Chapter 401

Larissa had the exact same thought. She assumed Dylan had returned to Covenford.

“I’m in Bartham for a business trip, so I will be leaving in a few days,” Larissa said with a polite smile as she discreetly pulled her hand out of his grasp.

The hope that ignited a flame in Dylan’s eyes faded quickly. I see…”

Trailing off, he shifted his gaze onto Aster, who was sitting in the shopping cart Although he was still little and not yet fully grown, his facial features strongly resembled Larissa’s.

A sudden thought popped into Dylan’s head.

His eyes widened, and Dylan pointed at Aster incredulously. ‘Is he your son?”

Larissa made up a lie unflinchingly. “He’s the son of my best friend and also my godson. His mom is on a month–long business trip and entrusted him into my care. However, I suddenly received an order to go on a business trip as well on short notice; that’s why I had to bring him along.”

Dylan had his doubts about her explanation. It was impossible for her best friend’s son to resemble her so closely Larissa didn’t want to have any more contact with Dylan “I’ll make a move first as I have other things to buy.” She quickly pushed the shopping cart in the opposite direction.

Dylan caught up to her in a hurry. “Are you still living in the same place as before?” he asked.

Larissa shook her head. “My company had arranged for accommodation in the neighboring apartment complex.”

Dylan seemed disappointed.

“Have you had dinner? I planned to get some groceries and steak for my meal. Since we’ve run into each other, why don’t you join me?” He invited her cheerfully.

Without hesitation, Larissa declined the offer. “We’ve already eaten ”

“Well…” Dylan struggled to find another reason to tag along with them. “What do you need to buy?

I’ll carry the bags for you!”

“There’s no need,” Larissa insisted, “I’m just going to buy a box of oatmeal. It’s not heavy at all.”

She strode to the imported goods section and grabbed a box of oatmeal. Then, Larissa tossed it into the shopping cart before heading toward the checkout counter In actual fact, she had many more things to buy. She decided to come back later in order to shake Dylan off her trail.

On the other hand, Dylan ignored her continuous protests and refused to pay any mind to her aversion.

He insisted on paying for her shopping and grabbed the bags, carrying them for her “Let me walk you home. It’s too late at night, and it’s not safe for both of you to walk alone,” Dylan argued.

Finally, Larissa lost her patience. Annoyed, she warned him seriously, “Dylan, I do not want to have any connection with anyone from my past, even you. Do you understand?”

The smile on Dylan’s face slowly faded. Behind the lenses of his glasses, the usual glint in his eyes was nowhere to be seen. Instead, his eyes were filled with sorrow.

“Are you saying we’re no longer friends?” he asked.

Larissa involuntarily clenched her fists, and her heart felt as if it was getting pricked by needles. The stabbing pain spread throughout her body as Larissa bit her lower lip hard.

After a moment, Larissa composed herself and looked up at Dylan indifferently. “Yes,” she said coldly.

The disappointment on Dylan’s face was evident.

“Alright.” He returned the shopping bag to her.

Taking the bag, Larissa pulled out her wallet and retrieved a hundred–dollar bill. She handed it to him.

“Here’s the money I owe you.”

“That’s all right.” Dylan tucked his hands into his pockets and smiled bitterly. “Consider it a gift for the child *

To avoid any further conversation, Larissa kept the bill.

“Thank you so much.” She nudged Aster. “Say thank you to Uncle Dylan.”

Aster gave Dylan a timid stare and mumbled softly, “Thank you.”

Dylan patted his head and replied, “You’re welcome.”

Holding the shopping bag in one hand, Larissa held Aster’s hand with the other.

She feared that her lies regarding where they lived would be exposed, so Larissa intentionally walked in the direction of the neighboring apartment complex.

When they arrived at the main entrance, she turned around and discovered that Dylan was still following them!