Grace Winslow had somewhat overestimated her own prowess.

In reality, she only knew how to start the fire; once it was lit, she was at a bit of a loss.

She and Caleb Forrest had been married for three months, but because of Old Mrs. Warren, they had never actually managed to consummate their marriage.

Every time it was about to happen, Old Mrs. Warren would start causing a scene, and Grace Winslow would have no choice but to go take care of her.

In her past life, she and Caleb Forrest had only finally managed to be together after Ivy White appeared.

She became pregnant after that one time, but unfortunately, she lost the baby because of Ivy White. Afterward, she became infertile.

And after that miscarriage, Caleb Forrest’s attitude toward her grew increasingly dismissive as he constantly fawned over Ivy White.

She was a fool back then and didn’t see it. Right up until her death, she never knew that the woman her husband had always loved was someone else.

Looking at the passion-dazed Archer Rhys, she blinked innocently, cleared her throat, and asked, "Um, you... you don’t have any experience?"

Archer Rhys was speechless.

He’d been single for thirty years and had never even held a girl’s hand. What experience could he possibly have?

But it didn’t matter. Practice makes perfect.

It was a very long night.

As Archer Rhys held Grace Winslow, he looked at her in surprise and disbelief.

"You were married to Caleb Forrest for three months. Does that mean..."

Grace Winslow looked at him innocently and blinked.

The timing of her rebirth had been unique. She had only just married Caleb Forrest. Because Old Mrs. Warren was so difficult and was always trying to put the new daughter-in-law in her place, Grace had spent every day utterly exhausted from waiting on her. Where would she have found the energy for anything else?

Before she and Caleb Forrest could become intimate, he had already brought Ivy White home.

In her past life, she had tried so hard to please Caleb Forrest and everyone else. After Ivy White arrived, she conceived a child with Caleb, but Ivy tragically caused her to miscarry, leaving her permanently infertile.

In this life, the moment Ivy White set foot in the house, she had unhesitatingly kicked Caleb Forrest to the curb.

It was just that she didn’t particularly care about such things, so naturally, she wouldn’t go around telling everyone. 𝘧𝓇ℯ𝑒𝓌𝑒𝑏𝓃𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘭.𝒸ℴ𝓂

Archer Rhys saw the look on Grace Winslow’s face and instantly understood everything.

He didn’t care whether it was Grace’s first time or not; after all, he loved her for the person she was, not for her virginity. But if he had known it was her first time, he never would have allowed himself to take her before they were married.

"I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have indulged myself. Don’t worry, I’ll start preparing for the wedding right away. Whenever you’re ready, I’ll go with you to get the marriage license. I won’t let you down." He gently pulled Grace Winslow into his arms and bent down to kiss her forehead.

Grace didn’t understand his intensity. "It doesn’t matter. I don’t really care about a marriage certificate anyway. If you ever wrong me, I can divorce you at any time. I’m not the type to suffer in silence for the sake of a relationship."

"Fine, fine. I know you don’t care, but I do. I want the entire world to know that you’re my woman. I’m sorry. I’m sorry I was too late, allowing you to suffer so much. But rest assured, I will never, ever leave you again." Archer Rhys cupped Grace’s face, his promise solemn and grave.

Grace thought Archer was being strange. ’Why is he suddenly saying all this?’

All she knew was that he had worn her out all night. She was so tired her eyelids felt heavy as lead, and she simply didn’t have the energy to discuss this with him.

She patted Archer’s arm, her eyelids drooping, and fell asleep moments later.

Archer kissed her forehead again, then held her close and fell into a deep sleep.

A little after five, a knock came at the door, calling for Archer to get up and come eat. Grace woke with a start, the reality of what she had done dawning on her.

’I must be insane. How could I have done something like this?’

Archer was already up. She lifted the covers, took one look at herself, and wished she could dig a hole to crawl into.

"Ahem, Grace, time to get up. Mom and Dad are calling us to eat." Archer was already fully dressed. He couldn’t help but be amused seeing Grace still hiding under the covers like a startled quail.

’She was so forward before, but now she’s shyer than anyone.’

Grace covered her face, her voice muffled by the blankets. "You go out first. And don’t you dare come back in."

"Alright, alright, I’ll head out first. You’ll come over on your own in a bit?" Archer’s voice was full of fond indulgence.

Grace didn’t answer, merely squirming a bit under the covers.

Archer chuckled and shook his head, then turned and walked out.

Only when she heard the door close did Grace poke her head out from under the covers. She rubbed her face in frustration, then resignedly got up to get dressed.

’I don’t regret my choice. I had to take that step eventually, anyway. I don’t think it’s a big deal that it happened sooner rather than later. I’m not that old-fashioned; after all, having lived one life already, I’ve become quite open-minded about these things.’

She thought for a moment, feeling like she’d forgotten something important, but she couldn’t quite recall what it was. She decided to just stop thinking about it.

As she got out of bed, she couldn’t help but curse under her breath. ’That Archer Rhys is such an animal.’

’He didn’t hold back at all.’

Grace scowled, cursing him up and down in her head.

By the time she reached the front hall, everyone had already gathered.

The children had their own separate table and were already sitting there, looking prim and proper.

Hayley and Lily Callahan were sitting there feeding the two youngest children, making for a lively scene.

As Grace walked over, all eyes suddenly snapped to her.

She faltered, feeling an inexplicable pang of guilt.

’It feels like the entire family knows about my little escapade with Archer.’

She feigned composure and walked over to sit down beside Archer.

Under the table, Archer secretly took her hand.

Grace shot him a glare.

Archer just smiled dotingly without saying a word.

Everyone shared a tacit understanding; they knew the two had already made their relationship official.

"Ahem. Since it’s a rare occasion that we’re all together, I’d like to say a few words." Nolan Winslow raised his glass, his eyes landing on Archer. "Archer, we’ve known each other for many years. And even though we’re good friends, if you ever bully my sister or make her sad, I’ll still beat you up. I don’t give a damn about our friendship in that case."

"Don’t worry, Big Brother. I would never bully her," Archer said, turning to look tenderly at Grace.

Grace’s cheeks were flushed, making her look drunk even though she hadn’t touched a drop of alcohol.

Brandon Winslow also issued a stern warning.

Gregory Winslow and the Old Master simply watched from the side, chuckling.

Nolan Winslow had wanted to drink with Archer, but Grace stopped him.

Archer’s wound still hadn’t healed properly; drinking alcohol would be like having a death wish.

’I don’t want to be a widow before I’m even married.’

At eight o’clock, the continuous sound of firecrackers started crackling outside.

Nolan and Brandon Winslow took the children outside to set off firecrackers as well.

The CRACKLE and POP of firecrackers filled the air. In their flickering light, couples held hands, watching the brilliant fireworks, their eyes filled with beautiful hopes for the future.

"Happy New Year!" Ryan Winslow shouted with a grin, and the other little ones echoed him.

Irene Lynch handed them the lanterns she had prepared.

It was a southern custom to go out and "sell laziness" on New Year’s Eve, ensuring one would be diligent and not lazy in the year to come.

Ryan led the other children outside.

At this hour, all the neighborhood kids would be out. After living there for over a year, Ryan had become good friends with them. A large group of children gathered to play, sharing toys and snacks as their happy laughter filled the air.

Archer held Grace’s hand tightly. ’This moment feels too beautiful to be real,’ he thought. ’It’s more like a dying man’s fantasy.’

A flower in the mirror, the moon on the water—beautiful, yet illusory and ready to shatter at the slightest touch.