Chapter 127 Just A Nice Guy?
Arabella and Alexander spent the day at the hospital, finally leaving after Percy and Marilyn insisted they go home.
Over the next few days, Arabella visited the hospital after work every day. To her surprise, Marilyn was enthusiastic every time and took very good care of Percy.
Percy was somewhat incredulous, privately pulling her aside to ask, "Did you say something to Marilyn? She's changed so much lately. Not only is she taking care of my daily needs without complaint, but she's also being really thoughtful, just like three years ago."
Three years ago, when Marilyn first started caring for Percy, she'd been this attentive and enthusiastic. Percy felt rather unaccustomed to it.
Arabella was also puzzled. After thinking, she said, "Maybe she's afraid you'll kick her out once you're better. Right now she has to carefully take care of you, but she gets five grand a month, which is pretty good income for her. Or maybe she figured things out herself, or Daniel said something to her. It doesn't matter why she's doing this—as long as she takes good care of you, that's enough."
Percy nodded at this. That made sense. Arabella was relieved to confirm that Marilyn wasn't mistreating her father behind the scenes. She left the hospital and had just returned to the company when Philip called.
"Arabella, are you free tonight? I'm treating Daisy and you to a farewell dinner."
This guy had apparently been through something recently—his tone was much more mature.
Arabella asked, "The job Alex helped you ask about—did it work out?"
Philip said happily, "Yes, it's settled. I fly out tomorrow. I'm keeping this from my parents. Once I make something of myself abroad, I'll surprise them."
Arabella was happy for him too. "Great, send me the address. Should I bring Alexander tonight?"
Philip hesitated. "Sure."
He was a bit afraid of Alexander, but thinking about how this opportunity to escape his current life was all thanks to him, he really should treat the guy properly before leaving.
After making plans with Philip, Arabella sent Alexander a message. His call came through shortly after.
"You're definitely bringing me tonight?" His voice carried laughter, low and pleasant. "Won't that make you guys uncomfortable? It's your last gathering before he leaves—you should just have fun."
Arabella was confused. "Why would we be uncomfortable with you there? You, Philip, and Daisy got along fine before."
On the other end, Alexander was silent for a moment before saying, "Alright, I'll pick you up later."
Everyone else was basically aware of his identity now—only she didn't know. Thinking of how Daisy and Philip acted timid and afraid to speak whenever they saw him, Alexander couldn't help but smile. He'd try to be more approachable tonight. After all, these were her good friends—he needed to work on winning them over.
Being approachable was somewhat difficult for him though.
After hanging up, Alexander thought for a moment and called Roy over.
"What do you need?" Roy asked respectfully.
Alexander asked, "What's it like being friends with ordinary people?"
Roy was stunned. "What?... Could you be more specific? I don't quite understand."
Alexander sat there frowning. If you didn't know better, you'd think he was signing a billion-dollar deal. After pondering for a long time, he said, "How can I become more approachable?"
Roy was shocked. What was he hearing? Alexander wanted to be approachable?
He wanted to say that given his status, he was naturally worlds apart from ordinary people—being approachable was out of the question! Of course, Ms. Bourbon was an exception, but that was because Alexander was willing to humble himself for her—he enjoyed it.
Being approachable to others... unless they were someone he truly treasured, how could he possibly lower himself?
Seeing that Roy wasn't speaking, Alexander guessed he wouldn't get any valuable advice from him. He waved his hand irritably. "Never mind, you can go."
He'd have to think about this more carefully.
At six PM, Arabella got off work. As soon as she came downstairs, she saw Alexander's car parked there. He stood beside it without his phone, just focused on watching the company building, waiting for her.
Arabella was touched. She really had no resistance to this version of Alexander. Alexander waved at her, and Arabella walked over quickly.
There were two bottles of alcohol and an elegant cake in a box on the passenger seat. Arabella paused, about to close the door and sit in back, but Alexander had already moved the items to the back seat, explaining, "I bought these on the way—didn't have time to put them away. You can sit in front."
Arabella asked curiously, "Why did you buy these?"
