I searched all over Coral Vi and finally found Nichs standing in the snow-covered backyard. A thinyer of snow had settled on his ck coat, indicating that he had been standing there for some time.


    In fact, he should be busiest at this time of the year, since it was now right before the New Year. Yet, he had the time to gaze at the snow now.


    He seemed to be staring at something, yet also at nowhere in particr. The look in his eyes was distant, even more ethereal than the drifting snow itself.


    "Nichs," I called out softly.


    I had the feeling that if I didn''t call him, he would freeze over and merge with the winterndscape. I wanted to talk to him about my ns to go abroad, though I had already braced myself for his likely opposition. He turned his head, his expression cold and stoic. Indifference was palpable on his chiseled features, but his expression eventually softened as he fixed his gaze on me.


    "Come here," he said calmly.


    His coat was spread wide open like a beast''s jaws, enveloping me as soon as I sidled up to him. Only my head wasn''t wrapped in his coat, so he closed his eyes and rested his head against mine. Snowkesnded on his longshes, making them tremble under the weight. He nudged me with his nose as if urging me on.


    I stared at him. Gazing at the inviting look on his face, I suddenly remembered something I''d once written In a journal.


    I used to be obsessed with soap operas, and during my most infatuated phase, I wrote, "I want to tackle him into the snow, roll around, and kiss him."


    It felt like I''d been struck by lightning-was this a coincidence? Wanting to please him, I stood on tiptoes and pecked his lip. But I lost my bnce the moment I touched him.


    As Nichs toppled backward, his billowing coat sent snowkes flying everywhere, covering both of us from head to toe.


    Our disheveled appearance took away some of the romance and added a touch of humor, even making him press his lips together in a faint smile as he reached out to smooth my messy hair. "It''s cold! Get up!"


    I struggled to get up, but he didn''t let me.


    "I won''t let you get cold," he rasped into my ear.


    Holding me tightly, he made sure that my body didn''te in contact with the ground and shielded me from the wind. We didn''t roll around in the snow next, but we didRiss....


    Our moment of intimacy was cut short by a sneeze.


    Nichs picked me up and carried me into the bathroom. "Take a warm bath, and when youe out, IContentt bel0ngs to N0ve/lDra/ma.O(r)g!


    have a gift for you."


    His gentle voice clearly indicated that he was in a good mood, but I still hadn''t found the right moment to tell him about my ns.


    "Achoo!" I sneezed again.


    "Go take a bath. I''ll fix you some ginger tea."


    I nodded. "No rush. You should wash up in the guest bathroom too. It''s almost New Year, so don''t catch a cold."


    Nichs shook his head, looking calm. "I''m fine." Then, he turned and left the room.


    A hot bath was just what I needed after catching a cold. When I came out of the bathroom, I was greeted by a steaming cup of ginger tea by the door.


    It was arge cup of ginger tea. I didn''t feel like drinking that much, so I carried it with me to the study to find Nichs.


    Propping his head against his hand on the couch, he dozed off with a frown on his face. A warm smile crossed his face when he saw me. "Come here. I have a surprise for you."


    I handed him the ginger tea and gestured for him to drink it, note expecting much from the so-called surprise". It was almost New Year, so I thought it was just another holiday gift. en


    Pulling me into hisp, Nichs took a sip of the ginger tea and transferred it to my mouth with a kiss.


    "I''ve been meaning to give you shares in Jones Corporation, but ve been too busy with everything going on with my dad. What do you think? Do you like it?"