Chapter 102 Chapter 102: He's Dead Angela POV I gripped Aria's hand firmly as we navigated through JFK's bustling terminal, Ethan walking dutifully on my other side.
My phone vibrated-Olivia Harrison.
I smiled at the familiar name. Olivia and I had becclose friends during my tin Italy. We'd bonded instantly over our shared experiences, and she'd moved back to New York about a year ago.
"Olivia, hello," I answered.
"My God, your phone is finally working! I tracked your flight and saw it landed, but couldn't reach you. I was worried sick!" Olivia's melodic voice carried her slight Italian accent.
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇt"We just deplaned," I explained, exhaustion seeping into my voice.
"David is already at the VIP exit-don't move, he'll cto you." Before I could protest, I spotted David Chen approaching us, his familiar face a welcsight after the long flight.
"Angela, welcback to New York," he greeted warmly, then bent slightly to acknowledge the twins. "Hello Aria, Ethan. I hope you had a pleasant flight." Olivia's Upper East Side brownstone welcomed us with unexpected warmth. She'd prepared the guest rooms with thoughtful touches-my favorite Jo Malone candles, small potted plants, and toys for the twins.
After helping us settle, David quietly approached me. "Mr. Blake askedto remind you that if you need anything, you can callanytime." After David left, Olivia nudgedwith a knowing smile.
"Christopher is still so attentive to you," she teased.
1/4 Chapter 102: He's Dead Her words didn't comfort me-they only added to the pressure I already felt.
That afternoon, while the twins were taking their nap, Olivia and I stepped out onto the terrace for squiet conversation.
"Tea?" I raised an eyebrow. "I expected premium champagne to toast our reunion." Olivia laughed, the sound tinkling like wind chimes. "Champagne? Besides, I've given up alcohol-doctor's orders." "You? The cocktail queen of Manhattan?" "The truth is... I met a man." My interest piqued despite myself. "Oh?" "At a bar," she leaned forward, voice dropping conspiratorially. "You can't imagine how captivating he is, Angela. His presence, his appearance-absolutely flawless. If I could marry him, my life would be complete." She sighed tically. "He drinks like no one I've ever seen. Trying to keep up to get his attention... well, my stomach paid the price." "The first tI saw him, he was just sitting there," Olivia's eyes took on a dreamy quality. "He was tall and striking, not the kind of playboy you'd expect. There was something deeper about him, a quiet intensity that never seemed to fade." She rummaged through her phone. "I could have sworn I saved a photo-it's not very clear, taken from a distance, but that aura is unmistakable." "He's just a guy who drinks too much," I told Olivia.
"And those eyes-a striking green, like rare emeralds. I've never seen anything like them."Olivia continued, lost in her recollection.
I nearly choked on my tea. Green eyes. Like Ethan's. Like Sean's.
"Maybe you could jointhere sometime?" Olivia suggested. "Helpspot him?" I shook my head. "Sorry, I need to stay with the children." 2/4 Chapter 102: He's Dead "Just joking," she smiled, then added, "Though I truly don't understand why you're not interested in Christopher. He's clearly devoted to you. After all these years, don't you feel anything?" My expression closed off immediately. "Olivia, please don't joke about that." As twilight deepened, I caught Olivia staring at Ethan, who sat diligently working on a puzzle in the living room. Her expression shifted from casual observation to puzzled concentration.
"Is something wrong?" I asked, trying to keep my voice light.
Follow on Novᴇl-Onlinᴇ.cᴏmShe startled. "No, I just..." She continued staring at my son's profile. "It's strange, but his features-especially from this angle-they remindof someone." "Who?" "That man I told you about, from the bar." Olivia tilted her head, studying Ethan more intently.
"Something about the jawline, the way he furrows his brow his brow when m concentrating. It's probably just my exhaustion playing tricks." I forced a laugh that sounded hollow even to my ears. "What a coincidence that would be."
"I know, right?" Olivia laughed, but her eyes lingered on Ethan. It's just!!!! uncanny Those eyes especially." I moved casually to block her view. "Children need routine after travel. I should get them ready for bed."
Later in the kitchen, as we prepared a light dinner, Olivia broached the m e subject Nhad been dreading.
"I've always wanted to ask about Aria and Ethan's father..." "He's dead," I replied flatly, my knife pausing momentarily over the tomato I was slicing. Olivia's eyes widened in shock. "Oh my God, Angela, I'm so sorry! I had no idea- if I'd known, I would never have asked." 3/4 8:23 pm 1 Chapter 102: He's Dead I nodded, returning to my task with renewed focus, letting the rhythmic chopping fill the uncomfortable silence between us.
Then my phone lit up with a text message from Christopher: "Hope you're settled in. Don't forget the charity auction tomorrow. I've arranged everything. Rest well." Chapter Comments