I hesitated for a brief moment.
To be honest…
The ballroom had begun to feel a little overwhelming.
Maybe a few minutes of fresh air was exactly what I needed.
So I nodded.
Quietly, I followed him as he led the way toward a hallway and through a door at the far end.
A moment later, we arrived at a beautiful garden filled with different varieties of flowers, their vibrant colors softened beneath the gentle glow of the moonlight, making the entire place look even more enchanting.
A wooden bench rested beneath a small gazebo to one side, surrounded by neatly trimmed hedges and blooming flowers.
It wasn’t particularly large, but there was a peaceful charm about it that made it feel like a world away from the lively celebration inside.
“How did you know about this place?” I asked curiously.
Mike smiled faintly.
“This is one of the biggest hotels in the city.
Most major events are held here.” He glanced around the garden before continuing.
“So I’ve been here quite a few times.” “And you attend all of them?” He chuckled softly.
“Well…
these are the kinds of events I can’t really escape as the eldest son of my family.” I nodded in understanding.
Among the elite families, gatherings like these were common, and every household was expected to make an appearance together.
Even before I moved in with the Livingston family, my own parents had attended countless events like this.
I, however, rarely agreed to go with them.
After moving in with the Livingstons, I lost whatever desire I had left to be surrounded by so many people.
Thankfully, Uncle Herbert and Aunt Rose understood and always respected my need for privacy.
That was…
Until they decided to combine my twentieth birthday celebration with my graduation party.
Mike and I settled onto the bench, quietly admiring the moonlit garden as a cool breeze drifted past us, carrying the faint fragrance of roses and jasmine.
For a while, neither of us spoke.
The silence wasn’t awkward.
It was…
comforting.
Then Mike suddenly broke it.
“So…
what’s your plan after this?” I thought for a moment before answering.
“There has only ever been one goal.” I smiled faintly.
“Graduate…
then finally help move my family’s company forward.” “That’s all?” He turned slightly to look at me.
I met his gaze.
“What else would there be?” “What about you?” He looked away, his eyes settling on the rows of flowers ahead.
After a long pause, he shrugged helplessly.
“I guess we’re all the same.” “Our lives revolve around carrying on our families’ legacies.” I watched him quietly.
“But if you didn’t have that responsibility…” “What would you choose?” Mike fell silent.
He lowered his head thoughtfully before letting out a soft laugh.
“Honestly…” “I don’t know.” “My whole life has been about my family.” “I’ve spent so much time preparing to inherit everything that I don’t even know what I want anymore.” A bitter smile touched my lips.
“But you can’t lose yourself in the process.” He looked back at me, his expression softening.
“Exactly.” He nodded slowly.
“That’s why…” He hesitated.
His fingers unconsciously intertwined before separating again.
He looked away, took a quiet breath, then finally met my eyes once more.
“I’ve always wished there was someone beside me.” “Someone who would remind me not to.” I searched his face.
There was something different about his eyes tonight.
Gentler.
Warmer.
Filled with an emotion I couldn’t quite understand.
“Well…” I smiled lightly.
“You have your family, don’t you?” He laughed softly.
It was the kind of laugh that told me I’d completely misunderstood him.
“My family will always be there.” He shook his head.
“But that’s not what I mean.” “It’s not?” He slowly rose to his feet.
For a brief moment, he simply stood there, looking at me as though trying to gather enough courage.
Then he let out a slow breath.
“Alice…” His voice carried a nervousness I’d never heard before.
“I know this might be a little sudden.” He smiled awkwardly.
“But…” “I really like you.” My eyes widened.
“I’ve liked you for a long time.” “I was really happy when we ended up in the same group for our final-year project.” “I kept telling myself I’d confess.” “But every single time…” “I lost my courage.” He scratched the back of his head with an embarrassed laugh.
“Maybe…” “I’m saying it now because I know this might be my last chance.” My mind went completely blank.
Of all the things I had expected tonight…
This wasn’t one of them.
“Mike…” I slowly rose to my feet.
But before I could say another word…
I felt it.
The air around us suddenly shifted.
The peaceful atmosphere from just moments ago disappeared without warning.
A strange pressure settled over the garden.
My heart skipped a beat.
Instinctively, I turned toward the entrance….