? I can make it up to you. I swear I can."

"Hah." Asher laughed, his eyes filled with contempt. "You? You're scarcely worthy to speak her name."

Thalia's expression remained cold. "Drake, your persistent harassment is becoming exceedingly tiresome. Each time you appear, I find myself more thoroughly weary of you."

Drake humbled himself, his voice trembling: "Then what do I need to do to make you look back at me just once?"

Thalia stared at him, enunciating each word clearly: "Nothing. That will never happen. Not in this lifetime."