Please check my answer thank you. I gave the reason why I picked the answer. ( I need help with the clarification )

Question

1. Fill in the blank so the sentence is MOST correct: When Alfie met James after a friend had set up a blind date, she looked different _________ what he had expected.

A. than X
B. from
C. to
D. Both A and B

I picked A. than because it is comparing her looks.

Answer 1

I'd accept A as correct since the words following "from" comprise a clause.
"So a big distinction between the two expressions is this: different from typically requires a noun or noun form to complete the expression, while different than may be followed by a clause."
https://www.grammar.com

I also know that grammar rules are getting looser and looser as time goes on and people get lazier! That's how we know it's a living language, not like Latin or ancient Greek.

The correct answer actually may be D in someone's mind. You really need to double-check what your text says about this.

Answer 2

https://www.grammar.com/different-from-vs-different-than/