Chapter 262

Chapter 262
Scarlett’s POV
I slowly opened my eyes, realizing I had slept dreamlessly through the night. Turning my head, I gazed at Alexander sleeping beside me, his breathing deep and steady. Sometimes I couldn't help but acknowledge how peculiar blood relationships truly were.
I gently caressed my still-flat abdomen, my thoughts drifting.
Though you're still so tiny, your father's presence has indeed made me feel less anxious and unsettled.
At breakfast time, I followed Alexander to the hotel restaurant.
Luke and Noah were already waiting there, elegant breakfast plates arranged before them.
I noticed Noah's gaze shifting between Alexander and me, carrying a thoughtful, knowing expression.
Noah knows I'm pregnant, I thought, instinctively lowering my head to avoid his perceptive stare.
I pulled out a chair and sat down, feeling Alexander's hand brush lightly across my back—this intimate gesture was something entirely new between us.
"Noah, something on your mind?" Alexander keenly observed Noah's lingering gaze.
Noah collected himself and cleared his throat. "Nothing significant. Regarding Miss Yvette's situation... you can leave the search for her sister to Luke and me. Alexander, you should remain at the hotel with Miss Smith."
"You've found Yvette?" My heart raced, nearly causing me to leap from my chair.
"I want to come with you! It's been over ten years since I last saw Yvette. Heaven knows how much I've missed her—"
Before I could finish, I felt Alexander's hand gently rest atop my head, tenderly stroking my hair.
This simple action made my heart pound even harder.
"Listen," his tone unusually gentle, "follow Noah's plan. He and Luke know this area well. Bringing one person back isn't difficult for them. And you," his gaze fell to my abdomen, "your condition requires extra caution."
I bit my lower lip, sensing the determination in Alexander's eyes.
After a few seconds of silence, I nodded slightly, my rational side acknowledging that taking risks would be unwise.
If something were to happen, not only would I be in danger, but I would also create complications for Alexander.
Noah exchanged a glance with Luke, and then both men rose and departed from the hotel.
With Noah and Luke gone, the restaurant suddenly grew quiet. Alexander looked at me, his tone casual: "Don't worry, they'll definitely bring your sister back."
I stared at the coffee before me, absentmindedly stirring it with a spoon.
Alexander's voice was gentler than usual, and this attentiveness felt foreign and confusing.
He had changed, no longer the cold and controlling Alexander I knew.
Was it because of my pregnancy? Or did he have other motives?
I speared a piece of fruit, eating breakfast with outward composure while my mind raced with thoughts.
If we found Yvette, perhaps I could take her away from this place, far from all these complicated relationships and conflicts.
We could start anew anywhere.
But I immediately recognized the harsh reality—I was pregnant, and Alexander had clearly stated he wanted to keep this child.
I stole a glance at him, remembering his engagement to Lillian still remained.
What role did I play in this relationship? A mistress? A secret second wife?
Such unnecessary worries! I scolded myself internally.
I had never been someone ruled by emotions.
In the worst case, I would simply leave with the child. I didn't need him.
Having made this decision, I unconsciously clenched my fist, my nails digging into my palm—the pain bringing clarity.
A wave of calmness and resolution washed over me, like ice water extinguishing unrealistic fantasies.
Just then, I felt a sharp pain on my cheek—Alexander had firmly pinched my face.
"Don't think I don't know what you're planning," his eyes narrowed dangerously, though his voice carried a teasing tone. "What? Planning to abandon your child's father? Thinking of running off with the baby on your own?"
My chest tightened. Could he truly read my thoughts?
I raised my head, looking directly into his eyes, feeling both annoyed and embarrassed.
"Do I have any other choice?" I pulled away from his grasp. "You won't marry me, and I can't and don't want to be your mistress. Besides," I paused, my voice carrying a hint of hidden pain, "I don't want my child to be born illegitimate!"
When I spoke those words, I didn't expect this unconstrained man to offer me any promises.
He was like an eagle soaring freely in the sky—how could he possibly fold his wings for one woman?
To my surprise, a gentle smile appeared on Alexander's face, his deep eyes firmly locked on mine: "Then I'll marry you."
This simple statement made my heart skip a beat.
I carefully studied his expression, searching for any trace of jest, but found only unprecedented seriousness.
"What about Miss Harber?" I quickly asked, trying to maintain rationality amidst this momentary surprise.
Alexander shrugged, his eyes flashing with indifference: "For your sake, what does it matter if people see me as more of a bastard a few more times?"
His answer left me speechless.
I lowered my head, contemplating this sudden turn of events.
Would he cancel his alliance with the Harber family for me? How significant were the business interests and political alliances he would sacrifice?
But thinking further, I realized I wasn't exactly a paragon of virtue myself.
If I accepted his proposal, Lillian would inevitably be heartbroken and disappointed. Why should I pretend to both want him and not wish to hurt others?
"Don't worry," Alexander placed his hand over mine, his palm warm and firm, "Since we're destined for hell anyway, I'll drag you down with me."