Crystal's One Night of Love

Chapter 321 You Are Out Of My League Part 3 

He saw her again on the night before New Year’s Day.

After a grueling twelve-hour meeting, Alfred felt utterly drained as he made his way back to the hotel. He closed his eyes in the car to catch some rest.

There were two adorable purple rabbits on the seat beside him; it was an odd contrast to his persona.

Leslie turned and flashed a smile. “You’ll finally get to meet the girl tomorrow. It’s been quite some time, so she should have calmed down by now.”

Alfred absentmindedly touched the rabbit’s ears and replied, “She’s just a child. I’m not that eager to see her.”

Leslie burst into hearty laughter. Upstodatee from Novel(D)ra/m/a.O(r)g

Alfred laughed, too. He was in high spirits, so he rolled down the car window to take in the city’s dazzling lights. Letting out a sigh, he said. “Another year has flown by, which means I’m another year older.”

“You’re still in your prime!” Leslie assured.

And he wasn’t wrong.

Given Alfred’s age and status, he was relatively young.

Alfred playfully patted his pants and said, “Prime? What prime? Crystal is going to be a mother next year, and I’ll be a great-uncle.”

With no outsiders present in the car, their conversation flowed freely.

Leslie teased, “Given your capabilities, it shouldn’t be too challenging for you to have a child.”

Their exchange elicited laughter from the driver as well.

Alfred lit a cigarette and scolded Leslie in jest, “You brat! You’re getting more brazen by the day!”

Leslie responded with more mischievous banter.

The atmosphere in the car remained cheerful. They continued driving, and while waiting at a red light near Fortune Centre, the driver remarked with a smile, Mr. Lodge, it looks like they’re celebrating the New Year over there; it’s quite a vibrant scene.”

Alfred couldn’t help but glance in that direction.

Indeed, the atmosphere was lively.

The night sky came alive with a continuous burst of fireworks, casting the city in a vibrant tapestry of colors. The scene was truly captivating.

Many a group of youngsters had gathered at the open space to celebrate the approaching New Year.

There were many luxury cars around, unmistakably belonging to the privileged young heirs.

Amidst the crowd, Alfred spotted Melora.

She was adorned in a white jacket, her head topped with a knitted hat, and in her hand, she held sparkler.

Melora’s face was flushed with excitement, her beauty outshining even the brilliance of the fireworks.

Alfred watched her quietly.

It seems like she’s having the time of her life while I’m yearning for her. I thought she would be grieving for some time.

Leslie, sensing Alfred’s contemplation, feigned surprise. “Isn’t that Miss Melora over there? It’s not safe for a young lady to be out this late. Why don’t we give her a ride home?”

Alfred nodded in agreement.

He patted his woolen trousers, then opened the car door and stepped out.

Alfred stood not far from Melora, hoping she would raise her gaze and see him.

Suddenly, the square echoed with a tremendous roar.

“Propose!”

“Propose!”

“Propose! Propose! Propose!”

A young man holding roses went down on one knee amidst the dazzling fireworks.

He was proposing to Melora.

Alfred saw Melora covering her mouth in surprise.

Next, he observed the sincere expression on the young man’s face as he professed his love to Melora under the spectacular canopy of bursting lights.

However, he did not approach them despite having already exited the car.

Despite having planned the perfect opening, Alfred simply stood there, silently watching another man’s proposal to Melora.

After some time, he rubbed his forehead and let out a soft chuckle.

You are such an arrogant man, Alfred. Back in the day, she used to call you “Mr. Alfred” all the time, but you’ve forgotten that she has plenty of options. She’s from the Miller family, the wealthiest in the northern region. Moreover, she’s a beauty with countless suitors. She can choose anyone she wants.

The Miller family only had two children.

Her sister-in-law, Crystal, wasn’t difficult to deal with. Hence, as long as Melora wished, Henry could take care of her forever.

In that way, she could remain a little girl forever.

What can I offer her? A Stella Lou I queued and sweated to buy, and perhaps a love that I can’t bring myself to express? How very laughable.

Alfred had never felt such self-disdain before. Just then, Melora looked up and saw him in a light- colored woolen suit that accentuated his figure.

He looked exceptionally dazzling that night.

However, the young man who confessed earlier was still kneeling in front of her.

Instinctively, Melora uttered, “Mr. Alfred!”

Alfred continued to watch her silently.

He wasn’t sure how much time had passed, but he felt his eyes stinging. With a faint smile on his lips, he nodded at her and then got into the black sedan.

The four black Audis drove away slowly.

Alfred sat in the car with the two rabbits beside him.

Closing his eyes, he leaned back in his seat and instructed Leslie, “Book a private jet for tomorrow morning.”

Leslie fell silent.

Finally, he mustered the courage and said, “You should personally give her the items. You waited in line for so long to purchase them.”

Alfred gulped and raised his hand to shield his eyes. “Send someone to deliver it to Crystal’s place. Tell her it’s for Melora so that she can pass it on. Don’t mention that I bought it.”

After all, he was proud and didn’t want anyone to know he had developed feelings for a woman so many years younger than him, only to eventually let her go.

Alfred sat silently in the car, overwhelmed by a newfound self-consciousness. He had never experienced such a feeling before, but when he witnessed Melora being confessed to, he couldn’t help but feel utterly inadequate.

Comparing himself to the young man who had just poured out his heart, he felt like he had nothing to offer.

In fact, Alfred found himself unworthy of Melora.

Fireworks filled the sky, and the festivities continued all around. Yet, Alfred did not know that the woman. he cared deeply for stood alone, her eyes reddened.

As the New Year’s bell chimed, she whispered his name.

“Mr. Alfred…”