Was it because of the person involved? Maybe so.

She honestly couldn’t believe she’d actually married Frederick Fairfax. And that they’d even had a daughter together. Their daughter even took her surname. He absolutely adored her.

The two of them returned to the hotel, only to find Grace Gordon waiting by their door.

“What a coincidence.”

Frederick Fairfax, holding a bouquet, greeted him with a hint of smugness in his eyes. “What brings you here?”

“I came to see Lily. But you, Frederick Fairfax—what are you doing here?”

“I’m here to see Lily too. You’re late—she’s about to rest now.”

After Olivia Young opened the door, he stood in the doorway and handed her the flowers. “Rest well.”

“Mm.”

“Lily.” Grace Gordon called her softly.

“Girls’ rooms are off-limits, you know.” Olivia Young waved her hand with a grin. “Good night.”

The door closed.

Grace Gordon leaned back against the wall, shooting Frederick Fairfax a cold look. “You’ve been acting strange lately.”

“I’ve finally figured out my feelings. I like her, and I want to pursue her. You two grew up together—will you help me?”

Grace Gordon’s eyes widened in disbelief. He let out a laugh of exasperation. “Frederick Fairfax, have you listened to yourself? You want me to help you?!”

“Well, it’s not like you two are dating or anything.”

Grace Gordon was momentarily speechless. It was true—they weren’t a couple. Olivia Young was still young. When they grew up, they’d be together. “Stay out of this. Our families will be engaged soon. Frederick Fairfax, keep your distance from her.”

“The engagement won’t happen.” Frederick Fairfax patted Grace Gordon’s shoulder. “It’s you who should keep your distance.”

In the future, he’d be Lily’s husband. Grace Gordon was nothing to worry about.

The next day, both Frederick Fairfax and Grace Gordon arrived at the competition venue. Olivia Young was waiting backstage—marriage was just too far off for her at eighteen. She wasn’t thinking about that now. Performing her best was all that mattered.

With complete confidence, she took the stage, ignoring the burning gazes of the two boys below. She gave a flawless performance—and won first prize in the end. Yes!

Men? Whatever. Nothing could stop her from becoming her best self.

After the competition, Olivia Young changed into casual clothes and headed for the airport. Now that Frederick Fairfax was a public figure, he took the VIP channel. By the time she boarded, he was already in his seat.

“Lily!” Frederick Fairfax stood to help with her luggage. “Your Highness, please take your seat.”

“You’re ridiculous.”

“Not at all! We had so much fun after we got married.”

“I’m only eighteen, Frederick Fairfax. Try acting like a human being.”

“You’re already acting like my wife.” There was excitement in Frederick Fairfax’s eyes.

Olivia Young couldn’t help but sigh.

Grace Gordon boarded the plane as well. Seeing them together, he narrowed his eyes. “Lily, let’s switch seats.”

If she sat by Frederick Fairfax the whole way, she’d be pestered non-stop. Olivia Young happily agreed.

Frederick Fairfax: “!!!”

Wife! Wife!

His beautiful wife’s profile was replaced by the infuriating Grace Gordon. Grace Gordon even deliberately blocked his view.

“Grace Gordon, you—”

“What about me?”

“…Nothing.”

Either way, it would be him and Lily sharing the future—not Grace Gordon.

Traveling alone, Olivia Young retrieved her luggage after landing—Grace Gordon carried it for her. As childhood friends, they took the same car home.

No big deal. He wasn’t mad. It was normal that Lily didn’t believe him. But on the ride back, Frederick Fairfax was full of sorrow.

Oh heavens, when will you let me go back seven years?! I want to go back! Life without my wife’s attention is just too hard.

One month later, the Young family held a celebratory banquet for Olivia Young, celebrating her admission to Harvard. They booked out an entire hotel, and by 6 p.m., the entrance was lined with luxury cars.

The sight reminded Frederick Fairfax of all those years when Lily’s admirers gathered, like shadows lurking in the dark, ready to pop out at the slightest hint of attention. It was a little creepy.

But this time, Frederick Fairfax felt confident. He wasn’t afraid of them. Gift in hand, he went inside and saw Grace Gordon and Olivia Young chatting and laughing together. Suddenly, his confidence wavered.

No matter. Lily hadn’t left the country yet. Once she did, her contact with others would dwindle.

“Bro! What are you doing here?” Leonard Holmes ran up to Frederick Fairfax. “You never used to show up at these kinds of events. Especially after becoming a celebrity—you weren’t interested at all.”

Leonard Holmes was still just a high schooler. The Young family had purposely picked a Saturday night so all her classmates could come.

Frederick Fairfax eyed all the teenaged rivals for Lily’s attention. Perfect—her eyes never lingered on them. Unfortunately, they didn’t linger on him, either!

Just a glance—that’s it? When they got home, he’d have to speak to her about that.

Frederick Fairfax stared directly at Olivia Young. Dressed like a princess tonight, she was dazzling and adorable—the focus of everyone’s attention.

When it came time to dance, Olivia Young had the first dance with Grace Gordon. Instantly, Frederick Fairfax went up to ask for the second.

“Lily, may I?”

When Olivia Young laid her hand in his, Frederick Fairfax was so moved his eyes reddened.

As the music started, he gently took her waist, and they stepped onto the dance floor. Normally, Olivia Young’s dances with Grace Gordon went smoothly after much practice. But this—it was her first dance with Frederick Fairfax. Surprisingly, they were perfectly in sync; neither stepped on the other’s toes.

“Lily, when will you be leaving the country?”

“Soon.”

“Can I see you off?” Frederick Fairfax squeezed her hand. “I have a feeling…I’m about to go back.”

“Back to seven years later?”

“Yeah.”

Was Frederick Fairfax that into this roleplay, or did he really need to see a doctor? Whatever—one last sendoff couldn’t hurt.

“Then I’ll allow you to see me off.”

That single phrase had Frederick Fairfax grinning with delight all night.

He’d always regretted never getting to drink the water his wife brought him—this time, he finally got the chance. He was content.

On the day Olivia Young left for abroad, Frederick Fairfax and Grace Gordon were both at the airport.

“Lily! Wishing you great success in your studies. In the future, you’ll be an amazing lawyer.” Frederick Fairfax handed her a cute bunny plush.

“What’s this?”

“A ‘Rabbit for Diligence and Success’,” he said, punning on the phrase (“rabit” and “striving” sound similar in Chinese).

Terrible pun—he ought to be fined for that!

“Lily,” Grace Gordon also offered her a beautiful box. “Safe travels. Stay in touch.”

Stay in touch—yeah, right! Did you ever contact Lily when you were looking for a rebound? Jerk! Lily, look at me—I’m your future husband!

“Sis! Sis…” Quentin Young sobbed uncontrollably beside her. “I’ll come see you every winter and summer break!”

“Don’t forget me, sis…”

Olivia Young gave him a good knock on the head. “No crying! I’m not losing my memory. Of course I won’t forget you. I’m heading overseas, so you take care of Mom and Dad, got it?”

“Got it!” Quentin Young fought back tears. “Sis, why not just take me with you?”

Frederick Fairfax grabbed Quentin Young by the scruff. “Lily, go ahead. I’ll handle him.”

“Let me help with that!”

With determined steps, Olivia Young boarded her flight. They stood amidst the crowds at the airport, watching her disappear into the distance.

Lily—see you in five years.