Most of their time was spent quietly in the apartment, sharing meals and rest.

As a recently united couple, they couldn't seem to get enough of each other. They met up about every four or five days, and every time, Dylan always insisted they connect deeply, perhaps trying to compensate for the time apart.

Their moments together often intensified— Olivia, her frame gentle and poised, would lie atop Dylan, her fingers tenderly tracing his chest.

The past helicopter crash incident had inflicted numerous scars on Dylan, and although he hadn't spoken of it, Olivia sensed he might have suffered multiple fractures back then. With a voice tinged with concern, she asked, “Does it still hurt?"

Dylan clasped her hand warmly in his.

After a moment, he leaned in for a gentle kiss and murmured, "It doesn't hurt anymore."

They embraced in silence, a quiet acknowledgment that their relationship had evolved. Outside, beyond the undrawn curtains of their floor-to-ceiling windows, soft snowflakes danced gracefully through the air.

Too exhausted to move, Olivia whispered in wonder, "It's snowing! How beautiful!"

Dylan retrieved a velvet box from the bedside table and placed it in her hand.

Olivia looked at him, saying nothing.

Dylan opened the box for her, revealing a stunning blue diamond ring.

He whispered softly, “I bought this at an auction recently-9.9 carats, a symbol of forever love. Try it on, see if you like it."

Olivia extended her middle finger to try on the ring, though it was clearly meant for her ring finger. The room fell silent as the ring obviously didn't fit perfectly.

After a pause, Olivia folded her fingers around the ring hesitantly and suggested, “Maybe I should take it off- It doesn't fit."

Instead of responding verbally, Dylan gently laid her back onto the bed.

Her hand, adorned with the sparkling ring, rested between the pillows, and strands of her black hair framed her face, enhancing her radiant skin, which seemed to rival the diamond's luster.

Dylan gripped her hand firmly, his touch gentle, his breath caressing her face like silk. Olivia could discern the familiar expression he wore each time his desires surfaced, leaving her slightly taken aback.

They had just been intimate a few times not too long ago. How could he still yearn for more so soon?

He seemed unable to hold back, having embraced her fully and intimately.

In these intimate moments, Dylan was not as she had envisioned.

He was unusually quiet.

His moods varied widely-playful when cheerful, yet capable of becoming quite intense when not. At times, Olivia felt overwhelmed, almost as if their connection was merely a fleeting affair.

Snow fell heavily outside the French window, contrasting with the warm, intimate ambiance inside.

Dylan leaned close, his nose barely brushing against hers, his voice raspy. “I have to fly abroad tomorrow.”