Nicole shook her head. “No, I just felt a bit dizzy for a moment, but I'm alright now."

She didn't want to burden Roscoe with her worries. Their lives had been on edge for the past six months. She didn't want to cause trouble and ruin the precious warmth they had built in their life together.

After their meal, Roscoe gently bundled up Nicole and placed her on the tricycle, and drove them home.

Despite the snow, the tricycle moved smoothly.

Roscoe, being quite resourceful, had fitted the tricycle with winter tires and powerful LED headlights, perfect for mountain driving.

Though it appeared simple, this tricycle was as costly as a mid-range car and was fully equipped for safety.

Roscoe had chosen this modest tricycle for their mountain journeys.

Today, however, luck was not on their side. Even the best vehicles could have problems, and their tricycle broke down halfway home.

Stepping out to inspect it, Roscoe found the battery had likely frozen due to the cold.

With no choice, he helped Nicole out, and they started to walk home.

It was many miles from their house, much too far for Nicole to walk.

Though Roscoe had taken good care of her, her body wasn't up for such a long journey.

Roscoe stooped down and said, “Nicole, climb on. I'll carry you."

Realizing the distance still ahead, Nicole refused, "It's okay. I can walk for a bit. I'll let you know when I can't continue."

"No, it's too slippery with the snow. Just hop on." Roscoe stayed low, waiting. Turning to Nicole, he challenged, "What, don't you think I can handle it? I am a man, after all."

He spoke playfully, his eyes twinkling with youthful mischief.

Roscoe was well-mannered and handsome, and at times, his youthful side showed through. Nicole surmised had he been from a simple family, he might have been living a content life with a wife and parents.

Sadly, he belonged to the Watts family, and unluckily, he had come across her...

Without warning, Roscoe straightened up and lifted Nicole into his arms, causing her to instinctively cling to him, exclaiming, "Hey! What are you doing? Put me down."

"Since you won't let me carry you on my back, I'll hold you in my arms all the way home, my princess," Roscoe playfully teased with a smile, his handsome face glowing in the snowy scenery.