Chapter 202

"Do you like it?" Walter's face peeked out from behind the slowly lowering bouquet of roses.

Christina's eyes lit up as she took the bouquet. "They smell amazing! I love them!"

"Glad to hear it. Your windowsill could use a little color. Let me find a vase," Walter offered.

Christina stepped aside to let him in.

Though a bit unsure, Walter walked in confidently, found a vase, and arranged the flowers on the windowsill.

The petals unfurled beautifully, blooming perfectly.

"Are you hungry? Let's grab some breakfast. This place has an awesome dark chocolate cake," Walter suggested.

"I checked it out before you came. It's really good," Christina agreed.

At the restaurant, they ordered two slices of dark chocolate cake and a cup of hot milk.

Walter glanced at her. "So, what's next for you?"

"Just taking it one step at a time. Staying here for now seems nice, don't you think?" Christina took a deep breath. "The streets smell like fresh bread, and even though it's cold, the snowy scenery is lovely."

"Really? I thought after everything that happened, you wouldn't want to stay abroad," Walter said with a faint smile.

"Times change." Christina looked up at him. "Would you stay abroad for me?"

Walter was taken aback, staring at her for a long moment before asking, "In what way?"

"What do you want to be?" Christina tilted her head, smiling as if coaxing him.

Walter swallowed, his face full of anticipation. "Boyfriend? Husband?"

Christina burst out laughing. "No matter what, you're my brother. Here, we can rely on each other."

Walter felt a bit disappointed but understood it was reasonable.

Christina had always seen him that way.

Just then, the cake arrived.

Christina took a bite, her expression changing instantly.

"Is your pastry chef Charlie here today?"

The waiter quickly explained, "Charlie is off today. Another pastry chef, Tina, made the cake."

"I thought so. The taste is off," Christina put down her fork and wiped her lips. "A change in chef, a change in taste. It ruins the mood."

The waiter's face changed, and he quickly apologized. "I'm very sorry for not informing you beforehand. How about this, when Charlie returns, we'll give you another dark chocolate cake on the house."

"Do I look like I need a free cake?" Christina frowned, tapping her fingers lightly on the table.

Her behavior was quite disrespectful.

Walter was also taken aback.

"Christina, you're not usually this particular. What's going on today?"

Christina suddenly realized and smiled apologetically. "Sorry, I might be in a bad mood because of a cold. My favorite cake didn't taste right, so I snapped."

Walter's suspicious look softened.

"It's okay. No matter what, I'm here with you. You don't need to be so tense. Let's try something else."

He turned to the waiter. "What else is the new pastry chef good at?"

"Her lava cake is pretty popular," the waiter suggested.

"Alright, let's go with that," Walter decided.

Christina sighed, "Thank goodness for your patience. Lately, my mood... never mind."

"If you're feeling down, how about we go for a walk?" Walter suggested.

Christina's eyes lit up. "Go out? Sure!"

Walter looked at her excited face, feeling something was off.

It wasn't that he disliked the current Christina, but she was very different from before.

She used to never fuss over small things or get excited over such matters. She always kept a distance, a deep divide between them.

The snowy scenery of Zephyra was indeed extraordinary.

Inside the grand art gallery, artists from various countries were creating ice sculptures. Their carving tools moved like magic in their hands.

Christina, however, seemed uninterested.

Walter bought her a hot drink. "I forgot you have a sore throat. Maybe it's not the best idea to be out in the cold. Let's head back soon."

"Sorry for ruining your fun," Christina seemed to realize something.

Walter smiled and shook his head. "It's nothing."

Back at the hotel, he skipped dinner and went straight to his room.

The night fell early, a thin layer of frost covered the window, and the outside lights blurred into a haze through the frosted glass.

For some reason, ever since meeting Christina again, he felt something was off. It was as if she had become someone he didn't recognize, yet he couldn't pinpoint what was wrong. Her face was the same, her actions were the same.

But his instincts told him something was amiss.

As he pondered, there was a sudden knock on the door.

He got up and asked, "Who's there?"

"It's me, Christina."

Walter opened the door.

Christina stood outside, holding a bottle of red wine.

"I can't sleep and I haven't eaten. Can we talk? Do you have time?"

"Of course," Walter stepped aside. "I'm here to keep you company. You can come to me anytime."

"Good." Christina smiled warmly, pulling out a chair and pouring them each a glass of wine.

"I love sitting by the window, watching the night and sipping wine. You should try it."

Walter quickly joined her, but his doubts only grew stronger.

"Christina, I still feel like this isn't real."

"What?" Christina looked up, puzzled.

"You're so gentle..." Walter hesitated. "You being like this makes me feel like I'm dreaming."

"Isn't this good?" Christina tilted her head, a sly smile on her face.

Walter shook his head.

"It's not that it's bad, it's just..."

"Just what?" Christina sipped her wine, a glint in her eyes.

Walter decided to speak up. "It just doesn't feel like you."

Christina laughed. "Maybe. After everything, I just want to enjoy the moment and see clearly who truly cares for me."