With someone like Bryce as Lila’s first love, Dorian’s qualities fell short in comparison. Kieran could only explain it as human emotions being unpredictable.

…

At this point, Bryce handed Lila a gift box. She took it happily and said, “It’s heavy. What is it?”

“You’ll find out when you open it.” Bryce chuckled softly.

Lila nodded. She opened the box carefully and saw that it was filled with pearls. The pearls were all round and translucent-they were excellent freshwater pearls.

Her eyes lit up. “They’re so pretty. The gifts I prepared for you guys are lacking in comparison to this.”

She gave Bryce a watch and Jasmine a scarf. When the two received the gifts, it was obvious that they were happy and satisfied with the gifts, especially Jasmine. She was elated.

Lila raised her head and noticed that Kieran was looking at the watch. It was only then that she realized that because she had been immersed in the joy that Jasmine and Bryce were back that day, she rarely talked to Kieran.

At this time, Carol happened to come over with a bowl of fruits. Lila grabbed the biggest and roundest orange. When she was about to grab a fruit knife, Kieran grabbed it and reached out to her. It was clear that he wanted the orange in her hand.

“Let me do it.” Kieran smiled.

But Lila wanted to cut the orange for him.

This time, Kieran didn’t insist on taking the orange. He handed Lila the knife and reminded her to be careful.

Lila nodded, but in her mind, she complained, “Why is he still treating me like a child? It’s just an orange. Why did he need to tell me to be careful?”

She cut the orange into four pieces. Since she thought that the pieces were quite big, she cut them into eight pieces cautiously.

Kieran stared at her pale fingers, which contrasted beautifully with the vibrant, bright orange. Sweet juice trickled down, making her fingertips glint from the moisture.

His thoughts suddenly trailed off. When he returned to his senses, Lila had already handed him a piece of orange. “Uncle Kieran?”

Kieran snapped back to reality and asked, “Is it for me?”

Lila nodded. She leaned closer to him and lowered her voice so that only he could hear her.

“Your New Year’s gift is in the room. I…”

Before Lila finished speaking, Kieran grabbed the orange with one hand and held her wrist with the other.

“Let’s go upstairs.”

Then, he pulled her upstairs. She couldn’t keep up with his train of thought at all.

Nicole, who was behind them, asked, “Why did they leave all of a sudden?”

It was only then that Lila realized what was happening. “Uncle Kieran, what’s wrong?”

Kieran responded, “I want to grab something from the room.”

His voice wasn’t too loud or soft, but it was loud enough for everyone in the living hall to hear him. Since they were close, no one looked into it too much Anyway, their relationship was good, and everyone was happy about it.

Lila didn’t overthink it either. She followed Kieran up the stairs. However, when they entered the room, Kieran, who was at the front, suddenly turned around and pinned her on the door.

He raised his hand and placed the orange between them. Then, he put it in her hand before taking a bite. The citrus taste spread throughout his mouth. As his gaze was lowered, when he swallowed the orange, she could clearly see his Adam’s apple move.

Lila widened her eyes immediately. She felt as though she was struck by a godlike

charm. Subconsciously, she grabbed the hem of Kieran’s shirt.

“Uncle Kieran, what did you want to take?” Lila tried to change the topic to shift her chaotic thoughts.

With his gaze lowered, Kieran smiled and said gently, “I’m here to take the gift you prepared for me.”