Chapter 21

Alexander lived in the small town for three years. During that time, he'd developed several highly successful tech products and even founded his own company. But since he preferred to stay out of the spotlight, everything was officially registered under Sean's name. Zoey would occasionally send him gifts. Sometimes it was a gemstone, other times a fallen leaf or a handful of strangely colored feathers. She knew perfectly well that Alexander didn't want her around, but she still showed up on holidays. She was fond of him. Anyone could see that, and Alexander certainly noticed. But he wasn't interested in another uncertain romance. He was fine on his own. He didn't need any company. … By the third Christmas, he rejected Zoey's confession with utter seriousness. Then, just before the fourth Christmas, Alexander finally received news about Audrey, only to learn that she had died. For years, she searched desperately for any sign of Alexander, like a woman possessed, but Zoey always