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    Though Charlie remained silent in response to Stefanie’s words, his childhood recollections began to surface in his mind, subtly drawing him closer to her.


    An imaginary scenario unfolded in his thoughts: what if his parents were still alive, and he had never moved to Aurous Hill? Would he be married to Stefanie now?


    Perhaps the person tending the koi pond today was not the same individual who walked alongside Stefanie. Maybe, just maybe, it was his parents and Stefanie’s parents instead.


    He could envision a couple of lively children ying around him and Stefanie, eagerly asking their parents for stories and memories about the koi.<h3 style="background-color:DodgerBlue">


    Interestingly, Charlie’s thoughts weren’t mere flights of fancy.


    He understood his father’s nature. Bruce, the second master of the Wade family, was a man of his word. If he were still alive and had voiced any objections to Charlie marrying Stefanie, he would likely have faced dire consequences.


    Moreover, many of Eastcliff’s affluent young heirs married early due to pre-arranged partnerships, often celebrating their weddings as soon as they reached the legal age.


    In such a scenario, Charlie could have tied the knot with Stefanie at 22.


    Fast forward to the present, he might have been happily married to her for four years now. If things had gone smoothly, they could have even weed two children by now.


    Noticing Charlie’s distant gaze, Stefanie gently asked, “Charlie, what’s on your mind?”


    With a bittersweet smile, Charlie replied, “I was thinking about my parents.”


    Stefanie sighed softly in response, “I just remembered Uncle Wade and Aunt Wade as well. I was reflecting on how, if they hadn’t faced their troubles back then, we might have already been married and had kids by now. If they were here today, it could have been a gathering of three generations.”


    Charlie was taken aback, surprised that Stefanie shared his thoughts.


    He couldn’t help but feel a wave of sorrow. Stefanie had epted her engagement since childhood, and for her, the goal of finding and marrying him had been a lifelong aspiration. If she were to be lost to him in the future, how would he face Orrin and Angie? How would he reconcile with the promises made to their parents?


    Unaware of Charlie’s inner turmoil, Stefanie gently took his hand and said, “I’m sorry, Charlie. I shouldn’t have brought up Uncle Wade and Aunt Wade, as it might have made you sad…”


    Charlie shook his head, offering a smile as he said, “It’s alright. After all these years, it’s not so much sadness anymore; it’s more about regret…”


    Stefanie held onto Charlie’s hand tightly, pulling him up with a smile, “Come on, Charlie! Let’s go out and have some fun!”


    Charlie nodded, shaking off his gloomy thoughts, and together they wandered through the courtyard before heading to Heathbrook.


    As they walked, Stefanie refused to let go of his hand, and Charlie didn’t mind, noting her enthusiasm.


    Despite the chilly weather, for the true Eastcliff residents, this was the perfect season to enjoy skating at Heathbrook.


    Consequently, the area was bustling with activity, filled with men, women, and children delighting in the icy festivities.


    Hand in hand, Charlie and Stefanie made their way to the ice, renting a two-seater ice car from an elderly man on the shore, and soon they were gliding across the ice together.


    At that moment, a familiar figure in the crowd gazed at Charlie in astonishment.


    The one who was astonished was Loreen.


    Loreen, also a native of Eastcliff, was preparing to leave for Aurous Hill the next day. Eager to relive her skating experiences at Heathbrook, she hade with a younger cousin to enjoy a day of fun.<fnd70c> For original chapters go to find?novel</fnd70c><h3 ss="has-text-align-center" id="chapter-list"><strong></strong>


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