Right then, a handsome young man who looked around twenty years old approached me.
He smiled brightly at me, and I subconsciously responded with a gentle grin.
“Are you looking for something?” he asked.
I nodded. “I was looking for some materials for legal research, but my effort was in vain.” It’s probably because I’m not familiar with this library.
He looked at me and explained gently, “Most of the books here are scattered. There are more professional resources in the reading room next door. You don’t seem to know this place well. If you don’t mind, may I show you around? Maybe I can help you find the books that you’re looking for.”
I thanked him with a nod and a smile, “That would be wonderful!”
Just as he had described, I found the books I wanted in the reading room next door. When we were exiting, he asked, “You don’t look like you’re from this university. Are you here for an exam or a Ph.D. student?”
I chuckled. “I’m just here to borrow some books. You look really young. A junior?”
He nodded. “I’m going to be a senior soon. Can I have your phone number, please? You remind me of someone.”
Amused, I asked, “Is this a pick-up line used by young boys nowadays?”
He denied, “No, you really looked like the celebrity I had always liked a few years ago. You two are so alike. She’s seemingly quitted the entertainment world. I liked her very much, so when I first saw you, I thought you were her.”
As soon as he said that, I knew that he must have mistaken me for Nancy. Hence, I told him, “I’m sorry, but I don’t think I can give you my contact number.”
Confused, he asked, “Why?”
I pointed at Ashton, who was walking toward me, and laughed. “My husband doesn’t allow me to chat with strangers, let alone exchanging contacts. Hence, I’m sorry, but I can’t give you my number.”
Looking at Ashton from afar, the young man looked somewhat disappointed. He then nodded reluctantly. “It’s okay then.”
Without saying another word, he left.
Looking at Ashton, I ran toward him and fell in his arms, smiling. “Mr. Fuller, do you know what I was up to?”
He arched his brow, “What were you doing?”
“There’s a junior asking me for my number!” I bragged, “But I told him that I’m married, and my hubby is irreplaceable.”
He took a glance at the young man who had left. Then, he gazed at me. “It seems like I shouldn’t let you wander around in the future. You might get kidnapped when I’m not being watchful.”
Holding onto the handrail, I climbed upstairs. He hugged me all the way, and we found a seat together.
It felt good to be in a vibrant place as if we were young again.
Nick’s wedding was carried out smoothly, but I did not see Jackson there. I called him multiple times and even tried contacting him through other means but to no avail.
At the wedding, Nick said to his bride, “Meeting you has been the best thing that’s ever happened to me. Thank you for giving me a home.” It was a simple yet powerful statement.
I think that people have a bias toward simplicity as they grow older. When we’re young, we often assume that the ending will be sweet, regardless of how the love story goes. Then, we became oblivious of the fact that not everyone who’s in love is tolerant.
Many years later, I met Jackson in M Country during a business trip. With a faint smile, he said calmly, “It’s been a while.” That was the end of our conversation.
As we grew older, our days became simpler. John married Emma. Although he did not do it out of love, he enjoyed leading a simple life and spending ordinary moments with her.
Cherish the person you love in your memory. I believed Emma would understand this very well. John deliberately treated Emma better as if he was compensating for another person. However, Emma took it as a consolation and considered herself blessed. In a way, she was lucky to have a man like John who made attempts to pamper her. The only less-than-ideal part was that she had never truly fallen in love with him. He was way better than he appeared to be.
For me, that was the best ending. At least, John didn’t need to face any challenges and bear the pain that life threw at him all by himself.
During Christmas season, Ashton wanted to bring me along to Joe’s wedding. I was surprised at the news, but I was happy for Joe, nonetheless. No matter who he chooses to spend the rest of his life with, I’m certain that as a responsible adult, Joe is more than ready to lead a life of purpose.
It was also during Christmas when I received news from the rehabilitation center that Rebecca was found dead from a suicidal drug overdose. Ashton was the first one who got the news. He fell silent for a long time before squeezing out a few words through his lips, “Give her a beautiful funeral service.”
And, that was it.
After years of entanglement, the last thing he heard was her death. I was shocked to the core. Indeed, I was really shaken.
Everyone had their own fate. Perhaps, Rebecca made the wrong decision since the very beginning.
Ashton and Sally were planning to spend the new year in J City. Before the year ended, Ashton cleared his schedule and brought me to the Moore residence to pick Summer up. Having spent a few months recuperating there, Summer’s health seemed to have improved a lot.
Somehow, she became quiet after recovering from the illness. Upon knowing that we were going to J City, Summer asked in anticipation, “Mommy, are we going to the cemetery to see Grandma and Aunt Macy?”
I froze for a moment and instantly nodded. This is great! Summer remembers Macy.
In the meantime, Hannah heard that we were leaving for J City, so she called to say goodbye. I was overjoyed when I discovered that she was pregnant and shared a lot with her.
As soon as I hung up, Ashton held me in his arms. “We’ll pay a visit to the hospital right after the new year. We, too, will have our own child very soon.”
I nodded, feeling really contented and peaceful. To me, it doesn’t matter anymore whether I have a child or otherwise. The best is yet to come, and I look forward to it.
Then, it was the new year.
It did not snow in J City on new year’s eve.
But instead, what greeted us were bewitching lights, incredible decorations, lively streets filled with bustling crowds, and a thick festive atmosphere.
Apparently, it was the first time that the Fullers had gathered as a big family. Charlie’s head had turned white. He said to me, “Scarlett, it’s not easy for you two to get together. The luckiest thing in life is to reunite with the one that you love. It’s a tremendous blessing to be able to watch the fireworks while hugging your one true love.”
I nodded in agreement. Suddenly, I noticed the wrinkles creeping up at the corner of Ashton’s eyes. It finally dawned on me that he had aged.
It had been a long and winding road throughout this journey we called life. We had walked it slowly and arduously. Looking at him silently, I only hoped that we could carry on peacefully in our remaining days.
Seeing the winter skies lit up by the colorful fireworks, Summer let out a gleeful, festive cry. I lay my head on Ashton’s chest. “Ashton, what’s your new year wish?”
Looking handsome as ever, he stared at me in the eyes and exclaimed, “To have you with me, day after day, year after year.”
I could not contain my joy. We locked eyes as I repeated after him, “To have you with me, day after day, year after year.”
What an ideal ending to a perfect night!
