Chapter 12 He wore a white tank top that revealed the sleek lines of his shoulder muscles . With one hand , he wiped sweat from his temples with a towel , water droplets dripping from his hair into the defined hollow of his collarbone . Dylan stood still , his gaze lingering with a hint of exhaustion - induced languor . Jennifer's face flushed instantly as she swallowed the sudden moisture in her throat . " Look , would it be okay if Tiantian sleeps here tonight ? I'll come pick her up first thing tomorrow . " Dylan spoke while pulling on his shirt . Jennifer looked up , teasing , " Why don't you stay too ? It's so late . Tiantian and I can take the bed , you can make do with the floor . Otherwise , if she wakes up wanting you and can't find you , wouldn't I have to carry her searching for you in the middle of the night ? " He paused mid - motion . Meeting Jennifer's eyes , he lowered his head . " I've really troubled you today . " "Not at all . " Jennifer said the words , yet inwardly she deeply relied on the sense of 02281 Chapter 12 security Dylan and Tiantian brought her . Her life seemed to be gaining color , gaining warmth . This security didn't just bring peace ; it banished her loneliness and fear . Smith Family . Nicole and her family had been living there for some time now . Alexander emerged from the study to find Nicole organizing Edward's backpack in the living room . Alexander picked up a nearby coffee cup , frowned as he took a small sip , and immediately set it down . Unusually bitter . He was momentarily stunned . These things were utterly ordinary when Jennifer was home . Why did they feel so different now ? Alexander just lifted his gaze , his eyes stung . He said nothing in the end , merely adjusting his cuff . " I'm heading to the office . " The entire day at work , his chest felt tight . He called the nanny , informing her he had a business dinner that evening . Only as he spoke did he realize how little desire he had to go home . Because when he returned , only fleeting emptiness would greet him . " Was I truly wrong ? " Chapter 12 Alexander pressed his temples hard , feeling a persistent hollowness inside . When Nicole came to the office , her first question was when Edward would be enrolled in the city's best school . " Let's wait a bit longer . I'll arrange it after this busy period . " Her eyes swirled with concern . " But Edward wants to travel . He's getting older , and I've never taken him anywhere . " She finished , looking at him coquettishly . " If he wants to travel , just go . " Alexander had no heart for it . " I have that dinner tonight . Come with me . " Alexander spoke again . " But … but I need to help Edward with his homework . I probably don't have time . " Nicole's words made Alexander pause . Right , She wasn't Jennifer . The old Jennifer , no matter how late the dinner , would dinner , would go without question if he asked . Attending so many high - society events together , others naturally assumed she was Mrs. Smith . Yet he had never acknowledged it before . Seeing Nicole evade his request , his patience dwindled . He waved a hand , dismissing her . Alone in his office , his palms grew numb from digging in his nails . The gloom outside the window refused to lift , mirroring the heaviness in Alexander's heart . He barely spoke throughout the dinner meeting . When Jennifer had been by his side , she'd smooth things over for him and pick out the dishes he disliked . Now , he could only stare blankly at the rotating platter , no longer certain what he even enjoyed eating . " Alexander , didn't you always bring Jennifer along before ? Why isn't she here tonight ? " Alexander lifted his gaze . " She's gone . " A stunned silence fell over the guests seated below . Then came a long , uncomfortable quiet . 02