Chapter 422

The narrow alley buzzed with tourists clutching vibrant lanterns, their faces glowing with delight.

For Dominic Blackwood, this was his first real experience of the Light Festival celebrations.

Thousands of lanterns dangled beneath the eaves, each symbolizing reunion and hope.

Noticing others carrying their own, Dominic purchased one for Evelyn—a stunning oval design wrapped in crimson roses that seemed to bloom when the candle inside flickered to life. Golden dragons coiled around its frame, their scales shimmering as if alive under the warm light. Evelyn adored it.

Watching her radiant smile as she twirled the lantern, Dominic chuckled. "I never realized how vibrant the Light Festival could be."

In previous years, he'd spent the occasion buried in work or sharing a drink with associates at the club. Never like this—carefree, immersed in tradition.

Evelyn gripped the lantern in one hand and his fingers in the other. "This festival has lasted over two millennia," she mused. "Our ancestors created these traditions to break life's monotony. If they knew how to celebrate, shouldn't we embrace it too?"

She looked breathtaking.

There was an effortless allure about her, especially when she laughed. Dominic's mind flashed to their first meeting—a quiet girl sitting beneath a tree while her classmates played. Her gentle profile had caught his eye, and when she'd smiled at a whispered joke, the warmth of it had stayed with him.

He'd been right about her. Evelyn had a tenderness that could soften even the hardest edges.

Now, with the girl he'd once admired beside him, he pulled her close, savoring the night.

He bought her an array of street snacks, though he monitored her intake—she was carrying their child, after all.

When they reached an arched bridge, Dominic led her onto a sightseeing boat. Crowds weren't his preference, so he rented the entire vessel, ensuring their privacy and safety.

His extravagance drew irritated glances, but the tourists quickly noted his designer attire and the seven-figure watch on his wrist. No one dared protest.

As the boat glided forward, Dominic wrapped Evelyn in his arms. She sat on a woven bamboo chair, admiring the riverside lights but frowning slightly. "You didn’t have to book the whole boat. It’s unfair to others."

He brushed a strand of hair from her face. "Too many people mean unpredictability. I won’t risk your safety—or our child’s."

Evelyn fell silent, touched by his protectiveness.

The boat moved smoothly, lanterns along the banks forming a dazzling river of light. Reds and golds streaked past like falling stars.

Across the water, fireworks erupted, their reflections dancing on the waves. The spectacle felt dreamlike, yet the warmth of Dominic’s hand in hers anchored her to reality.

She didn’t know what he was thinking, but his presence alone filled her with contentment.

The boatman, a chatty young man, engaged them after setting the autopilot. "You should visit Gentle Brook," he suggested. "Their lantern display made the evening news—spectacular!"

Dominic nodded, rubbing Evelyn’s hands between his to keep them warm. "We’ll go."

The boatman grinned. "Newlyweds? You two look perfect together."

Evelyn flushed, but Dominic answered smoothly, "Married for years. Our twins are almost five, and we’re expecting another."

The boatman’s eyes widened. "No way! Your wife looks so young!"

"Ten years together," Dominic added casually.

The boatman gaped. Ten years ago? He went after her when she was just a kid? His expression shifted from admiration to horrified disbelief.

Evelyn bit back a laugh, shaking her head. She’d never expected her usually stoic partner to have such a mischievous side.