Chapter 368

Edward said gently, “Zina, rest well tonight. Tomorrow, I’ll take you around Jinston so we can have a proper look at the city together.”

The two went to the hotel to rest first. They had booked two presidential suites. Since Zina was a woman and Edward a man, and they weren’t actually family, it wouldn’t be proper for them to share a room.

Edward helped wheel her suitcase into her suite. The hotel had been reserved in advance, with every amenity customized to Zina’s preferences.

“Alright,” Zina said as she took her suitcase. “Good night, Edward.”

Edward smiled gently, “Good night, Zina.”

The next day, Zina woke to bright daylight streaming in. She reached under her pillow for her phone to check the time. It was already nine o’clock. Last night, her headache had kept her up until nearly dawn.

She was clueless about what memories she had lost, putting herself through all this. With a sigh, she got out of bed and went to wash up.

She picked out a blue long dress, slipped it on, and opened her jewelry box. She found a matching sapphire bracelet and fastened it around her wrist. The sapphire bracelet had pristine clarity that sparkled brilliantly. It was especially beautiful.

Her uncle owned a mine, and knowing Zina’s love for gemstones, he regularly sent her batches of exquisite jewelry. They were always the finest pieces, the same kind supplied to the royal family in Yinecrest. But even the royal family only got what she didn’t pick for herself.

After choosing her accessories, Zina grabbed a purse and, just in case, tossed a few gemstones inside. She didn’t know why, but she was especially fond of gems. Wherever she went, she always carried a few in her purse.

She let her hair fall loosely and walked out of the bathroom, stretching drowsily. She yawned. Edward had promised to take her out for breakfast that morning. There were so many kinds of breakfast foods at home, but what she really wanted was pasta. She’d had them before at the Evans Manor, but maybe because it wasn’t in her hometown, they never tasted quite right. Zina wondered if she would finally get to taste the flavor she remembered this time.

She was lost in thought when the doorbell rang, and she went to open the door. Edward was standing outside.

When Edward saw Zina, his eyes curved with a gentle smile. “Zina, did you sleep well last night?”

Zina thought for a moment before answering, “Better than when I was abroad.” Maybe it was because she was back home, but she really did feel like she was resting better, even though her memories hadn’t returned. Ever since she’d come back to Jinston, a faint sense of peace had settled in her heart.

Edward noticed the change in her expression and felt genuinely happy for her. She really did seem much better.

“All set? I found a great pasta place. Let’s go eat,” he said.

“I’m all set. Let’s go. I’ve heard the food here is amazing. Let’s hurry.” At the thought of delicious food, Zina’s eyes sparkled.

“Alright,” Edward smiled softly.

They left the hotel together. Outside, a black Bentley was parked.

“Careful,” Edward said, opening the car door for her and placing his hand on the roof to protect her as she got in.

Zina slid into the car. Edward walked around and got into the driver’s seat.

“Zina, fasten your seatbelt. The place is a bit far. Here, some milk to tide you over,” he said, handing her a bottle of warm milk from the armrest. She’d mentioned wanting pasta even before coming back, so Edward had done his research and picked out the best spot. Edward knew she’d be disappointed if she couldn’t get the taste she wanted.

Zina buckled her seatbelt and sipped the milk slowly. Edward started the car and drove them away.

They arrived at the pasta shop.

“Are we here?” Zina stepped out of the car, taking in the spacious, brightly lit restaurant packed with people. Photos of mouthwatering pasta hung on the walls. There were so many kinds of pasta, crispy potato cakes, and fried potatoes. It was simply irresistible–enough to make anyone drool. Zina could hardly tear her eyes away.

She looked up at the store sign overhead, Yorwave Pasta House. This place had a great reputation, and with it being morning, it was no wonder the place was packed.

“We’re here. Let’s go get your favorite pasta,” Edward said with a fond smile. As soon as the car was parked, Zina hopped out eagerly. Edward followed behind, carrying her bag.

“This way. I booked us a private room,” he said, gently taking her hand and leading her toward the private room.

Just as they entered the private room, two young men came in behind them.

“This place serves Zinnia’s favorite pasta. We never understood why she loved it so much, but it turns out she grew up in Yellowsin,” Ethan said, dressed in his pilot uniform. He was exhausted after just finishing a night shift and hadn’t had time to change. He’d come straight here in Brian’s car.

“You’ve spent years traveling the world looking for news about Zinnia. Any leads?” Brian asked. He, in a blue shirt, had a cool, distant look. As a police officer, he carried a stern, unyielding air.

“None. Not a single clue.” At the mention of Zinnia, Ethan lowered his gaze, hiding the sorrow in his eyes. For four years, they had no idea whether Zinnia was still alive. They never imagined that the last time they saw her would be their final farewell. Over the years, Ethan had flown to countless places, always asking after her, but there was never any news.

Brian patted him on the shoulder. “We’ll keep looking. I’ve asked Finnian to keep an eye on the database, too.” They had already waited four years. As long as Zinnia was still alive, Brian believed they would find her one day.

Brian stepped further into the restaurant. “Aren’t you hungry? Let’s go eat.”

Ethan followed and said, “Lydia is back. Let’s find a time for all of us to get together.”

“Okay.” Brian nodded.

Inside the private room, Edward smiled gently, “Try the pasta you’ve been dreaming about. See if they taste like what you remember?”

The server brought over the steaming plate, and Edward handed her a fork.

With the Evans family’s influence, it was easy to uncover Zina’s past. Zina had lived in Yellowsin and loved pasta. Even when they were abroad, they hired countless chefs to make them for her, but every time she tasted them, she would frown and say it wasn’t quite right.

Zina gazed at the delicious pasta in front of her and took in the scent. Still, it didn’t match the feeling deep inside. She picked up a bite with her fork.

“Careful, it’s hot. Take your time,” Edward reminded her.

Letting the steam dissipate, Zina took a bite. She savored it carefully, a slight frown appearing on her face.

“Still not the taste you remember?” Edward observed her reaction. This was already the best pasta house in Jinston. The owner was originally from Yellowsin.

Zina swallowed. “It’s kind of similar, but still not quite it. Though it’s better than what I had overseas.” It was close, but still not the taste she remembered in her heart. Truthfully, Zina wasn’t even sure what that taste was anymore–she just knew this wasn’t it.

‘What memories have I really lost?’ she wondered. There was a persistent emptiness in her heart.