Love's Redemption



Snow, perhaps, was the most romantic thing in the world.

This long-overdue first snowfall drew everyone in Seavora out of their homes. Even the streets were bustling with more pedestrians than usual. Lena gazed out the car window at the swirling snowflakes, unable to tear her eyes away for even a second.

It was breathtaking.

Beyond the beauty of the snow itself, the sight of it falling evoked a sense of serenity, as if time had slowed, as if all the world's troubles were swept away by the cascading snowflakes, leaving only purity and beauty behind.

"Uncle, I want to go for a walk," Lena said, feeling that simply admiring the snow from inside the car wasn't enough. There was a pang of regret at the thought of wasting such a picturesque moment.

“Alright, I'll park up ahead,” Aaron replied. He had always been indulgent with her.

Finding a parking space, Aaron stopped the car. Lena wasted no time, hopping out and running to the middle of the road, spinning in circles with her head tilted back to catch the falling snow.

In that moment, she looked like a little girl who had never grown up, just like when she was younger. Aaron's lips curled into a small smile as he stepped out of the car to join her.

The snow was heavy, and in just a short while, a thin layer had blanketed the road. Stepping on it produced a crisp crunching sound, pleasing to the

ears.noveldrama

But not as pleasing as the sound of Lena calling his name.

"Uncle!" Lena called, and with that, she scooped up a handful of snow, packed it into a ball, and playfully threw it at him. Aaron dodged just enough to let the snowball hit him lightly, a smile tugging at his lips as Lena's laughter rang out.

Her laugh was like the tinkling of silver bells, so infectious it seemed even the snowflakes danced along with her joy. Aaron laughed too. In that moment, her playful antics and his indulgent smile seemed like the embodiment of happiness. "Hey, Aaron!" A sudden voice broke through the snowy scene.

Both Aaron and Lena turned toward the sound. A black SUV rolled up, its window lowered to reveal James's handsome face.

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Perhaps it was the rise in living standards, but it seemed like everyone these days, man or woman, was exceptionally good-looking. "Oh, bringing your girlfriend out for a romantic date?" James teased, either intentionally or because he didn't recognize Lena. Lena was bundled up against the cold, her hat pulled low, a scarf wrapped snugly around her neck, leaving only a small portion of her face visible. Aaron didn't deny it, his gaze merely shifting briefly to the girl in James's passenger seat. Want to get out and join us?"

"No thanks. My girl's afraid of the cold," James replied, waving at Lena.

He hadn't recognized her, but Lena recognized him and returned his wave.

"She's adorable," James commented with admiration.

The girl beside him immediately pouted, her jealousy apparent. "More adorable than me?"

“Just as adorable," James said with a playful tap on her cheek. Then, with a grin, he turned back to Aaron. "So, when are you making it official?"

"I'm not in a rush. Why are you?" Aaron replied, brushing the snow off his shoulders and hair. The contrast of the white snow against his dark, austere appearance softened his otherwise stern demeanor.

James smirked. "I'm just worried that if you wait too long, you'll be past your prime."

Aaron glanced at the girl in James's car, who looked no older than eighteen or neen, probably a university student. Ignoring James's crude joke, he simply said, "If you're not staying to play, then move along. Don't block traffic."

"Traffic?" James scoffed. "There's barely anyone here except snow enthusiasts. The road's been temporarily closed. If it weren't for my special pass, I wouldn't even be able to drive here."

"Did you arrange all this just to make your little sister happy?" James asked, grinning knowingly. He was one of the few people who truly understood Aaron.

"Since you already know, why are you driving through here?" Aaron's gaze shifted to the tracks James's car left in the pristine snow, a hint of displeasure in his tone.

"Heh," James chuckled. "Never thought that when our stoic Aaron decided to do romance, the rest of us wouldn't even come close."