Chapter: 127

The smile on Kaitlin's face didn't quite reach her eyes. How could she not let Alan and his true love catch up? That would be utterly cold-hearted, wouldn't it?

Ashley's eyes widened, flickering between the two. “Don't get the wrong idea. Alan just rescued me. It's been years since we last met, and I couldn't help but become emotional. I'm merely an old friend of Alan's. Don't read too much into it."

Kaitlin quirked an eyebrow. “I'm not reading into anything. I'm just his ex-wife. Whether you're a past fling or his true love, it really isn't my concern."

“Kaitlin, it's not what you're thinking," Alan interjected, his eyes filled with anxiety. "ALL I want is to figure out what happened back then."

Tears welled up in Ashley's eyes again. "Back then... I was kidnapped by Miguel. During my escape, I was caught in a mudslide. I thought I was a goner, but someone saved me. I lost my memory and ended up marrying the man who rescued me. It took ages to regain my memory and get my memory back. I wanted to come back, but then my husband had an accident, and I needed to grieve for him."

Kaitlin nearly clapped at Ashley's sorrowful display.

She was grieving her deceased husband on a tropical getaway? If her late husband knew, he would probably spin in his grave.

Yet, Kaitlin held back from calling her out. She was more interested in witnessing Alan's reaction.

If Alan chose his true love over her once more, then it was clear their relationship had no future.

Kaitlin resolved to remain quiet and simply observe.

"Alan, after all these years we've been friends, could you drive me back to Osewood and help me find a job? It's really hard managing alone," Ashley pleaded.

She then affirmed she and Alan's platonic relationship again and made friendly overtures towards Kaitlin, which alleviated most of Alan's suspicions.

“Go change your clothes; the sea breeze gets too chilly at night. As for heading back home..." Alan hesitated, prompting a surge of concern in Ashley, though she masked her anxiety.

"If it's too much trouble, never mind. I don't want to cause any trouble. I'll head back now," Ashley said, her voice tinged with resignation, invoking sympathy.

Alan clenched his teeth. "Join us tomorrow. Once we're back, I'll see what I can do."

“Okay, see you tomorrow," Ashley agreed, nodding before she turned and left in the opposite direction.

As soon as she turned around, Ashley's expression turned grim.

She realized that Alan was no longer the naive young man she once knew.

He had grown wiser and his affections were now firmly with Kaitlin.

Everything she thought was hers seemed lost, but she was determined.

This was just the beginning, and it was too soon to say who would ultimately triumph.

As Ashley walked off, Alan turned to Kaitlin and confessed, "Kaitlin, you're the only one in my heart now. It's confusing, her being back all of a sudden. You understand, don't you?"

Kaitlin dismissed Alan with a wave and strode away.

She was indifferent to his inquiries; her focus lay solely on assessing his demeanor.