Aiden's refined eyes held a deep, thoughtful expression. A knowing smile touched his lips as he let out a soft sigh. "Liliana, take care of yourself. And... don't let yourself live with regrets."
With those final words, he turned and walked away without waiting for her reply, his umbrella a solitary black shape against the swirling snow.
Inside his silver Maybach, Aiden sat in the driver's seat, his gaze fixed calmly ahead as he held his phone to his ear. On the other end, a warm, affectionate voice spoke in the fluent, local dialect of Port Selmar. "Aiden, when are you coming home? Didn't you say you'd met someone you liked? You're not getting any younger, dear. If you both feel it's right, you should bring her home to meet us. The parents can get together, and we can pick a good day to set the engagement."
Aiden's mother sounded excited and hopeful.
He lowered his dark lashes, a wry smile on his face as he replied in the same dialect, "Mom, I'm afraid I'll have to disappoint you. She doesn't like me back."
"Oh... I see..." Mrs. Grant was surprisingly understanding, though the disappointment in her voice was clear. She quickly regained her composure and tried to comfort him. "Well, in that case... how about I arrange some dates for you? Aiden, darling, it's not that I'm rushing you, but your grandfather... he really wants to hold his great-grandchildren."
Aiden chuckled softly. "Let's not. I already have someone in my heart. It wouldn't be fair to the other girls to go on dates and get married."
This time, Mrs. Grant sounded displeased. "So what are you going to do? Stay single forever just because you can't forget her? That's ridiculous!"

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