Chapter 754

The cobblestone path of the ancient town wound through rows of quaint shops.

Evelyn Carter lingered by each storefront, her fingers lightly tracing the delicate handicrafts on display. She remembered she needed to pick gifts for Aunt Margaret and Sister Guixiang—each one had to be chosen with care.

Alexander Hamilton pushed the stroller, maintaining just the right distance behind her. His gaze softened as he watched her deliberate over each item.

"Man, you've got the patience of a saint," a weary-looking young man beside him remarked. "I've been standing here for almost two hours."

Alexander arched a brow. Dressed in a casual hoodie with strands of hair falling over his forehead, he looked much younger than his actual age.

"Used to it," he replied evenly.

The guy sighed enviously. "Your girlfriend's lucky. Mine shops like it's an endurance test—my legs are shaking."

A faint smile touched Alexander's lips. "I used to think shopping was tedious too."

"And then?"

"And then I got dumped."

The man's eyes widened. "Seriously? Over that?"

Alexander's gaze drifted to Evelyn, who was examining a pair of bracelets a few stalls away. "I was too young to appreciate things back then."

"So you two... got back together?" the guy pressed curiously.

Before Alexander could answer, a high-pitched voice interrupted.

"Babe, which one looks better?" The man's girlfriend held up two bracelets, tilting them in the sunlight.

Instantly, the guy plastered on a grin. "You look gorgeous in anything, sweetheart!"

Alexander shook his head wryly as the man scurried off.

"What are you looking at?" Evelyn approached, holding two neatly wrapped boxes.

"Just..." He paused. "Observing how young couples behave."

Following his line of sight, Evelyn chuckled. "Don't tell me you're taking notes."

"Just noticing," he said, taking the bags from her, "how some people care deeply but refuse to admit it."

She blinked. "That sounds familiar."

Alexander cleared his throat and nudged the stroller forward. "What did you pick for the aunts?"

"Pearl earrings." She lifted one of the boxes. "The quality here is exceptional."

As the sun dipped low, they settled at a riverside restaurant. Golden ripples shimmered on the water beyond the wooden lattice windows.

"Try this." Alexander placed a steamed dumpling on Evelyn's plate. "Beef filling."

She took a bite, her eyes closing briefly. "Tastes just like when I was little."

"Your dad..." he ventured carefully.

"He always said beef had a strange smell," she recalled with a smile. "But every birthday, he'd buy the freshest cut anyway."

Watching the ease in her expression, Alexander felt an invisible weight lift. Time had softened the pain, leaving only warmth in its wake.

"I hated carrots as a kid," he offered suddenly.

Evelyn looked up, surprised. "Really? I'd never have guessed."

"Auntie Marry tried everything to make me eat them." His voice held a note of nostalgia. "Finally figured out mincing them into beef filling worked best."

She laughed. "No wonder you love beef so much now."

"Some habits," he said quietly, "stick without you realizing."

Outside, the last rays of sunlight vanished beneath the river. Lanterns flickered to life along the ancient streets, their reflections dancing on the water.

Evelyn gazed at the distant lights and murmured, "Actually..."

"Hmm?"

"Teresa loved beef too." Her voice was soft but clear.

Alexander's chopsticks stilled. The lantern glow wavered in his eyes, bright then dim.