Ember had taken extra attention in dressing up today,
The year was coming to an end, and Forrest had invited her to watch a movle on New Year’s Eve.
She understood the significance of his Invitation and felt the same warmth for the kind and gentle man.
Whenever she was with Forrest, she felt relaxed and at ease. It was a sense of reliance she hadn’t experienced since her parents passed away.
The streets were aglow with neon lights by evening.
Everywhere was festively decorated, bustling with life Couples strolled by, hand in hand, adding to the lively atmosphere.
Ember chose a long crimson dress paired with a wool coat to match the occasion, striking the perfect balance between playful charm and elegance.
As gentle snowflakes began to fall from the sky, Ember instinctively reached out to catch them, only for a shadow to appear overhead.
It was Forrest. He adjusted her scarf and tilted the umbrella toward her side in a natural gesture.
“Sorry, did you wait long?”
His thoughtful action brought a soft pink hue to Ember’s cheeks. She smiled and shook her head. “Not at all.”
“Ember,” he said, his gaze sweeping over her with genuine admiration, “you look beautiful tonight.”
“Thank you.”
Forrest wore a brown trench coat, and his hair was nearly combed to one side, making him look tall and dashing,
Together, they turned heads, with passersby quietly marveling at the striking pair.
“The movie’s about to start,” Forrest said as he naturally took her hand. “Let’s go in.”
It was the first time they’d held hands.
Feeling shy, Ember bit her lower lip and nodded softly. “Alright.”
But just as they turned to leave, a voice suddenly boomed out like thunder in the quiet street.
“Ember Sloane!”
Startled, Ember froze mid–step. She turned toward the source of the voice and saw a man in black striding toward her.
He was handsome, with sharp features. However, his face was haggard, and his cheeks looked hollow from weight loss.
His eyes burned with urgency as he stared straight at her with unrestrained intensity. Although his gait
+25 BONUS
Chapter 17
was unsteady, he moved with impatient determination.
