---- I thought back on how Michael had mentioned that event many times, vividly describing how he had risked his life to save me. I had believed him without question. But now, the blurry figure from my memories suddenly took on a clear shape. Charles pulled a small box from his pocket and opened it. Inside lay an exquisite lily pendant. "Every year on your birthday, I'd have someone deliver a lily to the Kingston residence doorstep." My hands flew to my mouth in surprise. Ihad indeed received an anonymous lily every year. At first, [had assumed it was Grandpa's doing, then later, I guessed it was a romantic gesture from Michael. Thus, I never thought more of it. "Why the lily?" I asked. "Treyist scriptures describe the lily as pure and resilient, able to endure fire and not be burned. In my heart, you are just like the lily," Charles said, his gaze ---- on me suddenly deep and tender. I reached for the pendant when a thought suddenly struck me. "Then why did you choose to become a devout Treyist?" Charles fell silent for a second before answering, "My family had arranged a marriage for me. I didn't want to go against my father, but I wasn't willing to betray my heart either. Thus, becoming a Treyist was my only choice." "And now..." "My father has agreed to cancel the engagement. He said that anyone capable of making me return to secular life must be extraordinary." Awarmth bloomed in my heart, and my gaze softened without me even realizing it. He reached out and gently stroked my cheek. His touch was very careful, as if he were handling one of the most precious treasures in the world. "It's been 12 long yet fleeting years. Long enough that ---- I thought I could forget you; short enough that when we met earlier, my heart raced just like the first time I saw you." His palm was warm and dry, carrying the faint scent of sandalwood. This was the first time he touched me in such an intimate way, yet there was no awkwardness or discomfort, as if we were always meant to be this close. "Do you know what's been happening recently? What Michael did to me?" Charles nodded. "I had people watching over your family. When I heard that you had been betrayed, I decided to make my appearance." "Just to... protect me?" I asked, finding it slightly hard to believe. He gave a small smile. The smile held the calmness of a practicing Treyist and also the warmth of an ordinary man. ---- "Fate moves in circles. They say it takes 500 glances ina past life just to be able to cross paths in the next one. I've already wasted too many years-I don't want to miss any more." Suddenly, I understood why he had been so assertive at the banquet. He hadn't just randomly swooped in to save the damsel in distress. No, this was 12 years of silent protection finally given a reason to make itself known. Charles looked at me, his expression sincere. "My God lives in my heart, not in outward appearances. True practice is holding onto one's faith even after experiencing all the highs and lows of the world." He paused before adding, "Walking through life alongside you-that, too, is a form of practice." I couldn't help but reach out to touch his face, and I felt him tremble slightly beneath my fingers.