Chapter 189

The Apothecary Hall of Aldercrest Mountain was filled with the soothing aroma of herbs.

Aria Bennett stepped into the ancient courtyard with her companions, her eyes immediately drawn to the rare medicinal plants thriving in the garden. The aged herbs glistened under the sunlight, their luster captivating her.

"These herbs..." she murmured softly, her fingers unconsciously brushing against the small medicine pouch at her side.

Dean Laurent personally welcomed them and led the group to the archives. The weighty medical texts exuded the scent of ink as Aria flipped open a page, her eyes lighting up with admiration.

"Damian," she whispered, tugging lightly at Damian Cross's sleeve. "Come with me."

The director, noticing their movement, tactfully shifted the camera away. The live comments exploded instantly:

[Where's Aria's dad? I want to see him!]

[Damian disappeared again!]

Meanwhile, Nolan Reed stood beneath the corridor, his gaze dark as he watched the two walk away. Spotting Silas Kane also staring in their direction, he scoffed and approached him.

"Stay away from her," Nolan said coldly.

Silas didn't even turn. "And who are you to say that?"

"Better than you," Nolan clenched his fists. "Back off."

Finally, Silas looked at him, a dangerous glint in his eyes. "Try me."

The tension between them crackled before Nolan turned away with a derisive snort. Silas watched him leave, a mocking smile curling his lips.

Elsewhere, Aria pulled Damian into a secluded corner.

"You want to join the Apothecary Hall?" Damian guessed her thoughts effortlessly.

Aria raised an eyebrow in surprise. "How did you know?"

"Just a hunch," he chuckled. "And you want to buy herbs too?"

"Damian," Aria narrowed her eyes. "You seem to know me well."

His gaze softened. "Better than you think."

Her heart skipped a beat before she suddenly asked, "Your knowledge of medicine... you didn't learn it in this world, did you?"

The air froze.

Damian's pupils contracted briefly before he laughed. "I should've known I couldn't hide it from you."

"You've been there too?" Her voice tightened.

"Yes," he nodded. "I've met you in every world."

Aria's breath hitched. "Then I'm—"

"Aria," he said gently. "Always you."

She took a half-step back. "Why don't I remember?"

"Your emotional memories were locked," Damian explained, his eyes deep. "I only started remembering recently."

Her heart pounded wildly. She should have realized sooner—the inexplicable familiarity, the instinctive trust...

"Why did you take on those missions?" Her voice trembled.

"To survive," he answered honestly, briefly explaining the car accident and the system.

After a long silence, Aria suddenly smiled. "Seems we're fated."

"More than that," Damian gazed at her intently. "Aria, I'll wait for you to remember."

Dappled sunlight filtered through the leaves, casting patterns over them. Aria met his eyes and gave a small nod.

In that moment, something between them quietly shifted.