Chapter 20
That weekend, Alexander came to pick Bailey up in the afternoon
In the late autumn weather, he wore a black turtleneck with jeans and a perfectly tailored gray coat, appearing casual yet elegant, the very picture of sophistication
Looking at him, Bailey flashed back to many years ago]]
Back then, Alexander in his twenties hadn’t seemed much different from now–coming to her parents home to take her on dates
In the blink of an eye, everything had changed.]
The stretched Lincoln sped along the road. Alexander waved his hand in front of her face.
“Why so lost in thought suddenly?” he smiled, playfully tapping her nose with a subtle intimacy.
Bailey didn’t pull away, answering siniply: “Just thinking about something“]
What?
Bailey looked directly into his eyes: “I was thinking about a rumor I heard concerning your wife.”
Alexander’s simile froze as a somber expression crossed his face.]
After a
a moment, he spoke: “Many people say she died in that fire. I know it’s true, though I’ve been unwilling to accept it.“]
Though he had never found Bailey’s body, the fire had been set by Stella’s people, so presumably they had disposed of the remains
Bailey asked: “Then why are you willing to accept it now?
He gazed at her deeply his tone incredibly gentle: “Because God brought you into my life.”
Bailey remained silent, feeling a fine, intricate pain spreading through her heart for her former love.
Clearly, in Alexander’s mind he had indulged Stella’s actions and even helped her cover up what she hadn’t properly finished.]]
He had made the same choice as his father once had.]]
They arrived at the theater, where Alexander had reserved a private screening.
O screen, a beautiful, heart–wrenching romance played out!]
Bailey wiped away tears, saying softly: “This film is so moving.”
No one knew she wasn’t crying for the movie, but for her former self
After leaving the theater, they dined together.
At the table, Alexander pushed a velvet box toward her: “Take a look. Do you like it?”
Bailey lowered her gaze
After all this time, Alexander’s flirtation teclques hadn’t changed–movies, dinner, carefully chosen gifts |
These gestures could no longer stir even the slightest ripple in her heart [
She frigned a surprised, playful expression: “Mr. Winters, you keep giving me gifts. I might think you’re pursuing me.”
“I believe, given our current level of familiarity, you can call me Alexander,” he moved beside her, taking out one earring to put it on her.
His fingers brushed against her ear, causing her to tremble slightly.
However, Bailey stopped his hand.
She sat in her chair. Iooking up at him: “Alexander, in my view of relationships, I don’t accept sharing a man with another woman. Do you understand?
Alexander paused, nodding to her, looking through her as if seeing someone else.
After a moment, he promised: “Tll take e
care of everything.”
Three days later, Bailey received a text message from Stella asking to men
to meet at a coffee shop
Having already experienced Stella’s methods, she came alone but arranged for bodyguards to enter the cafe, ready to help if anything went wrong
However, this time, Stella lacked her previous arrogant confidence. Though dressed more elegantly, she couldn’t hide the defeat written across her Гасе
Bailey sat across from her, telling the server: “A latte, please.”
The server took the order and left.
The two women stared at each other across the table behind the greenery divider in the cafe
Stella carefully studied Bailey before finally speaking: “Do you know why Alexander is so attracted to you?”
