?Chapter 983:


    Ethan waspletely baffled.


    He nced toward Frederick and Trent across the room, questions tumbling through his mind.


    It wasn’t out of character for Frederick to say something so bold, but how could Trent echo the same sentiment?


    Ethan barely knew Trent, yet he’d always perceived Trent asposed and self-restrained. Could a man like that truly speak something like this?


    “What’s wrong?” Ellis asked, his tone light but probing.


    Ethan didn’t want Ellis to see how shaken he was, so he simply replied, “Nothing.” He couldn’t put his swirling emotions into words—they were far too tangled.


    Ellis said nothing more, observing him in silence.


    Later that evening, as the crowd began to thin, Alyssa lingered, deep in conversation with Frederick and Trent. The trio seemed to be having a wonderful time.


    Ethan approached and took his ce by her side, speaking casually, “Alyssa, if you don’t head home soon, you’ll be breaking your family’s curfew.”


    Alyssa waved goodbye to Trent and Frederick.


    Settling into Ethan’s car, she remained caught up in the lively discussion they’d just shared. It was a rare treat to talk with people who truly understood; they’d delved into everything from astronomy and geography to literature and clever life hacks. Of course, Trent had also recounted some of the strangest cases he’d encountered, leaving Alyssa thoroughly amazed.


    “Hey,” Ethan called, noticing her distant expression.


    Alyssa turned toward him, her featuresposed as before. “What’s up?”


    “What do you think of Trent and Frederick?” Ethan asked casually, then added, “Don’t judge them solely by Ellis’s introduction. Being great friends doesn’t automatically make someone a great partner.”


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    “I know,” Alyssa replied simply.


    Ethan frowned in puzzlement. So what was her real opinion of Frederick and Trent?


    She answered, “They’re both wonderful. With Trent, I’d feel secure and cared for. With Frederick, every day would be full ofughter.” They wereplete opposites—one steady and mature, the other vibrant and lighthearted.


    “Are you serious?” Ethan asked, a hint of irritation flickering across his face but vanishing as quickly as it came.


    “Why wouldn’t I be? The one I have feelings for doesn’t feel the same way, so really, what’s the use in clinging to something that’s never going to happen?” Alyssa said, testing the waters while also giving herself a little reminder. “It’s time to let go of the past and look ahead.” But in her heart, she hadn’t moved on.


    When they were children, Ethan had dly let her tease him.


    Yearster, during her painful middle-school days, he’d defended her fiercely—dering to everyone that she was his good friend and off-limits.


    He had been there for almost every pivotal moment in her life. And yet, he didn’t feel the same way about her. She’d epted that truth long ago, but she still clung to a hope she knew she shouldn’t.


    Hearing her words ignited a sudden impulse in Ethan. Since she imed she was ready to move on, could she perhaps give him a chance?


    “Have you really moved on from Bruce, or is it because your family is pressuring you to get married?” he asked gently as he steered the car.


    Alyssa hesitated. How was she supposed to respond to that? After all, she’d just fabricated the whole thing.


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