Her heart burned hot again. Jennifer clutched her chest, feeling it thump wildly beneath her palm as her cheeks flushed crimson.
Across the table, Dylan simply watched, his lips quirking at the corners in a faint smile.
As their mutual understanding deepened, Dylan slid the neatly cut steak onto Jennifer’s plate.
“Dig in before it gets cold.”
The air grew thick with unspoken tension, though Tiantian remained focused, diligently clearing her own plate.
Both adults glanced at the little girl and burst into simultaneous laughter.
Jennifer reached over, wiping sauce from the child’s mouth.
“Eat up, sweetheart. You must be starving.
Their lighthearted moment unfolded as the candle on the table sputtered, nearly spent.
After dinner, the trio strolled hand–in–hand down the street. Dylan abruptly stopped, pulling Tiantian aside with a sudden idea.
Jennifer barely registered it, only noting their quicker pace.
Within moments, Dylan swept Tiantian into his arms.
He took off running.
Chapter 23
Jennifer gave chase in her low heels.
Their joyful scene unfolded under the watchful eyes of Alexander, observing from the shadows.
Lately, he felt unhinged, consumed.
He needed answers from Jennifer–why she rejected him so utterly, dismissing their shared past.
Tilting his head back at the darkening sky, the scar over his heart throbbed like an infected wound.
The next morning, Dylan left early with Tiantian.
He hadn’t told Jennifer their destination.
Only promised a surprise.
He intended to craft ceramics for her.
17
Finding a workspace, he rolled up his sleeves, immersing himself in shaping the clay.
Sunlight gilded his profile, softening his features into warm clarity.
Tiantian suddenly scooped mud, smearing it playfully across Dylan’s cheek.
Unfazed, he chuckled and dabbed a streak back onto hers.
His hands stilled mid–motion. A familiar figure entered.
Alexander stood in the doorway, a black baseball cap pulled low, collar hanging open.
Chapter 21
He strode directly toward Dylan, gaze fixed on his hands.
“We need to talk.”
Dylan continued smoothing the clay, merely lifting his eyes with a slight, questioning arch of his brow. A sideways glance toward an empty chair signaled his response.
After a weighted silence, Alexander finally spoke, voice low.
“Maybe… Jennifer won’t return to me. I hurt her too much.”
Guilt saturated his words. His eyes searched Dylan’s face.
“What
you did to her? She remembers. So do I.”
“Just let me see her. Once. I have things to say. One meeting. Please.”
Alexander pleaded, desperate for Dylan’s assent.
Dylan shook his head slowly, gaze drifting toward the entrance.
“I-”
The door swung open. Jennifer stood there, hair pinned up neatly.
Her eyes met Alexander’s without a flicker of surprisė.
“You wanted to talk? Let’s have a proper talk.”
