Chapter 2 - unspoken recognition

The Miller family gathered in the living room, everyone Chatting and catching up all morning, Isabella, on the other hand, had been radiant with enthusiasm, teasing references to the appeal of her fiancé. 

Telling the family how good and kind he had been to her, she said, “He loves me so much, and I can't wait for you guys to meet him. He is so sweet.” Even then, she was very anxious." and she tried to calm her anxiety. Ethan on the other hand played at her feet, Sharon sat on the couch.

Sharon then asked, "How did you two meet?"

"We met at a business conference a year ago, and from there, we got along really well. We decided to go into a relationship because he said he was ready to settle down, and I am too," Isabella explained.

"Wow, that's so nice! I can't wait to meet him," Sharon replied.

"You'll like him, sister," Isabella added.

As the sound of screeching tires from a red Ferrari echoed through the compound, Isabella peered out the window.

"Oh he''s here!." Isabella declared as she went outside to bring him in.

The front door opened, and Isabella stormed in with her arm connected to a tall and a confident man with blue eyes. Breath seized in her throat as Sharon fixed her eyes on Davis.

"Everyone," Meet my fiancé, Davis." She said with a brilliant smile.

Davis moved forward, his typical grace slipping just a little as he fixed his eyes on Sharon. And he quickly looked away something seemed familiar about her.

Isabella gestured to her parents, " Davis, these are Mary and Peter, my parents.” She added.

Davis stretched out his hand to shake them, and he said, "Lovely to meet you."

And here is Sharon, my sister, Isabella said.

Davis turned to Sharon, his face unreadable "Sharon," he continued, his voice faint now.

"Davis," Sharon said, trying a forced smile.

" You two already know each other? Raising an inquisitive eyebrow, Isabella asked.

Sharon shook her head very fast. No, you simply said his name earlier.

Davis nodded in agreement. It's wonderful to meet you at last. He chuckled.

Sharon felt her heart speed as Davis's eyes strayed momentarily to Ethan, who was peering up at him with broad, inquisitive eyes. There was something striking about the little boy.

The family settled into the living room, and Mrs. Miller started the conversation on learning about Davis right away.

"So, Davis," she said, "what do you do?"

"I run companies in real estate and technology," Davis said. Though it keeps me busy, it's time draining."

"Excellent," Peter remarked. "You have developed rather a reputation," he said.

"Thank you," Davis said, somewhat shyly.

Davis's eyes kept straying to Ethan, who was now tinkering with a toy car, as the talk went on. The young boy displayed something remarkably familiar. Which Davis sensed.

"How old is he?," Davis asked abruptly, keeping his voice laid back.

"Two," Sharon responded rapidly, her voice clipped.

Isabella smiled down at Ethan and murmured, "He's a very handsome and wonderful child, he takes after me" she said giggling.

Mary continued, carefully examining Ethan, "you know, he looks a little like Davis, doesn't he?"

The comment lingered in the air for too long. Sharon's pulse skipped a beat, her breath seized.

Isabella laughed wildly. "Oh, Mom, you always say everyone look alike! These days, strangers seem similar everywhere."

"True," Sharon said rapidly, making everyone chuckle. "I have seen lots of children that resemble celebrities."

Mary laughed and shook it off. "I think you're right."

Sharon turned to face Davis, who was closely observing her. She turned away fast, hands quivering slightly.

"Davis," Peter continued, guiding the discussion back, "what made you fall for Isabella?"

Davis gave Isabella a grin. "She has the most beautiful heart I have ever encountered, she is intelligent and I love her drive, she is a lovely person and when I first met her I knew she was my perfect match."

Blushing, Isabella pushed him gently for fun. "You're making me sound like a saint."

Taking her hand, Davis murmured, "It's true."

Mary sighed softly. "You two are exactly matched for each another."

Sharon choked hard, Trying to concentrate on Ethan, who was now tugging at her skirt, she picked him up and tried to distract herself from the conversation.

Suddenly turning to her, Isabella exclaimed, "Sharon," "what about you?" Are you seeing anyone?

She shook her head. "No, just concentrating on Ethan right now."

"That's fantastic," Davis replied, his tone uninterpretable.

Sharon nodded gently, and bit her lip.

Isabella drew Sharon aside in the living room after dinner so Davis could be talking with Peter.

"You seemed quiet earlier," Isabella murmured, wrinkling her brow.

"I'm just tired," Sharon responded hurriedly. "It has been a long day."

Isabella inclined her head. "You really are sure that is all? You seemed a little bit nervous."

"I am fine, really," Sharon insisted. "Just getting used to being back home."

"OK. Still, I'm here if you ever want to talk." Isabella replied.

Sharon answered, "Thanks," attempting a smile.

Sharon started to smile under pressure. "Bella, I am glad for you. Davis really look like a decent guy and he really loves you so much."

"He is," Isabella murmured, her cheeks turning red. "I am looking forward seeing you guys getting to know each other more."

Sharon nodded while her chest tightened as Isabella turned away.

Davis, in the meantime, was in the living room staring at Ethan, who was now asleep on the couch. 

"What then is on your mind?" Seeing Davis's unfocused attitude, Peter asked

Davis said fast, "Nothing." And smiled tight.

But his head was whirling. Ethan's eye shapen and jaw curve were quite similar. Mary's earlier words kept coming back to him and he started to doubt everything.

Sharon watched Davis watching and tightened her hand on E

than defensively, warning him. Davis turned aside, trying to push the thought away. It couldn't be. could it ?