---- Chapter 19 Jake thought about Isabel, the psychologist treating Ryann. She was Vernon's student, so did she know Eva? Jake called Isabel and asked directly, "Do you know Eva? A soft chuckle came from the other end. "You've already divorced Eva, and I've successfully treated your beloved. Why do you look for Eva now?" Jake paid no mind to her sarcasm and asked with pleading, "| know you're aware of her whereabouts. Please tell me her address. | need to see her and tell her | love her." Isabel sneered, "If | recall correctly, when | suggested that treating Ryann required you to divorce Eva and then give Ryann arightful identity, you immediately divorced Eva, did you? And now you tell me you've fallen for Eva, whom you were eager to divorce? | haven't been in your country long, but | didn't realize expressing love could be so indirect." Jake was momentarily speechless. He had to explain the situation, but Isabel hung up the phone directly. Jake exhaled deeply and was even more certain that Eva was with Vernon now. He asked his people to locate Vernon's current place while ---- booking the fastest flight to Veryland. Upon landing, he was promptly escorted to Vernon's place. They stopped at a villa known for its stringent security. "Mr. Stephens, due to Vernon's global reputation, many celebrities visit him, so his residence is highly confidential. We cannot get in now." Jake stepped out of the car. He gazed at the grand villa district. He thought it was nice that Eva wasn't living in a rundown place. Indeed, no matter where she went, she always managed to live well. His assistant mistook Jake's silence for anger. After all, Jake was influential in his native country. He was welcomed everywhere. He had never faced such exclusion before. His assistant nervously glanced at Jake, who was always imposing, only to find him giving a calm expression, even a faint smile on his lips. Jake sensed the gaze upon him and said softly, "It's alright. Let's just wait here." He had been a guardian for over a decade, and it was time to experience the waiting game. ---- After all, Eva had waited quietly for him for so long. Jake sent his people away and wandered around the villa district alone. He found a century-old tree and remembered how he nearly fell while climbing a tree when he was a little boy. Eva cried loudly, and he had soothed her despite his scrapes. There was a lake with a few small boats. He remembered he had a row with Eva when they were kids. He noticed halfway that the usually lively girl was silent. When he turned to her, he saw that her face was pale. Later, he learned that she had nearly drowned in a river before and had developed a fear of water. But for his happiness, she had accompanied him anyway. Jake chuckled softly. His mind flooded with memories of Eva, so much so that every place evoked a related memory. He wondered how many times Eva had thought of him during her stay there. Was it longing, nostalgia, or perhaps... Jake dared not think about it deeper. So he peered around as he persistently called Vernon, but the calls went unanswered. Jake stayed there for three days, drenched by rain and ---- buffeted by wind, but he stood motionless at the door as if numb to it all, waiting with a pious devotion.