Chapter 1934
When Love Comes Late
The three engaged in light conversation and enjoyed a cheerful lunch.
Once they had finished, Alissa stood to leave, expressing her gratitude.
âThank you for the lovely meal.
I have classes this afternoon, so I must be going.
â
Knowing Alissa was busy, Bella made no attempt to detain her.
As Stella rose to escort Alissa to the door, it swung open unexpectedly.
Kristian entered.
Alissaâs face drained of color at the sight of him.
She gasped, âEthan Vance?â
It had been years since Kristian had heard that name, and his alertness spiked instantly.
His gaze shifted to Alissa, though he could not place her.
Sensing the tension, Stella voiced her confusion.
âWho are you calling?â
âs BunnyBookery
Bella, too, was puzzled by the name, unfamiliar to her ears.
She rationalized that it was not uncommon for people to resemble one another and be mistaken for someone else.
Without dwelling on it, she introduced Kristian to Alissa.
âThis is Kristian, my husband, a businessman based in Dorburn.
â
Kristian did his utmost to keep his emotions in check as he greeted Alissa with a polite, âHello.
â
Alissaâs gaze remained fixed on Kristian, ignoring his extended hand.
With a smile, Kristian withdrew his hand, suggesting, âPerhaps youâre mistaking me for someone else.
Do
I resemble the man you mentioned?â
Alissa regarded Kristian with a serious expression.
Dressed in a suit, the man before her kept a gentle smile despite her unexpectedly cold demeanor.
He exuded an air of gentleness and sophistication.
However, Alissa remembered Ethan as distinctly average in every aspect.
How could he have transformed so drastically if they were indeed the same person?
Convinced she had confused him with someone else, Alissa dismissed her suspicions and apologized to Kristian, âIâm sorry.
â
Kristian felt a wave of unease when his long-abandoned identity was brought up once again.
Nevertheless, he maintained a facade of joviality, saying cheerfully, âYouâre a friend of my wife.
Thereâs no need for formalities with me.
â
While he spoke, Kristian observed Alissa, though he genuinely had no recollection of her.
Over the years, he had intentionally tried to erase those painful memories from his mind.
Even if Alissa was someone from his past, he could no longer recall her.
Alissa gave a slight nod and bid them farewell before leaving.
Stella drove her home.