Chapter 226
"A few days before we got our marriage certificate, we accidentally fell in the entryway. In the confusion, I touched you inappropriately, and then... then your body got aroused."
By the end of the sentence, her voice was as quiet as a mosquito buzzing.
But this didn't stop Alexander from hearing it clearly and recalling what happened that day.
At the time, he had seen the vase wobbling and was worried it would hurt this new wife his grandmother had forced on him, so he reached out to pull her away to safety.
The kiss between them was an accident.
The physical reaction he had was even more of an accident.
Alexander looked at the woman who had already turned her face away in embarrassment, deliberately avoiding his gaze, and his eyes unconsciously deepened.
Looking back now at the early days of their marriage and analyzing it rationally and objectively, he probably didn't dislike her.
All his complaints and sarcasm toward her back then were just misdirected anger at being forced by his grandmother to marry a stranger.
At that time, whether it was Lila or Lily or anyone else who married him, he wouldn't have been happy.
Although their beginning wasn't pleasant, through spending time together, he had discovered many good qualities in Lila.
For instance, although her family background was ordinary, she had no obsession with or longing for fancy restaurants, and knew how to make spending choices based on her actual income.
Also, though she was ordinary, she had her own career plans and ambitions.
Or, she had a great personality—sweet with a touch of girlish playfulness, and she was excellent at reading the room. At least in getting along with him, she understood the principle of "when you're strong, I'm gentle."
"Honey?"
Lila's tentative voice reached his ears, bringing Alexander back to his senses.
He stared at her face, "What?"
Lila asked for permission, "I've answered your question. Can I go now?"
In his daze, he seemed to have forgotten what he'd just promised, and instinctively asked, "Go where?"
"To bed."
"OK."
A sound escaped his throat, and the hand that had been holding her chin unconsciously moved to caress her face as he said gently, "Go ahead."
Lila couldn't read the suddenly calm look in Alexander's eyes, but having been granted permission, she unceremoniously removed his hand, quickly turned around, and jogged toward the stairs.
In the middle, her steps got tangled and she almost fell.
Alexander's eyes darkened slightly, "Slow down, no one's chasing you."
Lila felt nervous inside, but Alexander's gentle voice seemed to steady her like a helping hand.
She glanced back at him, pressed her lips together, and managed to maintain a normal pace going upstairs and back to her room.
Alexander watched her return to her room. After her figure completely disappeared, he sat down on the sofa, pulled out a cigarette from his pocket, and as he was about to light it with his lighter, his eyes couldn't help but examine the item in his palm again.
A gift?
It really was a "gift" that would make him think of her whenever he saw it.
Alexander shook his head, the corner of his lips curling up imperceptibly.
It seemed his Mrs. Sinclair knew a thing or two about gift-giving.
The next day.
The Sinclair Group, elevator entrance in the underground parking garage.
Lila watched Alexander get on the executive elevator. When the employee elevator arrived at the first basement level and she was about to board it, she heard Alexander say, "Come here. From now on, you'll go upstairs with me."
She asked in confusion, "Why?"
"Mrs. Sinclair's privilege."
"Okay then, but I can't go up with you today because I have a package that arrived and it's at the reception desk on the first floor. I need to pick it up."
He pressed, "What did you buy?"
Lila smiled at Alexander, "Women's stuff. Even if I told you, you wouldn't understand."
Her saying he wouldn't understand instantly sparked Alexander's curiosity, "Lingerie?"