taking me in and giving me a warm sanctuary.”
Gabriel looked at me and teased with a smile, “How about repaying me with your hand in marriage?”
I froze for a moment, then huffed with mock arrogance. “In your dreams!”
Though I said this, ripples stirred in my heart.
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“Then tell me, how will you repay me? I’m the hero who rescued you from dire straits at the train station.”
His exaggerated tone made me laugh. I deliberately put on a stern face. “Hero? I think you’re just trying to extort me.
He pretended to think deeply, then said with mock seriousness, “Let me think… How about
you cook me one meal every day until school starts?”
I could not help but roll my eyes. “No way! My cooking is terrible.”
He looked at me with a grin. “That’s okay, I’m not picky. Besides, even if your cooking is awful, I’ll eat every bite.”
His shameless attitude made me laugh despite my annoyance.
F
“Is this how you seek gratitude? You’re clearly just trying to take advantage of me!”
“Alas, it seems my charm isn’t enough.”
He sighed with fake disappointment, then suddenly leaned closer. “Maybe I should try
harder?”
I felt my cheeks burning and quickly stepped back. “D–don’t get any ideas!”
Seeing my flustered state, he could not help but laugh.
“Just teasing you.” He reached out and gently ruffled my hair. “Come on, let’s go back. Grandma will worry.”
Back at Gabriel’s place, Mrs. Campbell had prepared hot tea to ward off the cold.
Holding the warm cup and feeling the cozy atmosphere of the Campbell household, I felt some anticipation for the future for the first time.
Perhaps letting go of the past and starting afresh was not such a bad thing.
On Christmas Eve, fireworks blazed outside the window, illuminating the entire night sky.
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The deafening sound of firecrackers rose and fell in waves. Standing by the window, I felt
as if I were in another lifetime.
“Merry Christmas, Rachel.”
Gabriel stood very close, his warm breath brushing against my ear, making me feel tingly.
I turned my head and met his deep gaze. In that moment, time seemed to stand still, and my heart skipped a beat.
“Merry Christmas, Gabriel.”
He leaned close to my ear and whispered, “I like you, Rachel.”
Outside the window, fireworks continued to bloom, their brilliant colors reflecting on my
face and on Gabriel’s.
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