Rising from the Ashes (Andrew and Lauren) novel Chapter 2341

Andrew did not say anything. Instead, he just looked down at the woman before him.

Mikayla's eyes lit up with joy, thinking she had a chance. By closing the distance, apologizing earnestly, and adding her incomparable beauty to the mix, it was an unbeatable trump card.

She believed that Andrew clearly could not resist her.

Ten years ago, she had been just a young girl. People could already tell she would grow into a beauty, but she hadn't yet come into her own, and her allure had not fully bloomed. Now, though, Mikayla was at the peak of her womanhood.

Even some of the most elite heirs in Chetvine had publicly pursued her, but she had politely turned them all down. After all, there were plenty of fish in the sea, and she was not ready to settle with one just yet.

Andrew suddenly said, "Mikayla, you know something? Right now, you look exactly like a woman I used to know."

Mikayla froze, then blushed. "Andrew, I'm guessing this woman… she was someone you used to be with, right?"

Andrew smiled. "That's right. We were together once."

Mikayla interrupted eagerly. "Wait, Andrew, don't say any more. Let me keep guessing! I'm guessing she left you, and to this day, you still can't let it go. You feel deep regret, don't you?"

Before Andrew could answer, she pressed on. "So you see her shadow in me, don't you? Even though that hurts me so much, I just want you to be happy. If being with me fills the gap in your heart, then I'm willing to be the stand-in."

Andrew raised an eyebrow. "Why come to me?"

Mikayla said, "Because you're Mr. Goodman's senior. Today I saw you refine a ninth-grade Soul-Restoring Pill with my own eyes. Andrew, whether it's martial arts or alchemy, you're my idol, my role model. That's why I came to you. That's all there is to it."

Andrew smiled faintly. "Funny, because from the moment I arrived in Chetvine, our relationship hasn't exactly been great. Mikayla, I know you've grown up over the years. You've taken on your family's responsibilities and learned the cost of reputation and gain.

"Society's a giant mixing pot, and Chetvine is a stage for power and profit. Because of your position, your choices, and the needs of the Owens family, you decided to draw a line between us. I understood that. But now, all of a sudden, you're trying to cozy up to me, and that's what I can't understand."