Alexander gripped the steering wheel, driving calmly while saying, "Since it's a farewell party, there should be some ceremony to it. I got a cake to celebrate."
Arabella laughed. "That's so thoughtful of you. Daisy and I definitely wouldn't have thought of this. Philip really needs to thank you properly."
Alexander just smiled without responding.
When they reached the private room, Daisy and Philip instinctively stood up respectfully upon seeing Alexander. When they saw the alcohol and cake he'd brought, they were both stunned. Was this big shot really so ceremonial?
But they hadn't even changed clothes or washed their hair—wasn't this disrespectful to the big shot?
Alexander didn't understand why they'd suddenly become so awkward. He'd bought alcohol and cake—wasn't that approachable enough? When he got closer, they even instinctively stepped back three paces. Even Arabella noticed something was off. "What's wrong with you two?"
Philip and Daisy smiled awkwardly. How could they explain? Say they hadn't washed their hair in three days and were afraid of smelling bad? She might dare to listen, but they wouldn't dare say it.
Fortunately, after sitting down and drinking, liquid courage kicked in and the atmosphere gradually warmed up.
Philip raised his glass to Alexander. "I won't say much—just thank you for this."
His gratitude was genuine. From childhood, there hadn't been a single thing he could actively fight for. His parents had already drawn the lines for his path—not one bit of deviation was allowed. Being gay was his biggest rebellion in life.
It wasn't that he hadn't thought of other paths, but once he strayed from his parents' demands, he'd be forcibly dragged back to the "right track." This time, he'd not only escaped the marriage to the Reeves family but also embarked on a completely different path from what his parents had planned.
Without Alexander's help, he absolutely wouldn't have had the chance to take this road. Calling Alexander his second father wouldn't be an exaggeration.
Alexander clinked glasses with him, saying sincerely, "I wish you all the best."
He didn't have Philip's deep feelings about it. For one thing, this was just a small favor for him—a few phone calls. For another, he was only doing it for Arabella. She was worried about Philip's life, and he didn't want her to worry.
Daisy looked at Philip. "Finally grew some backbone once. Not bad—this time you acted like a man. But what about your parents? They'll go crazy when you're gone, right?"
Philip poured drinks while responding, "I don't know. The Reeves family will probably give them some trouble, but it should be manageable. My dad's been working for so many years—he hasn't built much of a business, but he's not that easy to destroy either."
Arabella asked, "You're not telling them before you leave? You'll contact them after you're abroad?"
Philip smiled bitterly. "I didn't even dare use my credit card for the plane ticket—I was afraid they'd catch on. If they knew, I definitely wouldn't be able to leave."
Hearing this, Daisy laughed, nudging Arabella. "Do you know where he got the money for his ticket?"
Arabella was also curious. Philip normally relied on his family's credit cards to live—without using credit cards, where would he get money for a plane ticket?
Daisy explained while trying not to laugh, "This coward broke open his childhood piggy bank."
She burst into laughter, and Arabella joined in. "To push him to this point is really something."
Being laughed at like this, Philip felt deeply embarrassed and said defensively, "My piggy bank that I hadn't touched since I was ten could buy me a ten-thousand-dollar plane ticket. Is that really so funny?"
The smiles on Daisy's and Arabella's faces froze. This guy's ten-year-old piggy bank could hold ten thousand dollars, and he hadn't bothered touching it for over ten years! Meanwhile, one of them worked her butt off every day for a $6,000 salary, while the other worked her butt off acting for pocket change.
Seeing the awkward atmosphere, Alexander quickly raised his glass. "Regardless, let's wish Philip a bright future."
Philip was moved to tears. "Having you say that, I can die without regrets."
He didn't realize his slip of tongue, but Daisy did, kicking him hard under the table. When he realized what he'd said, his face went pale as he carefully studied Arabella's and Alexander's expressions. Only when he saw nothing unusual did he relax.
Halfway through dinner, Arabella went to the restroom, and Daisy followed her out. Coming out of the bathroom, Daisy washed her hands while curiously asking, "How far have you and Alexander gotten?"
Arabella paused. "What do you mean, how far?"
