Chapter 116 - 25 (1/2)

On that winter day, inside the protective barriers of the amus.e.m.e.nt park, the lake was flat like a mirror reflecting the sky above. It lay peacefully with the occasional gentle ripples from the small wooden boats. Waters so pristine, transparent, and very clean enough to drink.

Various visible stones, corals, flora, and fauna and all kinds of fishes and turtles even swans and ducks created a mix of rainbow hues intensified by the atmosphere of virtual falling snowflakes. And highlighted it all were the falling vines of the gigantic willow trees, which created a cozy private space for lovers to hide from prying eyes.

Evangeline closed her eyes, savoring the artificial breeze on her face, blowing some strand of her hair. Without her sight, she could focus on the scent. Contrary to her expectations, the scent didn't smell like slimy dead fish and damp moss. It was . . . fresher than she expected. The air was a little icy as it glided in her throat, adding a minty feel.

A beautiful woman sitting on a wooden boat across the lake created a heart-stopping view.

Mesmerized, Eric watched Evangeline, who was sitting opposite him. Her legs were neatly tucked, hand prompting her chin, elbow resting on her l.a.p, and a soft smile on her pretty unblemished face. Her head was rolling back and forth, expression calm and peaceful, so serene it never failed to put a smile on his face.

Her skin was so tender and smooth with scattered hues of pink, almost like a porcelain doll made by a master artisan. Her lips, so full and tantalizingly red. How her slender fingers stroked the handkerchief on her l.a.p made his imagination ran wild.

And when she opened her eyes and caught him staring, he scuttled away, arms resumed rowing, pretending to look at the scenery. But the heat creeping to his face didn't hide what he was feeling. And the soft smile on her lips was replaced by one of cheekiness. He didn't care. She was still adorable in his eyes.

”Eric . . . ,” she called.

”Y-yes?”

He replied in an instant, heads snapping in her direction, cheeks a bit red.

”. . .” She didn't resume talking right away. The crumpled brows on her forehead were enough indication that she was contemplating something.

”Never mind,” she said after a long silence.

It was visible that she had something to say, but was hesitant to speak about it. Maybe she didn't want to ruin the mood?

”Eve . . . what is it?” Eric urged in a soft tone.

Fiddling with her handkerchief, Evangeline's eyes shifted to it and back to Eric again and again before finally resting on her hanky.

”About . . . about us . . . I think that . . . it is unfair to you if we don't. . . if we don't define our relationship,” she said with a haughty voice, which turned low towards the end.

”It's fine,” Eric answered right away, ”I'm okay with it.”

Evangeline's eyes flicked over and met Eric's gaze. ”But . . .”

”Eve . . . ,” Eric interrupted, no longer rowing the boat. ”It's fine, really. I'm already contented with our relationship of master and servant. As long as we both like each other, then . . . that's already enough for me.”

Eric paused, his eyes dropped, and the familiar heat crept on his face once more when he realized he said something so mushy.

Shifting his head, hand stroking the back of his head, he asked, ”Of course . . . that is . . . you like me . . . right?”

The handkerchief in Evangeline's hand crumpled in a frenzied mess when her fingers fiddled around it. Didn't know where to put her reddened face, she lowered her head and answered in a low whisper.

”. . . Mmm . . .”

Eric's tensed body gradually relaxed. That was the longest seconds in his life!

”Then . . . that's all that matters. Defining our relationship will only put restrictions and responsibilities upon you that I know you're not ready to shoulder yet.��� He smiled, eyes softening. ”So it's okay to remain like this. You don't have to push yourself.”

”No! That's not it!”

Evangeline's sudden outburst not only stunned Eric but even herself. True that if they stayed the way they are, she would be free from the burden of commitment and needless responsibilities. She could do whatever she wanted without his restrictions, and she could leave him anytime she wanted without explanations.

But . . . That also applied to him . . .

If that were the case, she would rather tie herself to him and him to hers.

Still fiddling with her hanky, her eyes dropped to that piece of fabric. A moment of vulnerability appeared on her face. Didn't know how to put her feeling into words.

”. . . Eric . . . I . . . I'm not . . . against it . . .”

”. . .”

Eric's eyes were wide, staring at Evangeline, didn't get the meaning of what she said. When it downed on him, he blinked, and his hand covered his lips. He shifted his head to the side, fighting a smile.

But . . . If she's okay with it . . . if she's ready to accept me . . . then . . .

He couldn't be happier.

Eric took an intake of air to calm his nerves before he stared at her with a serious face.

”Evangeline Heart, will you be my girlfriend?”

Evangeline's head snapped at Eric. Her wide eyes shook like it was melting, turning affectionate. Her quivering lips opened and closed until it rested in a tender smile. Her voice was soft and brittle as she answered.

”Yes . . .”

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