Chapter 341

The campus quad held a T-shaped stage at its center, likely set up for some school event earlier that day.

Midnight approached, leaving the snowy field deserted except for two figures.

A pristine white blanket covered everything in sight.

Dominic and Evelyn walked hand in hand toward the stage, their footprints marking the untouched snow behind them.

He lifted Evelyn onto the wooden platform before climbing up himself.

From his coat pocket, Dominic produced the sparklers they'd bought at a corner store earlier. Crouching down, he flicked his lighter to life.

Evelyn stood beside him, watching the tiny flame race along the fuse. Suddenly, the fireworks shot upward with a hiss.

Boom! A thousand golden tendrils exploded across the night sky.

Darkness transformed into a dazzling display of color.

Evelyn instinctively closed her eyes. Dominic grasped her hand and pulled her back a step.

The brilliant lights painted their faces in shifting hues, making them part of the spectacle.

Pure joy flooded Evelyn's heart.

Who would have thought cheap store-bought fireworks could create such magic?

"Thank you," she whispered. "I'll treasure this memory forever. This moment belongs only to us..."

Her nose pink from cold, Evelyn rose on tiptoes to wrap her arms around Dominic's neck.

She nuzzled against him like an affectionate kitten seeking warmth.

Though winter's chill surrounded them, Dominic's presence kept her warm.

"Your happiness is all that matters. I'd steal stars from heaven for you." His lips met hers in a tender kiss.

Snowflakes caught in Dominic's dark hair as he smiled, his eyes shining brighter than any firework.

The falling snow seemed to dance around him, settling on his lashes and lips.

In that moment, he looked like some ethereal winter spirit. Evelyn's pulse raced, her love for him overwhelming.

Just as their gazes locked, an angry shout shattered the moment.

A security guard in a heavy coat stormed across the field, flashlight beam cutting through the darkness.

"You students! What are you doing out so late? Fireworks are prohibited on campus! Which department are you from?" His voice carried across the quiet field.

"Oh no, we've been caught!" Evelyn panicked.

"Take my hand." Dominic's fingers tightened around hers. "Run!"

They dashed across the snow-covered quad, their laughter mixing with the fading sparks.

Soon they reached the road beyond campus gates, breathless from running.

When they'd put several blocks between themselves and the school, they ducked behind a towering pine tree.

"Don't worry," Dominic reassured her between breaths. "We'll say we were just taking a midnight jog. He can't prove otherwise."

"That was terrifying... and wonderful!" Evelyn's chest ached, but she wouldn't have traded the experience for anything.

Dominic's warm hand enveloped hers, a silent promise that he'd never let go.

Evelyn glanced back. The last sparks still drifted downward like falling stars against the night sky.

The frustrated guard eventually gave up his search, muttering as he returned to his post.

"Coast is clear." They emerged from their hiding spot.

Hand in hand, they watched the final embers fade to darkness before continuing their walk.

Near a brick wall, a slender figure stood motionless, nearly buried in snow.

At first Evelyn thought it was just someone leaning there.

As they approached, she realized it was actually two people locked in a tight embrace.

Young lovers, probably students. They seemed to be arguing - the girl wept quietly while weakly pounding the boy's chest with her fists.

The boy murmured soothing words, accepting her blows without complaint.

Young love looked so painfully pure. Even their fights seemed sweet.

Evelyn and Dominic exchanged knowing smiles, fingers intertwining more tightly.

They'd moved beyond that stage. After weathering life's storms together, they understood true love required trust. Only through that could they continue building their happily ever after.

"Evelyn," Dominic murmured, "being with you makes me feel young again."

He rested his forehead against hers, sharing warmth in the cold night.

"Nonsense. You'll always be my Prince Charming, father of my children." She giggled and gave his hand a playful squeeze. "My feet are getting tired..."

Without a word, Dominic crouched down, offering his back.

Evelyn climbed on, resting her chin on his shoulder as he walked. Snowflakes swirled around them.

The night stretched silent and dark, illuminated only by the soft glow of snow and occasional streetlamps.

The gently falling snow transformed the world into some dreamlike painting.

They could see each other clearly, but everything beyond remained blurred. Evelyn found she didn't mind - it made their little world feel more intimate.

"If only we could stay like this forever, Dominic..." A wistful sigh escaped as she leaned against his strong back.

She wondered if she should tell him about what Genevieve had said...