The courtyard of the Thomas Villa was a winter wonderland. Elizabeth and Michael worked together to wrap colorful scarves—one red, one green—around the large snowman they had built. Under the soft glow of the festive lights they had strung along the fence, Elizabeth turned to him with a radiant smile.

"Does it look like a Christmas tree to you?" she asked, her breath misting in the cold air.

Michael didn't look at the snowman; his eyes were only for her. He pulled her into a gentle embrace, his lips brushing her temple. "As long as you’re here, everything is perfect."

Christmas Eve arrived, and the villa was transformed. Elizabeth woke to find a single sock at the head of her bed containing a small key with a number tag. Following Michael’s instructions, she went to the living room, where a series of elegant cabinets waited.

One by one, Elizabeth opened twenty-one cabinets. Each one contained a piece of her past that Michael wished he had shared: delicate Barbie dolls, beautiful dresses, limited edition handbags, and a necklace of exquisite deep-sea pearls.

"Are you trying to make up for every Christmas before we met?" Elizabeth asked, her voice trembling with emotion.

"I missed the first twenty-two years of your life," Michael said, taking her hand. "But I want to be part of every year that follows. I want to secure your future."

Despite the beauty of the moment, a sudden paleness washed over Elizabeth’s face. She followed him into the snowy yard, where Michael unexpectedly dropped to one knee. He held out a blue velvet box containing a platinum ring shaped like a delicate snowflake, its diamonds sparkling against the white snow.

"Elizabeth, our beginning was forced by others. But now, I’m asking you of my own accord. Will you truly marry me?"

Tears streamed down Elizabeth’s face, but they weren't tears of joy. She took a step back, her heart fracturing. "Michael, I can’t. I know I’m not the one you truly love. I’ve seen the photo you keep. I cannot accept a life where I am a shadow of another woman's memory. Our relationship ends here."

Without waiting for his explanation, Elizabeth turned and ran toward the gates, leaving the ring and the man she loved behind in the snow. Michael stood motionless under the eaves, a solitary figure watching her disappear into the white expanse.

Elizabeth hailed a taxi, heading straight for the airport. Her mother, Nancy, was already there with their luggage and documents. As the city scenery blurred past through her tear-filled eyes, Elizabeth replayed every moment with Michael—his rare smiles, his fierce protection, and the way he had once held her as if she were the only person in the world.

The emotional intensity caused a dull ache in her lower abdomen. Elizabeth took a deep breath, gently stroking her belly to soothe the restless movements within. "Don't worry, little ones," she whispered. "From now on, I will protect you. We’re going to a place where we can be safe and happy."

Four Years Later

In Evergreen City, the atmosphere at the Thomas Villa was colder than ever. Michael sat in his study, his eyes fixed on a medical report. His phone buzzed—it was Emily Johnson, a world-renowned medical expert he had been consulting.

"Michael," Emily’s voice came through, sounding strained and weak. "I’m sorry... I’ve reached my limit. I won't be able to finish the research project you commissioned. But don't lose hope. I’ve handed everything over to my most brilliant student. She is the only one who can help you now."

Michael felt a sudden, inexplicable surge of adrenaline. "What is her name?"

"Her name is... Dr. Elizabeth Jones."

Michael froze, the pen in his hand snapping in two. The name he hadn't allowed anyone to speak for four years echoed in the silent room, bringing with it a storm of memories and a glimmer of a future he thought he had lost forever.