11 Kirsten gave the room a quick once - over , then opened her suitcase , took out all her clothes , and hung them in the wardrobe . She carefully unpacked her fragile items , arranging them one by one . Looking at the room she'd set up herself , Kirsten finally washed up and climbed into bed , feeling content . That nap on the plane had been far from comfortable . When she woke again , it was already two in the afternoon . Gazing at her new room , she still felt a touch of unfamiliarity . It took a moment for Kirsten to realize that she really was in Australia . February in Sydney was summer . She picked out a cool dress , changed into it , and headed out . Unlike the careful outfits she'd worn back home , right now Kirsten just wanted to soak up the sunshine . Her plan was to find a restaurant for lunch , then pick up some ingredients to take back . Suddenly , a burst of fragrance hit her nose , instantly piquing her appetite . Subconsciously , she followed the scent to a restaurant . Seeing that steak was their specialty , Kirsten ordered the house special and the cheesy potato wedges . When the steak was served , she took an eager bite . It was tender and surprisingly delicious . She ate her fill , thoroughly satisfied . Just as she was about to go pay , Kirsten suddenly realized her cash and cards were in the pocket of another jacket . She'd completely forgotten when she changed into the dress . Flustered , she froze , only to see a hand extend with a card , the person offering to pay together . Kirsten looked up in surprise . It was the man from the airport that morning . Only now did she get a clear look at him . He had a sharp bone structure , a prominent brow ridge and nose bridge , perfectly balanced . He gave off a faintly cool aura . " Thank you so much , " Kirsten kept saying . " How can I pay you back ? " " You don't need to . I have a prepaid card . " Then he waved the gold card in his hand . 10:12 Men His fluent Australian accent caught Kirsten off guard . But the meal wasn't cheap , and she insisted . No. I have to pay you back ! " she blurted out , without thinking . The man turned slightly , then said suddenly , " Then you can buy me ice cream next time . " The place is right downstairs from our apartment building . " Kirsten froze . It hit her then . The figure she'd seen on the stairs must have been him . She hadn't imagined it . Okay , I'll treat you to ice cream next time , " she agreed . After the man left , Kirsten realized she hadn't even asked his name . A vague sense of irritation washed over her . After all , she owed him such a big favor . Back at the apartment , Kirsten grabbed some cash and headed downstairs to buy groceries , which she stowed in the fridge . Seeing it filled to the brim , she instantly felt a surge of security . Her phone rang . She checked it and found several photos from Alayna in her email . In them , Alayna wore a white mermaid gown , smiling sweetly at the camera with Duncan behind her , gazing at her adoringly . They looked for all the world like a newlywed couple deeply in love . The remaining photos included a close - up of the diamond ring and another of the couple with Donald and Violet . Kirsten's grip on her phone tightened slightly . Alayna's motives could not have been clearer . She wanted to prove that Duncan doted on her entirely . Beneath the photos were more messages . " This is the wedding dress I finally chose . Isn't it beautiful ? I actually liked another one when picking , but Duncan said this one accentuated my waist better . So he bought both . Same with the ring . I told him it didn't need to be so big since I rarely wear jewelry , but he insisted . " I wanted to invite you to the wedding , but Duncan refused . He said he didn't want to see you on such a happy day , and Mom and Dad agreed your presence would bring bad luck . So we all decided not to have you come . " Now that we're getting married , you should let go . I don't care about what happened between you and Duncan before , but from now on , remember this : I'm the only one who belongs with him . Duncan will only ever be your brother - in - law ! " Reading these words , Kirsten could almost picture Alayna's tone and smirk . 10:12 1.7 % < 11 She didn't reply , simply closing the page in silence . Kirsten suddenly recalled how Duncan had once spoken softly of her features , describing her eyes and brows as " surely lovely . " She'd teased him then , asking , " What if you see me later and find I'm not good - looking ? " Duncan had said , " No matter what you look like , you'll always be the most charming to me . " His boyish love words , passionate and unguarded , had made her ears flush . She'd once dreamed of a future with him , of marriage , of a happy family . Even now , having let go of Duncan in her heart , those photos stung a little , leaving a faint bitterness . But the past was gone . She had no more expectations . Menu < 12