Chapter 42: A New Resolve

Chapter 42: A New Resolve

Wait a minute—why did he take the bakery keys? Lydia Moore suddenly froze, realizing that she had been so caught up in resisting Aaron King's domineering ways that she hadn't thought about why he took the keys in the first place.

Could he be planning to celebrate his birthday at the bakery? The thought made Lydia pause, her hand slowly reaching for the handle of the violin case beside her. That girl said he never celebrates his birthday—was she overthinking it? Even if he was at the bakery, could it be that he just wanted to spend his birthday quietly, alone, without anyone bothering him?

But no matter what, the clearest thought in her mind was that, whether her presence was wanted or not, she couldn't let him spend his birthday alone.

Glancing at the moonlight outside the window, Lydia Moore grabbed her violin and hurried toward the door. But as she reached the doorway, she collided solidly with what felt like a wall. The impact made her stagger back a few steps, but a pair of warm, strong hands quickly steadied her. She caught a whiff of the fresh, clean scent that was so familiar, like sunlight. Lydia immediately recognized who it was and quickly apologized, "I'm sorry, Julian. I didn't mean to." It seemed like every time she ran into him, something went wrong, leaving her both flustered and apologetic.

Julian Reed sighed softly as he looked down at the Sakura Academy emblem on his chest, where Lydia had collided with him. "Are you alright?" he asked, concern lacing his voice as he noticed a faint red mark in the shape of the emblem on her forehead. His slender arm dropped from her shoulder, and he elegantly slipped one hand into his pocket. "Rehearsal is about to start. Are you leaving?"

"Sorry, Julian, but I have something really important I need to do, so I won't be able to attend the first rehearsal. I'm sorry," Lydia said, lowering her head, unable to meet Julian's gaze. She knew that joining the music club was a dream for many Sakura students, and missing the very first rehearsal was inexcusable.

But more than that, she didn't want Aaron King to spend his birthday alone. A birthday only comes once a year, and for everyone, it holds special significance. It should be more important than anything else, right?

The bright lights illuminated Julian Reed's tousled black hair, and his fair, handsome face still wore a gentle smile. "I'm sure you have your reasons, so there's no need to apologize to me. Just be careful on your way, and… try not to be so reckless next time." His voice was warm and comforting, even the teasing tone in the latter part made her feel at ease.

"Thank you, Julian." Lydia gave a playful bow, her bright smile lingering as she disappeared from sight. Her smile left an inexplicable sense of joy in Julian's heart as he watched her retreating figure, the soft smile on his lips reflecting the happiness in his eyes.

The city's night was filled with romance and magic. In the distance, the highway twisted and turned, the headlights of cars painting trails of light as they moved along. The vibrant neon lights and luxurious, grand buildings on the streets proclaimed the city's bustling energy and vitality. Lydia Moore sat in the back of a bus, lost in thought as she gazed out at the mesmerizing nightscape that passed by. Despite the bustling, vibrant world outside, she found herself unable to muster any interest. After all, she wasn't familiar with this city and had no idea where to buy a birthday gift for Aaron King.

"He probably… would want a birthday gift, right?" Lydia sighed softly, her gaze drifting out the window. Her hand accidentally brushed against a round object in the corner of her bag, and she pulled it out—a small snowman with transparent wings and a light green scarf.

Looking at the snowman's big, cheerful smile, Lydia couldn't help but smile herself. This "Snow Elf" phone charm had taken her a whole month to complete during her senior year of high school. Every part of the snowman had required her to put in a lot of effort and care, even down to the scarf around its neck, which she had sewn by hand.

Her mother had told her that the day she was born, there had been a heavy snowfall in the north, and from a young age, Lydia had loved snowmen. Snow elves, she believed, could bring hope and happiness to people. So, she had made this "Snow Elf" with her own hands, hoping it would bring good things to others. Perhaps because of the wishes and hopes she had invested in it, Lydia cherished it dearly and carried it with her every day, though she never actually used it. As she gently caressed its cute, white face, a warm feeling filled her heart.

Suddenly, her fingers paused over the snowman's dimpled smile, and a bright light flashed in her eyes.

At nine o'clock in the evening, the streets were bustling with activity under the night sky. Almost every shop had colorful, miniature lights strung around their entrances, the twinkling lights infusing the entire street with energy and excitement. Outside "Sprite Bakery," the air was fragrant with the scent of chrysanthemums, and the soft yellow glow of the lights inside could barely be seen. However, the "Closed" sign hanging on the glass door made many passersby peer in curiously before walking away in disappointment after seeing the sign.

Today was his nineteenth birthday, the first birthday he had celebrated since he was eight. Aaron King looked down at the cake he had just made, a barely-there smile on his face. But what did it matter if he made a cake with his own hands? He was still alone. No one cared about him, and he didn't need anyone to care.

A self-mocking smile flickered across Aaron's lips as he quickly buried the brief moment of sadness, reverting to his usual cold and arrogant demeanor. He picked up the cake and walked out of the kitchen, only to find Lydia Moore standing there, panting and glaring at him. How did she know he was here? Did she come for him? Aaron's grip on the cake tightened, and he stared at her, an unfamiliar feeling swirling in his chest.

It took Lydia a while to catch her breath before she finally recovered. She immediately launched into a mock scolding, "You're so annoying! You didn't even tell me it was your birthday, and then you come here to act all mysterious, just to keep me from stealing your cake, right?" She pouted at him, but her eyes and lips couldn't hide the mischievous smile that threatened to break through.

If anyone was being annoying, it was probably this fool who came uninvited to interrupt someone else's birthday! Aaron suppressed the mild surprise and joy in his heart, and deliberately put on a nonchalant expression as he retorted coldly, "Why would I tell an ugly idiot like you!"