Chapter 77

After taking photos, Asher and Thalia began building a snowman in the courtyard.

Thalia created an adorable large snowman about half her height.

She adorned it with a scarlet scarf and a little crimson hat, then used her peach oolong tea–colored lipstick to give the snowman rosy cheeks.

Asher leaned close to her ear, his breath warm against her skin. “Those rosy cheeks are utterly enchanting, just like yours when you’re… flustered.”

Thalia laughed, a delicate blush rising to her own cheeks at his suggestive tone. “Of course they are–this is my very own daughter, after all.”

After completing the snowman, Thalia brushed the snow off her gloves and looked at their creation with the pride of a new parent. “We simply must give her a proper name, don’t you think?”

“Capital idea,” Asher’s lips curved upward, his eyes never leaving Thalia’s face. “How about Sugar? It sounds rather like your name, Lia. Sweet… irresistible… tempting…”

Thalia’s eyes brightened, ignoring–or perhaps enjoying–his playful innuendo. “That’s absolutely perfect. Sugar it is.”

“Let’s take a family portrait, shall we?” Asher suggested, his smile warm and tender as his hand found the small of her back, drawing her just a fraction closer than strictly necessary.

“I’d love that,” she replied, taking the camera. “I’ll find someone to help us.”

Thalia approached the young couple who had been building snowmen earlier. “Excuse me, would mind awfully taking a photo for us?”

you

“Of course,” the young woman took the camera. “Though I’m not terribly familiar with how to use this

contraption.”

Thalia leaned in to show her. “The settings are already adjusted. You need only press here.”

“Right, I see.”

“Thank you ever so much.”

Chapter 77

“It’s no trouble at all.” The young woman whispered to Thalia, “You and your boyfriend make such a gorgeous couple. Are you Instagram influencers or something of the sort?”

Thalia shook her head, her eyes crinkling with amusement. “Goodness, no. And thank you–you’re quite

lovely yourself.”

After taking photos, Thalia and Asher visited a famous spot nearby.

It was a traditional inn with a distinctly historical ambiance. From the carved wooden windows on the third floor, one could see the snow–capped mountains in the distance, embodying the poetic sentiment of “the window frames a thousand years of snow on the western mountains.”

tourists visiting Annecy made a

visit. She had previously

failed to disappoint when it came to dampening enthusiasm.

that? I’ll take you to Switzerland someday–the

became busy, she no longer had time to go,

years later,

she was here with Asher.

past, causing

“Chilly, my

Thalia’s down jacket

“Keep your hood up to block the wind. I can think

and the hood won’t look particularly fetching

take it off for the photos. The wind is rather brutal now–be a good girl

right,” Thalia looked at Asher, her eyes playful. “Are

eyes darkening slightly. “A kiss would warm me rather thoroughly.”

Chapter 77

you’re not cold

not, I still want a kiss. Call it… payment for services rendered

help but smile at him. This man who normally appeared so cool and

seeking affection when they were

it was clear he wouldn’t budge until she kissed

and stood on her tiptoes

height approaching six feet three inches, he stood more than a

young

to Thalia’s, offering himself for her kiss. “Your wish is my

never bowed to anyone

he gladly and

Asher’s

too self–conscious for a deep kiss, so she merely gave him a fleeting peck before attempting

deepening the kiss, his lips urgent against hers, reminding her vividly of the night before.

happening, Thalia struggled free from his

crimson.

coughed tactically twice to hide her embarrassment. “Ahem,

when we get back,” she whispered,

soft with affection, his lips curved in a satisfied smile. “I shall hold you to

her

Chapter 77

her expression froze, the smile vanishing from her

and snow began to fall from the sky

gazing at her from afar through the swirling

also noticed Drake.

replaced by an icy coldness that cut to the bone.

took Thalia’s hand and

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