Chapter 134

Andrew watched Susan's retreating figure and couldn't help but sigh.

They all said they treated everyone equally, but was that really possible?

Upstairs, Susan gently knocked on Alexandra's door.

She only knocked three times, thinking if there was no response, she would leave.

Luckily, on the third knock, a voice came from inside:

"Who is it?"

"Alexandra, it's Mom."

As soon as the words left her mouth, Alexandra opened the door.

"Mom? What brings you here?"

Seeing Susan holding a tray of steaming pastries, Alexandra had a pretty good idea.

"I was worried you didn't eat enough dinner, so I made you some pastries. These are new recipes I've been trying out. Would you like to taste them?"

Seeing Susan's hands red from the heat, Alexandra felt a pang of emotion.

"Thanks, Mom, but I'm really full."

"You're right, eating too much at night isn't good for digestion." Susan looked a bit regretful, and Alexandra guided her into the room.

"Mom, you don't need to go to so much trouble. I don't usually eat late-night snacks."

"Is that so!" Susan set the pastries down and took Alexandra's hand. "You've been working so hard for the company, leaving early and coming back late. Are you getting used to it?"

"It's fine."

For Alexandra, this was nothing compared to her time at Aurelius Atelier.

"You still need to take care of yourself and get plenty of rest."

Susan looked at Alexandra with concern. "No matter how important work is, your health comes first!"

"Don't worry, Mom, I'll take care of myself."

Alexandra held Susan's hand. "You don't need to worry about me!"

"Alright, then what about you and Frederick? How are things going between you two?"

Susan's real concern was about Alexandra and Frederick.

From their interactions today, it seemed they were getting closer.

But the time was so short, Susan was worried but unsure.

Caught off guard, Alexandra blushed slightly.

"Why are you asking about this, Mom?" She lowered her head. "We're just getting along normally."

"I don't know what you're thinking, but it's clear Frederick likes you!"

Susan said firmly, "He's been very attentive to you these days."

"He even called us to ask about your preferences, like your favorite foods, clothes, and colors!"

"He asked about everything in detail!"

"Your dad and I thought, if he's this considerate, he must really like you."

Alexandra was a bit shocked, recalling how Frederick always chose restaurants and desserts that suited her taste.

So he had done his homework beforehand.

But Alexandra still felt a bit awkward. "Even though we have an engagement, it all feels too sudden and fast for me."

"I understand!" Susan sighed. "Before we found you, this engagement was supposed to be your sister's."

"Our families had arranged it long ago, but it was never finalized."

"We wanted the kids to get to know each other, and if they were willing, it wouldn't feel like we were forcing them."

"So we often sent Celeste to the Johnsons. Harris liked Celeste, but Frederick was always indifferent to her."

"We couldn't tell what they felt, so the matter was put on hold until you came back."

"To us, you're our biological daughter, different from Celeste. So this marriage should rightfully be yours."

"Your dad and I noticed Frederick treats you very differently from Celeste. He's much more attentive to you, which made us sure he likes you!"

Hearing Susan speak so confidently, Alexandra felt a bit lost.

"I never believed in love at first sight. He treats me well, but it all feels so sudden and fast. I don't know how to handle it."

Susan understood Alexandra's feelings. "You're young and have never been in a relationship, so it's normal to feel this way."

"Tell me, besides all this, how do you feel about him?"

If they could truly love each other and marry as their parents wished, it would be good for both families.

So Susan cared a lot about this.

"I don't know. Saying we're just friends doesn't feel right, but I don't think it's love yet."

Alexandra answered honestly.

Susan patted her hand.

"There's no rush. As long as you don't agree, your dad and I won't push you to get engaged or married quickly. You're just an adult; there's plenty of time."

"Okay."

Alexandra was most grateful that no one was rushing them.

But in these prominent families, marriages and relationships often weren't up to the individuals.

Many were arranged for family alliances, involving too many complexities.

Alexandra had known this even when she was still the Smiths' daughter.

John and Clara had tried several times to match her with suitable heirs from other families.

Now that she was a Windsor, this wouldn't change.

But fortunately, Andrew and Susan were more understanding of their children's feelings.

So they wouldn't force her.

"If you really don't like Frederick, your dad and I won't make you be with him. But I don't think you dislike him; you just don't understand your own feelings yet."

The Windsor family's status was already unique. Even without an alliance with the Johnsons, it wouldn't have a significant impact.

So Susan and Andrew had discussed it.

If Alexandra refused to marry, they wouldn't force their long-lost daughter.

It all depended on how Frederick and Alexandra got along.

"Mom, let's talk about this later."

Alexandra couldn't understand her own feelings and couldn't give Susan an answer.

Susan nodded.

"Whether you like him or not isn't urgent, but there's something else I need to discuss with you."

"What is it?" Alexandra looked at Susan seriously.

"I know Harris gave you a gift from his late wife, right?"

Alexandra nodded.

"That item is very important, you know that?"

"Yes." Alexandra touched her chest, where the necklace hung around her neck.