Chapter 102

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 become close friends during my time in 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.

"We just deplaned," I explained, exhaustion seeping into my voice.

"David is already at the VIP exit-don't move, he'll come to you."

Before I could protest, I spotted David Chen approaching us, his familiar face a welcome sight after the long flight.

"Angela, welcome back 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 asked me to remind you that if you need anything, you can call me anytime."

After David left, Olivia nudged me with a knowing smile.

"Christopher is still so attentive to you," she teased.

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 some quiet 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 dramatically. "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 time I 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 join me there sometime?" Olivia suggested. "Help me spot him?"

I shook my head. "Sorry, I need to stay with the children."

"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.

She startled. "No, I just..." She continued staring at my son's profile. "It's strange, but his features-especially from this angle-they remind me of 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 when 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 subject I had 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."

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."