Fireworks burst over the lake at the heart of the city, dazzling the night with a thousand sparks as Citrine and Sebastian arrived. Just as they reached the water's edge, the biggest firework of the night soared skyward and exploded with a thunderous boom, painting the whole lake in shimmering gold.

The reflection on the water was breathtaking.

Citrine tilted her head back, eyes wide with wonder, her gaze soaking in every golden flare as the sky came alive. Her eyes seemed to catch the very light of the fireworks themselves.

The show lasted a full ten minutes—a precious window in which some people made wishes, some stole kisses, and others simply cheered with delight.

"It's beautiful," Citrine breathed, unable to hide her awe.

She'd seen fireworks plenty of times before, but none quite like these.

Seeing her radiant smile, Sebastian couldn't help but smile too. "It really is."

A young couple standing nearby overheard their exchange. The girl turned to them with a grin. "You guys got lucky tonight!"

Citrine and Sebastian glanced at each other, a little puzzled.

The girl explained, "This show happens every year, but never at the same time. Most of us have been waiting ages to catch it—you just happened to walk right into it. Seriously, you're lucky!"

Citrine nodded in understanding. "I honestly had no idea. I guess we really are lucky."

The girl went on, her smile growing. "The CEO of the biggest fireworks company in the Federated States of Magnolia comes here every year just to put on this show. He does it in memory of his late wife."

Citrine's interest was piqued. She leaned in, encouraging the girl to tell more.

Proudly, the girl continued, "Thirty years ago, that CEO was just a broke exchange student at Crestwood

a girl

University. He fell in love with a

here-love at first sight. They became a couple, but her family was wealthy and didn't approve of him, to split them up, her family arranged a marriage for her with another rich guy. But her fiancé was a complete jerk-he cheated on her and treated her terribly. Within a year, she spiraled into depression. She hated her family for sacrificing her happiness for business, and she never got over losing the boy she truly loved. In the end, she took her own life after just a year of marriage." FindNovels

The girl's voice softened. “When the poor student now a rising entrepreneur-returned years later he found out she was gone. Heartbroken, he took care

care

everyone who'd hurt her. Now, every New Year's, he returns here to light fireworks for her." FindNovels

She finished with a flourish. "Pretty touching, right?"

Citrine nodded. "It is. Very much so."

Still, she couldn't help but think it was a tragedy that two people who loved each

other so deeply never got to be together.

The girl glanced from Citrine to

Sebastian, teasing, "You two really have amazing luck. There's a legend here in Crestwood if a couple watches this fireworks show together and makes an honest wish, their love will last forever."

belongs to FindNovels

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Citrine didn't blush—she just smiled warmly. "Well, here's hoping your words come true for us."

Then she turned to offer the couple a blessing of her own. "And may you and your boyfriend last forever, too."

Hearing that, the girl blushed and squeezed her boyfriend's hand, beaming. "Thank you!"

As the last fireworks faded, Citrine turned to Sebastian. "You know, I've never actually set off fireworks here. Want to grab some and light them by the lake?" Sebastian grinned, ruffling her hair with a look full of affection. "Absolutely."