Chapter 2
After sorting through her old stuff, Braelynn felt a bit of an emptiness in her heart–but also, oddly, a sense of relief.
She pulled out her savings and credit cards, planning to head to the mall. She needed to grab some outfits for life abroad and also to pick up some essential gear.
Alexander must be going through a rough patch right now, and she didn’t want to lean on him too much. She could handle getting these things herself.
The mall was crowded. Braelynn carefully picked out a few sharp business suits and comfy casual clothes before making her way over to the counter that sold communication devices and protective supplies.
Just as she had chosen what she needed, paid for it all, and was about to leave, she spotted two familiar faces in the crowd.
Zachary was checking out a diamond ring, while Carolina clung to his arm, her face lighting up with pure joy.
“Zach, you have such amazing taste! I’m totally in love with this style. How did you know I like this brand? You really pay attention to me. Have you liked me for a long time?”
Zachary looked down at her, his eyes filled with a tenderness and focus. that Braelynn had never seen before. He didn’t say anything. He just stayed quiet, almost confirming what she said.
Suddenly, Braelynn remembered what he told her on his deathbed.
“Braelynn, to be honest, the first time I saw Carolina at that cocktail party, I was drawn to her. That vibrant energy of hers. I could never forget it.”
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Braelynn thought, “How cruel can you be, Zachary? We spent so many years together and yet every single moment–the person who occupied your thoughts and heart–was actually my sister!”
It felt like a tiny needle had pricked her chest, sending sharp pain through her. She turned away and got ready to leave from the other side.
“Lynn?” Carolina, with her sharp eyes, quickly spotted her and called out loudly. “Are you here shopping as well?”
Upon hearing that, Zachary looked up. His eyes landed on the business suits Braelynn was holding and the bag with the special communication gear, and his eyes flickered.
Braelynn had to nod. “Yeah, I’m heading abroad soon, so I’m just picking up some essentials.”
But Carolina noticed the latest model satellite phone in Braelynn’s hand and frowned. “Buying clothes is cool, but what do you need that for? The conditions over there might be a little rough, but regular communication should still work fine, right? That thing’s pricey and really stands out.”
A shop assistant nearby jumped in with a smile. “This product has top- notch security and signal quality. It’s perfect for tricky environments. It’s better to be prepared.”
Braelynn nodded along.
Carolina was sizing her up, and as usual, she couldn’t help but throw in a snarky comment. “Lynn, with your uptight and old–fashioned personality, what kind of husband do you think you’ll find over there? Honestly, I’m worried you’ll have a hard time even making friends with a decent local, let alone finding a husband.‘”
Braelynn was used to her sister’s harsh words by now and didn’t feel like arguing. She just wanted to get out of there as quickly as possible.
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But then Zachary chimed in. His voice was still deep and cold, but with at subtle hint of hesitation. “You don’t need to rush into marriage. It’s tough to find someone who’s genuinely reliable.”
Braelynn glanced at him, suddenly thinking the whole thing felt pretty ridiculous.
“What made him think he had any right to say that?”
She kept her tone steady, but her words hinted at something deeper. “I’m not asking for much. I just want someone who has good intentions, a pure heart, and not overly calculating.”
Zachary’s expression changed in an instant. He clearly picked up on what she meant. He opened his mouth, like he wanted to say something.
But Carolina grabbed his arm and jumped in. “Zach, I’m starving! Lynn, the restaurant on the top floor has air–freighted wagyu beef today. Since we bumped into each other, let’s eat together!”
Her tone was enthusiastic, and without waiting for an answer, she pulled Braelynn along and started walking.
Zachary glanced at Braelynn’s slightly pale face. In the end, he held back whatever he was going to say and quietly followed them.
Once they sat down at the restaurant, Zachary casually reached for the menu. He rattled off several dish names without missing a beat. “Wagyu sirloin, medium rare. Black truffle pasta, a salad with no onions, and molten lava cake for dessert. For drinks, fresh–squeezed orange juice with no ice.”
The waiter jotted it all down while smiling at Carolina and said, “Your husband is so thoughtful. He remembers your preferences so well. He even knows your dietary restrictions.”
Carolina felt a warm rush of pride. She stole a shy glance at Zachary and
Chapter 2
said, “Zach, why don’t you order some dishes that Lynn likes too?”
Zachary paused for a second with the menu in his hand. Then he calmly handed it over to Braelynn and said, “I’m not sure what you like. Just take a look and order whatever you want,”
At that moment, it was like someone had stabbed Braelynn’s heart with an ice pick and left her feeling cold and hurt.
They had been married for years in her past life–even their assistant remembered she liked lighter flavors, loved Asian food, and couldn’t stand anything undercooked.
But here was Zachary–the guy she had shared so much time with–who couldn’t even name one dish she enjoyed.
She used to make excuses for him all the time, thinking he was just too busy with work to notice those little things.
Now it hit her. It wasn’t that he forgot. It was clear his heart had never paid attention to her.
All his thoughtfulness and care were saved just for Carolina.
Chapter 3
