Awakened Housewife Ignore Betrayer's Begs (Scarlett) novel Chapter 264

Chapter 264 Trinkets and Whispered Promises

Scarlett shot Damian a look. “Why on earth would I be thinking about him?”

Seeing her defensive reaction, Damian thought to himself that she must still care, or she wouldn’t protest so strongly.

But so what? He wasn’t going to dwell on it.

By the time Damian drove them to the downtown, it was well past midnight.

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Even at that hour, the area was alive with energy. Crowds still drifted along the cobblestone paths. Many young women wore vintage–inspired outfits, and the sidewalks were lined with little carts and stalls selling all sorts of trinkets–handmade jewelry, pendants, bracelets, painted fans, and various local snacks.

The district at night had a different charm than during the day–more intimate, bathed in the warm glow of string lights and lanterns, full of murmured conversations and the enticing smells of food.

As Scarlett and Damian walked past one such stall selling small crafts, the vendor called out to them. “Sir, how about a little something for your lady?”

Hearing the word “lady“, a peculiar warmth bloomed in Damian’s chest. A smile instantly spread across his face. He stopped in front of the stall and turned to Scarlett. “See anything you like? Pick one. It’s on me.”

Scarlett glanced over the display. Among the various handmade items, her gaze settled on a delicate, miniature model of a water mill, intricately crafted from wood and tiny stones.

Noticing her interest, the vendor quickly picked it up. “You have excellent taste, ma’am. This is one of our finest pieces.”

Hearing that, Scarlett hesitated, her hand pausing mid–reach.

Damian caught her hesitation and immediately said to the vendor, “We’ll take it. Wrap please.”

it up,

He genuinely wanted to get it for her–it was rare to see her show interest in anything lately.

Scarlett tried to stop him. “Damian, it’s okay. Don’t worry about it.”

He ignored her protest, pulling out his wallet. Before the vendor could even state a price, Damian handed over several bills. “Will this cover it?”

It was far more than the item was worth. The vendor’s smile widened considerably as he

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accepted the money. “Oh, absolutely, sir! Thank you!” He carefully placed the water mill into a small gift bag and handed it to Damian. “You’re very generous to your lady. She must be very happy.”

Taking the bag, Damian couldn’t suppress a smirk. He leaned in slightly and said in a mock- conspiratorial tone to the vendor, “She’s not my lady… yet. But give it time.”

The vendor chuckled. “Well then, best of luck to you, sir. May you succeed soon.”

Damian clicked his tongue playfully. “Oh, I plan on it.”

He turned and offered the bag to Scarlett. “Here. It’s a done deal now. You have to take it.”

Scarlett looked at the bag, hesitated for another second, then finally accepted it. “Thank you,” she said softly.

Damian smiled down at her. “Don’t just thank me with words. If you’re really grateful, you should show it with actions, don’t you think?”

Scarlett knew what he was hinting at, but she played along seriously. “What kind of action did you have in mind?”

Seeing her earnest expression, the flirtatious reply that was on the tip of his tongue died away. He wanted to say, “Be with me,” but it felt too crude, too disrespectful to say as a joke when she looked so sincere.

So, he changed course. “Then come make a wish with me. Release one of those lanterns.”

Scarlett had braced for something else. His actual suggestion caught her off guard. She paused, then nodded. “Alright.”

Damian took her free hand and led her through the thinning crowd toward the river’s edge.

Under a canopy by the water, there was a small booth selling paper, pens, and an assortment of floating wish lanterns. A hand–painted sign read, “Write your heart’s desire. Set it afloat. Let the night carry your prayer.”

The attendant saw them approaching and stood up. “Looking to make a wish tonight?”

Damian nodded. “Yes. We’ll need some paper and pens, and two of your largest lanterns, please.”

“Of course!” the attendant said happily, gathering the items. “That’ll be 145 dollars even.”

Damian tapped his phone to pay. Once the transaction was complete, the man handed them two flat–packed paper lanterns, along with sheets of thick paper and two pens.

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Scarlett took the paper and pen. “We write our wishes on this?” she asked, confirming.

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Damian nodded. “That’s the idea. Write down whatever you want most. Then we’ll light them and let them go.”

A faint, wistful smile touched Scarlett’s lips. “There are no gods out there listening, you know. It’s just… a nice thought.”

Damian stopped unpacking his lantern. He turned to look at her. In the soft lantern light, with a few strands of hair fallen across her cheek as she looked down, she appeared quietly pensive, almost fragile. She held the pen, her gaze distant, lost in some private thought.

Seeing her drift away, Damian smiled softly. His voice was low, meant only for her. “Who says you need a god?” he murmured. “Can’t I be the one who makes it come true?”

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