Chapter 10 

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“Ms. Brin? You look very much like someone I used to know,” Aron said, looking directly at her, his look sincere but with a warmth that made Evelyn feel at ease. 

Evelyn studied his face, trying to place him, but no bell rang. So she offered a tentative giggle, “Mr. Quinn, you seem familiar too–like we’ve met before or something.” 

“Maybe,” he replied with a knowing grin, then shifted his focus. “So what do you think–do you like the dress?” 

Evelyn was making bold moves, swapping her usual threads for outfits that really popped. It kind of felt like she was stepping into a whole new part of her life. She’d decided to make changes starting with her closet. 

In a burst of inspiration. Evelyn picked out several outfits, each with a distinct style. When she stepped out of the shop. Aron was still by the entrance. 

Evelyn walked over in surprise. Before she could speak, he took her bags like it was nothing. 

“We keep bumping into each other–must mean something. How about joining me for lunch?” Aron asked. 

Standing there without her bags, Evelyn didn’t quite know what to do with her hands. She finally just said, “Sure.” 

They walked together to the higher floors of the mall. It was quieter up here, and Evelyn noticed that the top floor was lined with only restaurants. 

They settled into a restaurant spot, and for a long while, they just sat in silence. 

Suddenly, Evelyn thought about the salesgirl’s respectful tone. Surprised by his youthful looks but clear authority, she asked, “So, Mr. Quinn, you run the place?” 

Smiling. Aron replied. “Yes, my family has long–standing business interests in Irinland, so I’ve brought my projects over.” 

Evelyn had this deja vu feeling when she saw Aron’s grin. 

Long–standing family business interests here? She couldn’t figure out why he seemed so familiar. There was nobody like him in her circle. 

“About the mall,” Evelyn whispered, hesitantly, avoiding Aron’s curious gaze, “Evelyn Jewelry shut down where I’m from. You did know, right? But here it is, up and running 

Evelyn remembered shutting down her jewelry business and handing over the last details to Bobby. So seeing her brand in a far place like Irinland was puzzling. 

Aron stopped eating, sadness flickering in his smile. “I was in Chisia a while back and met someone I used to know,” he shared. They sold me the brand. It was always a success, and letting it vanish would’ve been a real loss. 

“Someone you used to know? Evelyn echoed in surprise. She thought she might get it and asked, “You are talking about 

ΠΕΡ 

She caught his eye, searching for an answer. Aron simply nodded, confirming her guess without a word. 

Evelyn connected the dots–actually she’d had her suspicions before but had been too timid to ask. Aron’s earlier hustle, and then his leisurely wait by the mall door, made sense now–he’d mistaken her for an old friend. 

Evelyn’s face flushed with embarrassment. “Sorry, I just couldn’t place you. Who are you again?” 

Aron bellowed a laugh and gently rullied her hair, his eyes war with allection. “You haven’t changed. Evelyn, always so cute. You used to mix me up with my brother, and here you are still not recognizing me.” 

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