“Raegan, this is Davey, a longtime family friend and close associate of my father's." Stefan maintained a tranquil demeanor, but his hand was stealthily positioned to support Raegan's back, offering a silent gesture of protection.

Raegan had been leaning on him for support just moments before.

Concealed beneath the elegant folds of her wedding dress, Raegan's faint tremors were observed only by Stefan. She was scared. He was puzzled for a second. Why would she fear Davey? They had never met before.

Raegan sensed Stefan's intentions and, with Stefan's support, her fear began to recede. She collected herself and extended a courteous greeting, “Davey, I'm Raegan."

Raegan's gentle voice disarmed Davey, softening his heart for a moment. He pondered, if that little girl had survived, she'd be roughly Raegan's age by now. She must be stunning, with her parents' genes.

“Davey, then I'll take Raegan back to rest now," Stefan said, preparing to leave.

Davey's gaze intensified, his piercing eyes seeming to see beyond Raegan's wedding dress, as if glimpsing a hidden truth. He said, "Miss Foster, you're with child. Your health is paramount. Beware of colds, for the baby's sake."

Raegan's heart skipped a beat once more Whenever Davey mentioned her baby, Raegan sensed a hint of menace in his tone, which made her uneasy.

Stefan stepped forward, positioning himself protectively in front of Raegan, his voice calm and reassuring. "I'll keep her safe. Don't worry."

Davey's Lips curled into a wry smile as he uttered a dry, “Not bad.”

“Please, enjoy yourself," Stefan said to Davey, offering Raegan his arm and escorting her away.

Just a few paces away, a young man burst into a sprint, his arms open wide, ready to envelop Raegan in a warm embrace.

Stefan's brow furrowed, and he swiftly extended his arm, halting the young man's eager approach with a firm but gentle gesture.

Bryce's face flushed with embarrassment as he sheepishly rubbed the back of his head, his greeting trailing off with a hesitant. "Raegan..."

Raegan's face lit up with a warm smile. "Bryce, what are you doing here?"

"Hector's tied up, and I happened to be in the area on vacation, so I thought I'd drop by," Bryce said cheerfully. Who would have imagined that the former troublemaker, once notorious for dodging his studies, had now achieved a master's degree?

After entering university, Bryce discovered a passion for scientific inquiry, delving deeply into research and becoming utterly absorbed in its pursuit.

After years of intense study, their paths finally crossed again when Raegan returned to Ardlens, and Bryce reached out to her through email, rekindling their connection.

Despite years apart, their connection felt natural and effortless, like no time had passed at all, and they slipped back into each other's company with effortless ease, no awkwardness whatsoever.

Stefan, noticing the chill in the air, concern etched on his face, suggested, "Let's move inside to talk."