New beginning: Billionaire love story (Claire and Alex) novel Chapter 240

Talia chuckled, the sound light and amused. “Didn’t expect you to remember me,” she said, her eyes sparkling with playful curiosity.

Christian grinned, his embarrassment slipping away as he found his footing. “Of course I remember you! How could I forget?” His tone was genuine, and his eyes scanned her face, noting the subtle differences.

Talia tilted her head, a smile tugging at the corners of her lips. “Even with a different hair color?”

Christian’s grin grew wider. “Even if you changed your whole appearance, Talia, I’d always know it’s you.”

Talia let out a soft chuckle, a slight blush creeping up her cheeks at his words. The pink hue was barely noticeable, but Christian caught it, feeling a small swell of pride at having caused it.

Just then, the barista returned with another coffee, handing it over to Christian. He looked down at the cup, realizing the mix-up. “Oh, uh, this one’s mine. Sorry for grabbing your coffee earlier,” he said, rubbing the back of his neck in embarrassment.

Talia chuckled again, the sound like music to his ears. “It’s fine, really,” she reassured him with a smile.

Both now properly caffeinated, they grabbed their drinks and made their way out of the coffee shop. The city buzzed around them, but Christian’s focus was entirely on Talia.

“You know,” Christian started as they walked, “your new hair really suits you. You look... really pretty.” His voice was sincere, but there was a hint of bashfulness as if he wasn’t used to dishing out compliments so freely.

Talia’s heart did a little flip at his words. She wasn’t sure why, but Christian’s compliment meant more to her than any she’d received in a long time. “Thank you,” she said, her voice a touch softer than before. She could feel her heart beating a bit faster, each thump echoing the flutters in her stomach.

They walked in companionable silence for a moment, sipping their coffees and taking in the city around them. Christian was the first to break the silence. “I haven’t seen you around much lately. How’ve you been? Still hanging out with Claire?”

Talia shook her head slightly, a wistful smile on her face. “I’ve been busy in Italy. Designing clothes, prepping for a fashion show… but, well, it didn’t exactly go the way I wanted.”

Christian’s brain kicked into gear as he tried to recall some news he’d heard recently. Then it clicked. “Wait, was this the Armetta fashion line that—” He hesitated, not wanting to bring up a sore subject, but the words tumbled out anyway. “—that got burned?”

Talia sighed, her shoulders slumping just a little. “Yep, that’s the one.” Talia couldn't help recalling Claire's words that people only remember the fire.

Christian winced internally, kicking himself for being the one to bring up something so painful. “I’m really sorry that happened, Talia. That’s awful.”

“It’s fine,” Talia said, her tone lightening as she looked at him. “Claire and Adrian had another plan anyway.”

Christian’s eyebrow shot up at the mention of Adrian. “Another plan?” he echoed, trying to keep his voice casual.

Talia bit her lip, clearly debating how much to say. “I’m not supposed to talk about it. It’s, uh, kind of confidential.”

Christian sensed her hesitation and didn’t want to push her. “No worries. Good luck with whatever plan you’re working on. I’m sure it’ll be a hit.”

Talia nodded, appreciating his understanding. “Thanks, Christian. I really should get going, though.” She gave him a small wave. “See you around?”

Christian watched her start to walk away, his mind racing. Should he? Could he? Mustering up every ounce of courage, he called out, “Talia, wait!”

She turned back to him, a curious look in her eyes. “Yeah?”