After dinner, Celeste Harrington clasped my hand, her face alight with excitement. Turning to Uncle and Aunt Harrington, she said cheerfully,"Mom, Dad, we're heading out for a bit."

Uncle Harrington glanced up, smiled, and nodded."Alright, stay safe."

Aunt Harrington added warmly,"Have fun, you two."

I hesitated for a moment, surprised by their easy approval. Once outside, I couldn't help but ask,"Your parents don't mind you staying out late?"

Celeste gave a mischievous smile."That's only because it's you. If it were anyone else, you'd hear an entirely different story."

"So, does that mean they've given us their blessing?"

"Of course," she replied with a nod."Actually, my dad probably knows your father."

I widened my eyes:"No way!"

"Maybe they just know each other but are not very familiar with each other. I told them last night that your father is in the construction industry, and he guessed it at that time. He also said that your father is a good man who was cheated. If the father is responsible, the son will not be bad either."

Hearing this, a wave of warmth swept over me. I finally understood their kindness—it wasn't just about me, but also the respect they had for my father. I felt a deep sense of gratitude toward Celeste's parents.

As we walked, laughing and chatting, we arrived at the square. The sky had grown darker, and the plaza was already bustling with people eagerly awaiting the nine o'clock light show. The atmosphere buzzed with excitement, the air thick with anticipation.

Hand in hand, Celeste and I joined the crowd, holding our breath as we gazed at the sky.

A collective cheer erupted as the show began. Phones lit up, capturing the dazzling display of lights.

"Wow, this is breathtaking!" I couldn't help but exclaim.

Celeste nodded, her smile radiant."It's incredible. The light show feels almost magical!"

"It's stunning," she whispered, her voice tinged with wonder.

"Absolutely," I agreed, utterly captivated by the spectacle.

It was my first time witnessing a light show like this in person. The sheer artistry and precision of the synchronized drones left me awestruck. It was a blend of technology and creativity that stirred something deep within me.

When the show ended, the crowd lingered, still entranced by the beauty they had witnessed. Slowly, the lights dimmed, and the noise began to subside. Stray cats wandered leisurely under the lampposts, while the faint scent of roses wafted through the cool night air.

Unlawfully taken from Royal Road, this story should be reported if seen on Amazon.

Then my eyes were drawn to the center of the square. A heart-shaped arrangement of roses surrounded a man kneeling on one knee, holding a small jewelry box aloft. The glimmer of a diamond ring within was unmistakable. His expression was one of earnest devotion, as though the world itself had paused for this moment. The onlookers formed a circle around them, chanting enthusiastically,"Say yes! Say yes!"

I couldn't help but scoff inwardly."I'd never propose like that—putting on a show for a crowd of strangers like some lovesick fool."

As I brooded, Celeste suddenly pulled me closer, her eyes sparkling with excitement."It's Sophie Summers! Lucas Steele is proposing to Sophie Summers!" Her voice brimmed with astonishment.

My casual disinterest evaporated in an instant. My chest tightened, and my pulse quickened as I followed her gaze. Sure enough, there was Lucas Steele, kneeling with the ring, his expression unyielding. Sophie stood before him, visibly flustered, her face a complex mixture of emotions—hesitation, confusion, and something unspoken.

"Lucas, what are you doing?" Sophie's voice quivered slightly, clearly caught off guard by the unfolding scene.

"Sophie, I've loved you for five years. From the moment I first laid eyes on you, I was captivated," Lucas Steele declared, his voice unwavering and heartfelt."All I ask is for you to say yes. Marry me, won't you?"

The crowd erupted, chanting in unison,"Say yes! Say yes!"

Celeste Harrington, however, remained silent. Curious, I leaned closer and asked,"Why aren't you joining in?"

She pursed her lips and replied,"I don't like him. Let's go."

Although I wanted to know the result, I couldn't get involved in Sophie's personal life anymore, so I put my arm around Celeste Harrington's waist and prepared to leave. Her body was warm and soft, which comforted me a little.

As we turned to leave, I glanced back once more. Sophie's face was etched with a mix of emotions, her expression a kaleidoscope of hesitation and inner conflict. Her hand trembled slightly, poised as though caught between surrender and retreat. For a moment, her gaze met mine, fleeting yet heavy with unspoken words.

Lucas Steele's eyes brimmed with anticipation and nervous resolve, his hand still raised high, clutching the ring as if it were the axis on which his world turned, awaiting the final judgment of fate. Sophie began to extend her hand, a gesture fragile and uncertain.

I turned away, unwilling to witness the outcome. Let it end here, I thought. My foolish, reckless youth—let it fade into oblivion.

We strolled along the riverside, the gentle current of the river mirroring the turbulence in my chest. Moonlight danced upon the water's surface, creating a shimmering mosaic that felt both calming and disquieting. I held Celeste close, her presence grounding me, yet the ache in my heart refused to subside.

"What's wrong with you? Why aren't you talking?" Celeste Harrington's voice broke the silence of the night. There was a hint of dissatisfaction in her tone, but more of concern.

"I'm just watching the reflection of the lights on the river," I said, pausing to point at the water."They could appear so perfect, yet the ripples distort them into a blurred image. It's beautiful, in a way."

"Really?" Celeste tilted her head, as if trying to catch the meaning behind my words."I don't see the appeal. Ryan, let's go get some barbecue. I haven't had it in ages! Those two old fussbudgets never let me have any."

"Seriously?" I raised an eyebrow in surprise."By‘old fussbudgets,' you mean your parents?"

"Of course," she said, rolling her eyes."They're always going on about how unhealthy barbecue is. I've barely even had hotpot because of them. I've been dying to visit Eldoria just to try some authentic Shabu."

"Can you handle spicy food?" I asked, picturing her delicate demeanor and wondering if she could endure the fiery heat.

"A little," she admitted, her eyes sparkling as though she could already taste the rich, spicy broth."It burns, but it's so worth it."

"Alright then, once we're back in Eldoria, I'll take you," I said with a small smile, though a weight lingered in my heart. I couldn't shake the uncertainty—would we ever truly return to Eldoria?