I dressed quickly. Marco put on his down coat, took my hand, and we went downstairs.Every few steps, there was a security door. Only he could bring me out.Under the night sky, snow fell heavily.Soon my hat was white.Marco handed me a small shovel. "Don't overdo it.""Okay!"The cold air made me inexplicably happy.I walked around the frozen fountain with my shovel.When I turned, I saw Nico standing not far away.Eyes bloodshot. Jaw stubbled. Just staring."Nico?" My voice was soft, surprised.His lips moved. "Valentina, I was wrong."Once, I would have demanded, "Wrong about what?"But now I just hugged my shovel, embarrassed, and looked down. "It's fine."I've been through too much. All my edges had worn smooth.The wind and snow howled in the dark.Nico walked closer and crouched in front of me, his voice rough. "How can it be fine? Valentina, please—say something to me."I thought for a moment, then said seriously, "Merry Christmas to us. And good health."The blood drained fro
Baca selengkapnya