Daisy couldn't believe it. "Come on! You're legally married—don't tell me you two still haven't done anything?"
Arabella realized what she meant and her face reddened. She said somewhat awkwardly, "What are you thinking? We're in a marriage of convenience. He likes men."
Daisy looked at her with a knowing smile. "If he likes men, pigs would fly. You've been living together for half a year—haven't you noticed anything strange?"
"Strange how?" Arabella's heartbeat unconsciously quickened.
"Think about it—if he wasn't interested in you, would he be so eager to help Philip?" Daisy was almost speechless. "And from your divorce until now, how much has he helped you? Arabella, you can't be this heartless—it's been half a year!"
Arabella felt unsettled by her words but still explained, "He helps me because he's a good person. He's very loyal."
"You believe that?" Daisy looked at her incredulously.
"I do." Arabella frowned, explaining seriously, "Alex is very kind. He's good to everyone."
Daisy looked at her like she was looking at an idiot. "He helps you, helps your dad, helps your friends, and you just think he's a nice guy?"
Arabella felt inexplicably irritated and didn't want to continue this topic. "Don't think about random stuff. Let's go back."
Daisy grabbed her arm, narrowing her eyes. "Your reaction is weird. Tell the truth—do you have feelings for him?"
Arabella lowered her head like a child who'd done something wrong. "...Maybe... a little."
After a pause, she quickly explained, "But that's because he's such a good person. I probably don't actually like him—it's just that I really admire him as a friend..."
Daisy crossed her arms and tapped one foot, wearing a "keep lying" expression. Arabella's voice unconsciously lowered, but she still insisted, "It's definitely not that kind of feeling."
"Fine, if you say it's not, then it's not." Daisy wore an "I already know everything" expression. Feeling sorry for her friend, she added, "Actually, Alexander would be a pretty good choice."
Arabella nodded in agreement, mentally adding: If only he wasn't gay.
Daisy opened her mouth but ultimately said nothing. If she was the one to break through this facade, Alexander would probably strangle her. But seeing their overall development was positive, she felt relieved.
Arabella returned to the private room acting like nothing had happened, but her mind kept replaying Daisy's words: "He helps you, helps your dad, helps your friends, and you just think he's a nice guy?"
They say those involved can't see clearly—was there a possibility that Daisy had a point? Realizing what she was thinking, Arabella immediately suppressed the thought. Dreaming was fine, but not such ridiculous dreams.
Although she appeared calm, she unconsciously drank several more glasses that evening. By the time they were leaving, Arabella was already somewhat dizzy. Daisy supported her with disgust, and at the club entrance, handed her over to Alexander with meaningful words: "We're entrusting our Arabella to you."
She's drunk—you're taking her away, you can do whatever you want.
Alexander gentlemanly placed his hand on Arabella's arm without any inappropriate behavior, nodding, "Don't worry, I'll take good care of her."
Daisy clicked her tongue helplessly. She'd thought they were a perfect match, but they turned out to be a pair of blockheads.
She was about to speak more plainly when Philip quickly covered her mouth, smiling at Alexander, "Take care."
Watching Alexander's car drive away, Daisy bit Philip's hand hard. Philip yelped and let go, covering his hand and cursing, "Damn! Are you a dog?"
"Why did you cover my mouth?" Daisy looked ready to fight.
Philip was speechless with her. "Didn't you notice how careful Alexander is with Arabella? He's not that kind of person!"
Daisy looked at him sideways. "Do you understand men better, or do I? There's no such thing as the kind of person you're talking about in this world. If there is, it's just that the temptation isn't enough!"
Philip said frantically, "I'm a man! You're arguing with me about understanding men?"
Daisy covered her mouth, laughing like a little devil. "Your group isn't normal men. Strictly speaking, the men you understand are equivalent to women."
Philip was somewhat convinced. "That actually seems right..."
Alexander brought Arabella home. When getting out of the car, Arabella's limbs were weak and she half-leaned against his shoulder. Alexander's breathing hitched, his heartbeat accelerated uncontrollably, his Adam's apple bobbed several times before he controlled himself enough to speak: "Can you stand up?"