Absolon's gaze blurred for a moment, as if through her misty eyes, he saw the strong-willed girl she once was.

"Alright." Unconsciously, he smiled warmly.

Joselyn finally seemed satisfied, wrapping her arms around his neck, smiling, "That's more like it."

She was surrounded by a sweet, calming fragrance, an indescribable feeling upon inhaling it.

Absolon's body, however, became rigid, his face tense, seemingly unaccustomed to such close contact with her.

After all these years, he no longer had the courage to change the state of their relationship.

He remained silent for a long time, finally using a bit of strength to try to pry her hands away.

If this continued... he wouldn't want to die.

No, he never wanted to die, but his body was at its limit. Even though he was reluctant, what could he do?

"Absolon, don't move, Joselyn suddenly whispered, "Let me hold you. I haven't felt this way in ages, and it's not easy for you to visit my dream...

As she spoke, she began to cry.

Absolon was momentarily stunned.

She thought she was dreaming, but the way she was now clearly showed she still had feelings for him.

How was that possible? Hadn't she always refused to acknowledge him, unwilling to have any connection with him?

"You... do you see who I am? You don't like me, I... " he whispered softly, afraid of waking her.

Tears welled up in Joselyn's eyes as she looked at him through the blur, "“Absolon, you are Absolon. All these years, you've always... lived in my heart... "

The air was filled with her presence, a heady mix of floral and alcohol scents, and he too felt overwhelmed.Absolon's emotions were incredibly complex.

He was a simple man, and facing a lover he hadn't been close to for years, even he found it hard to control his feelings.

Yet, he only placed a gentle kiss on her forehead.

The next morning, Joselyn awoke with a severe headache.

The sunlight streaming through the floor-to-ceiling windows was almost blinding.

"Awake? How are you feeling?" Miranda sat beside her, handing over a cup of warm water.

Joselyn's throat was painfully dry. She drank the water in one go, then slowly sat up, leaning against the wall, and asked somewhat bewilderedly, "Until what time did we drink last night?"

Miranda shrugged, "Until around midnight. You said you wanted to go for a walk, and then...