Chapter 278:
“Haven’t you portrayed characters in romantic productions?” Kristian remarked with practiced casualness. “Just offer some general insight so I can provide him with an answer, otherwise, he’ll remain too distracted to function effectively.”
Zander felt momentarily speechless. How could he possibly provide casual advice on such a profound matter?
Rather than offering superficial guidance, he maintained his characteristic gentleness. “Perhaps consult online resources or discussion forums. They might contain more comprehensive perspectives.”
Kristian abruptly ended the connection.
He launched his browser and entered several variations of “What does it feel like to love someone?”
Then he initiated the search. He selected the first result that appeared. “Love manifests through several recognizable patterns. First, during digital conversations with them, you inevitably find yourself smiling.” Kristian furrowed his brow in confusion. Smile? Freya primarily evoked frustration in him.
“Second, during periods of separation, you compulsively think about them, imagining various coincidental encounters, and when you actually see them, your heartbeat accelerates uncontrollably.” Kristian’s confusion deepened.
Kristian scrolled through the article, his mind struggling to align the information with his feelings. “Third, you develop heightened self-awareness, feeling somehow undeserving of their presence.” Kristian found himself speechless. Definitely not. “Fourth, observing them with another person generates distinct unhappiness.”
At this point, Kristian’s mind involuntarily constructed images of Freya alongside Trent, and he indeed felt discomfort. Could he possibly harbor genuine feelings for Freya? As he pondered this question, his finger scrolled to the conclusion of the article, where bold text proclaimed: “Did someone specific materialize in your thoughts while reviewing these signs? If you identify with at least three listed reactions, it indicates authentic emotional attachment.”
Kristian deactivated his phone and tossed it onto the adjacent seat. The article specified three criteria, but he recognized only one matching response, which disqualified him from the conclusion.
Don’t miss fresh updates at gⱯlnσν𝓮ls․cøm
With that rationalization, a sudden mental clarity washed over him, and he wasted no more time. He activated the engine, directing his vehicle toward Freya’s residence.
He had reached a conclusion. Although he didn’t love Freya romantically, his family held her in high regard. With Ashley’s situation resolved, he intended to propose that he and Freya reconsider their divorce plans. Even without love, she represented a compatible partnership.
If Zander could glimpse these thoughts, he might be shocked and tempted to examine the inner workings of Kristian’s mind directly.
The vehicle continued its journey, and an hour later, he arrived at Freya’s residence. Considering Freya’s customary indifference toward him, he called ahead before heading up to her apartment, informing her of his desire for a substantive discussion.
Freya anticipated that the conversation would revolve around their divorce, so she allowed Kristian to come upstairs.
Within minutes, Kristian had settled into her living room. “Get to the point,” she said coldly, lowering herself onto the single sofa across from him, her demeanor exhibiting remarkable composure.
Kristian’s eyes wandered to the water glass in front of her. Realizing he needed to approach this conversation carefully, he remarked, “I’m feeling quite thirsty.”
“Then make this quick,” Freya countered sharply, her words cutting through the air with surgical precision. The abruptness of her response startled him.
At this moment, he could affirm with absolute certainty that Freya no longer cared for him. He wondered where her tenderness had vanished—that patience and attentiveness she had once lavished upon him.
.
.
.