Chapter 147
Lila met his gaze and said calmly, "Why do we have to obsess over what I call you? Me calling you 'darling' doesn't mean we're a loving couple, and me calling you Mr. Sinclair doesn't change our boss-subordinate relationship where you give orders and I follow them, does it?"
Alexander wasn't convinced by her words. Instead, he frowned and pressed on, "What's really going on with you?"
"Didn't I already say nothing's wrong?"
After saying this, Lila glanced at his hand holding hers. "Mr. Sinclair, are my hands too soft and comfortable? Can't bear to let go?"
Alexander released her hand. "Don't flatter yourself."
She twitched her lips, said nothing, turned and walked to the passenger side. After Alexander unlocked the car, she pulled open the door, got in, and lowered her head to fasten her seatbelt.
Alexander frowned as he watched her series of movements. After she got in, he snapped back to reality, opened the driver's side door, and got in.
The car soon left Island Mansion, entered the main road, and merged into traffic.
After driving for about twenty minutes, Alexander stopped the car.
Lila glanced at him but said nothing.
Alexander unbuckled his seatbelt and tossed her two words as he got out, "Wait here."
Through the car window, Lila saw him enter a supermarket.
After about ten minutes, Alexander came out carrying several items, put them in the trunk, and got back in the car.
She couldn't help asking, "What did you buy?"
"Gifts."
"My grandma doesn't like those things."
Alexander scoffed and asked disdainfully, "So what?"
"No need to waste money."
"I've got plenty of money to waste. It's none of your business."
Lila stopped talking.
Whatever. He'd already bought them anyway.
Whether Grandma ate them or not, seeing him bring so many gifts should make her think he had good manners.
She just hadn't expected him to be so thoughtful, knowing to bring gifts when visiting her grandmother.
Half an hour later, the car stopped at the entrance to the small town.
They both got out.
Alexander opened the trunk, preparing to get the things.
Lila also walked over and leaned in to grab something.
Whether they were too in sync or what, they both reached for the same gift bag, and Alexander's large hand ended up pressed against Lila's.
She pulled away in a fluster, dropping the words, "You take it."
He didn't take it. Instead, he straightened up and looked at her. "Lila, what's going on with you today?"
Lila replied dismissively, "Why are you asking this again? I told you nothing's wrong."
"Really?" he asked with unclear meaning. After speaking, he moved a step closer and leaned in to grab her hand.
She immediately put her hands behind her back and looked at him as if nothing was wrong. "Aren't we supposed to get the gifts to see Grandma? Why aren't you getting them? Do you have something to say to me?"
"You've been avoiding physical contact with me. You think I can't tell?"
"You're overthinking it."
Alexander suddenly stepped closer, then abruptly grabbed her hand and deliberately played with it in his palm.
That wasn't enough. He also stared into her eyes with a challenging look, then slowly lifted her hand, continuously pulling it toward his lips.
Lila realized what he was about to do and struggled to pull back with all her might.
But her strength was nothing compared to his.
He succeeded, easily bringing her hand to his lips and kissing it. Throughout this, his dark eyes kept staring into hers, as if observing every subtle change in her expression.
When the warm touch of Alexander's lips reached her fingers, Lila instinctively tried to pull back.
But Alexander, as if deliberately challenging her, held on very, very tight.
For a moment, her heartbeat inexplicably quickened.