Her heart burned hot again . Jennifer clutched her chest , feeling it thump wildly beneath her palm as her cheeks flushed crimson . Across the table , Dylan simply watched , his lips quirking at the corners in a faint smile . As their mutual understanding deepened , Dylan slid the neatly cut steak onto Jennifer's plate . " Dig in before it gets cold . " The air grew thick with unspoken tension , though Tiantian remained focused , diligently clearing her own plate . Both adults glanced at the little girl and burst into simultaneous laughter . Jennifer reached over , wiping sauce from the child's mouth . " Eat up , sweetheart . You must be starving . Their lighthearted moment unfolded as the candle on the table sputtered , nearly spent . After dinner , the trio strolled hand - in - hand down the street . Dylan abruptly stopped , pulling Tiantian aside with a sudden idea . Jennifer barely registered it , only noting their quicker pace . Within moments , Dylan swept Tiantian into his arms . He took off running . Chapter 23 Jennifer gave chase in her low heels . Their joyful scene unfolded under the watchful eyes of Alexander , observing from the shadows . Lately , he felt unhinged , consumed . He needed answers from Jennifer - why she rejected him so utterly , dismissing their shared past . Tilting his head back at the darkening sky , the scar over his heart throbbed like an infected wound . The next morning , Dylan left early with Tiantian . He hadn't told Jennifer their destination . Only promised a surprise . He intended to craft ceramics for her . 17 Finding a workspace , he rolled up his sleeves , immersing himself in shaping the clay . Sunlight gilded his profile , softening his features into warm clarity . Tiantian suddenly scooped mud , smearing it playfully across Dylan's cheek . Unfazed , he chuckled and dabbed a streak back onto hers . His hands stilled mid - motion . A familiar figure entered . Alexander stood in the doorway , a black baseball cap pulled low, collar hanging open . Chapter 21 He strode directly toward Dylan , gaze fixed on his hands . " We need to talk . " Dylan continued smoothing the clay , merely lifting his eyes with a slight , questioning arch of his brow . A sideways glance toward an empty chair signaled his response . After a weighted silence , Alexander finally spoke , voice low . " Maybe … Jennifer won't return to me . I hurt her too much . " Guilt saturated his words . His eyes searched Dylan's face . " What you did to her ? She remembers . So do I. " " Just let me see her . Once . I have things to say . One meeting . Please . " Alexander pleaded , desperate for Dylan's assent . Dylan shook his head slowly , gaze drifting toward the entrance . " I- " The door swung open . Jennifer stood there , hair pinned up neatly . Her eyes met Alexander's without a flicker of surprisė . " You wanted to talk ? Let's have a proper talk . "