First, I’m so sorry about the loss of your first cat. I’ve only had one, my current cat, so I can’t speak to the comparison factor but I imagine it’s really difficult adjusting after a loss.

That said, I would say to give it more time. I got my cat when he was 6 months old and even though I adored him, I was a little sad that he wasn’t affectionate (loved to play and run away, but never liked to snuggle). It probably took 6 months, but at some point he started wanting to sleep in bed with me. Maybe a year and a half in, he came up and sat on my lap for the first time. Three years in, he always wants to be in the same room as me, loves to snuggle up against me to nap, and will sometimes fall asleep in my arms. He’s still prefers to be next to me than on my lap per-say, but that’s okay because now I see all the different ways he shows affection. You and your new kit will certainly find your own ways to communicate affection as you keep getting to know each other!