Chapter 139 Alexander Is Handsome

Alexander gently ran his fingers through Isabella's hair, his voice full of affection. "Make sure you practice well tomorrow, but don't overdo it. I'll come get you in the afternoon."

Isabella nodded, her eyes shining. "Got it!"

The next morning, Isabella got to the ice rink early, laced up her skates, and carefully stepped onto the ice.

The state-level figure skating team's training was way tougher than Isabella had expected. Her leg had just healed, so keeping up with the others was a real struggle.

After falling twice in a row, Isabella felt frustrated and helpless.

"She's so clumsy. Can't even handle a simple move," a sharp voice came from behind her.

"Yeah, don't mess up our performance!" another teammate added.

Isabella bit her lip, feeling wronged. She wanted to explain and apologize, but the words wouldn't come. Tears welled up, but she held them back.

"Enough!" a loud voice cut through the mockery as Tyrell skated over, glaring at the team. "You're a team. You should support each other, not tear each other down! Isabella's leg isn't fully healed, and she's trying her best. Instead of understanding, you mock her? Is this your idea of team spirit?" His gaze swept over them, his tone firm. "Extra practice for everyone this afternoon! We'll stop when you learn to be united and supportive!"

The team members fell silent and went back to training.

Isabella looked at Tyrell gratefully and whispered, "Tyrell, I'm sorry for holding everyone back."

Tyrell gently patted her shoulder. "Don't say that. You're doing your best. Take it slow, I believe in you."

Just then, Alexander arrived to pick up Isabella. He saw Tyrell scolding the team and Isabella's upset face.

Alexander quickly figured out what had happened. He walked over, hugged Isabella's shoulder, and said to Tyrell, "Thanks for your hard work, Tyrell."

Tyrell smiled. "No problem. Isabella's got talent. I believe she'll be an excellent athlete."

Alexander nodded, then looked at Isabella, his voice gentle but with a hint of sharpness. "Isabella, are you tired?"

Isabella shook her head, leaning into his embrace. "Just a little, but I'm happy."

Alexander glanced at the team members doing extra practice, then looked back at Isabella. "As long as you're happy. After all, if it weren't for your generosity, they might not even have a place to train."

Tyrell caught Alexander's drift and smiled. "Indeed, thanks to Isabella."

He then turned sternly to the team members who had been gossiping. "Now, apologize to Isabella!"

The team members exchanged looks, then reluctantly lowered their heads. "Sorry, Isabella," they mumbled.

Isabella smiled sweetly. "It's okay, I know you didn't mean it. I did slow everyone down."

Alexander looked at her innocent smile, feeling both heartbroken and helpless. Isabella was just too kind and soft-hearted.

"Isabella, you're too easygoing," Alexander said, gently ruffling her hair with a hint of affectionate reproach.

Isabella looked up and softly replied, "Tyrell said we should be united and supportive."

Seeing their affectionate interaction and that Alexander wasn't mad, Tyrell felt a bit relieved. If they had really ticked off Alexander, it would have been a problem down the line.

After leaving the ice rink, Alexander noticed that Isabella was still a bit down, even though she was trying to act like everything was fine.

"How about we hit the arcade?" Alexander suggested, knowing how much Isabella loved it.

Isabella's eyes lit up for a second, but then she glanced at his outfit. "But, you're dressed like that..."

Alexander, in a dark suit that made him look formal and serious, seemed out of place in the arcade.

Catching her concern, Alexander smiled. "Wait here."

He parked the car and ducked into a men's clothing store nearby.

Ten minutes later, he came back out in a white hoodie and light blue jeans, looking way younger and more casual.

Isabella's eyes widened in surprise. "Alexander, you look great like this!"

Amused by her compliment, Alexander pinched her cheek. "Let's go."

He took her hand, fingers interlocked, and they headed to the arcade. Isabella was buzzing with excitement, chatting non-stop about the games she wanted to play.

She practically dragged Alexander into the arcade, her eyes sparkling. "Let's hit the gacha machine first! I really want that limited edition cat keychain!"

Alexander couldn't help but smile at her excitement. "Okay, whatever you want."

At the gacha machine, Isabella kept turning the knob, but no matter how many plastic eggs popped out, she still didn't get the cat keychain she wanted.

"Didn't get it again!" Isabella pouted, looking a bit down. She had tried over a dozen times without luck.

Seeing her disappointment, Alexander felt a pang of sadness. He discreetly found a staff member, whispered something, and slipped him some cash. The staff nodded and made some adjustments to the machine.

Alexander returned to Isabella, handing her a game coin with a mysterious smile. "Try one more time?"

Isabella took the coin, half-doubtful, and turned the knob. When she opened the egg, there it was—the cat keychain she had been dreaming of!

"I got it!" Isabella jumped up, hugging Alexander's arm and kissing him on the cheek. "Thank you, Alexander! You're amazing!"

Caught off guard by the kiss, Alexander paused, then smiled and tapped her nose. "Silly girl, just lucky."

He felt relieved, glad he had acted quickly to avoid her disappointment.

"Alexander, let's play King of Fighters!" Isabella pulled him over to a King of Fighters arcade machine, eager to play.

Alexander saw her enthusiasm and thought he should take it easy on her her. After all, he was a King of Fighters champ back in college.

"Alright, let's do it," he said casually, picking up the game controller.

The game started, and Isabella skillfully controlled her character, pulling off a series of smooth combos that left Alexander stunned.

"What? Isabella, that's incredible!" he exclaimed, surprised by her gaming skills.

Isabella proudly raised her chin and smiled playfully. "Of course, I was the runner-up in the Silverbrook High School King of Fighters tournament!"