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Chapter 25
Charlotte’s POV:
After sending Alexander’s friends goout, I noticed Victoria passing by and called out to her: “Thank you.”
I knew she had helped deflect attention from me in the living room earlier. Despite our past conflicts, credit where credit is due–she helped me, so I needed to express my gratitude.
Victoria haughtily lifted her chin. “So you do know how to say thank you?”
“Of course I thank people who help me, but that doesn’t mean our previous accounts are settled,” I responded firmly. I certainly didn’t want her thinking I was a pushover.
Back in the bedroom, I stood with my arms crossed in front of the bed, lost in thought: “That’s strange, I definitely didn’t
take off his shoes and socks.”
Yet the neatly placed Italian leather shoes and black socks beside the bed told a different story. “But he was clearly asleep when I left…”
I sat on the edge of the bed and poked Alexander’s cheek with my index finger. “Hey, are you awake?”
He remained completely still with his eyes closed, appearing genuinely asleep.
“Really asleep?” I couldn’t help feeling a mischievous thrill. This was a rare opportunity.
A playful smile crept onto my face. “Well, well, well. Didn’t expect this, did you, ‘old man‘? Now you’re at my mercy.”
I pinched his cheeks, manipulating them like clay. “I’m pinching, I’m pinching, pinch pinch pinch!” I treated his face like putty, enjoying myself more by the second. It was incredible–that usually cold, imposing face was now being molded into various shapes by my fingers. This was far more entertaining than playing with actual putty.
“This is payback for bullying me before,” I declared, growing bolder after confirming he was truly sound asleep.
I scooted forward to continue my pranks. I pinched his nose, blocking his breathing for a few seconds before quickly releasing it.
“Aren’t you supposed to be so tough?” I taunted proudly. “Come on, get up and fight me if you can.”
Having had enough fun with his face, I rested my chin on my hand and began studying Alexander’s features earnestly. “Hmm, looking closely, you are quite handsome.” I had to admit, despite my resentment toward this marriage, my husband did possess enviably good looks.
My restless finger poked his cheek again. “Too bad that no matter how handsome you are, I’ll never fall in love with you.”
“Alexander Kingsley, don’t be so arrogant. One day I’ll surpass you and make you look up to me,” I muttered to myself, as if giving myself a pep talk.
“Good thing you’re asleep, or I wouldn’t dare say all this. Just wait—someday I’ll exceed your achievements and then threaten to acquire your company, just like you did to us. Hmm… what should I make you do then?” I leaned back, imagining future scenarios. “Yes, what should I make you do when that time comes?”
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Suddenly, I noticed a subtle movement–Alexander’s Adam’s apple bobbed!
“Ah!” I jumped up in surprise, pointing at his throat. “You… your Adam’s apple just moved!”
I shook his shoulders. “Stop pretending! I know you’re faking sleep!”
But he remained motionless. I frowned, wondering if I had imagined it.
I placed my hand on his throat, gently squeezing. “Move again, let me see.”
Just then, I felt his breathing quicken and his body stiffen slightly. But before I could confirm whether he was actually
awake, there was a knock at the door.
I quickly withdrew my hand and called out, “Who is it?”
“Charlotte, we’ve prepared some honey water to help Alexander with his hangover.”
I got up and brought in the honey water. Sometime later, I dozed off on the sofa. I was startled awake by movement in the room. “You’re awake?”
“Mm,” Alexander responded briefly.
Concerned he might be unsteady from intoxication, I rose from the sofa and walked to his side, pulling his arm over my shoulders. “Use me as a crutch again. I’ll help you wherever you want to go.”
Alexander tried to withdraw his arm. “Not necessary.”
“What if you fall? Don’t be stubborn,” I insisted, placing his arm back over my shoulder. “Where to?”
This time he didn’t resist and guided me toward the bathroom. When we reached our destination, he stood in front of the toilet, completely still.
I looked up at him, also motionless, until he asked, “Are you genuinely clueless or just pretending?”
I blinked in confusion, then suddenly noticed the toilet and had a moment of realization. Oh my god!
“Sorry!” I exclaimed, rushing out of the bathroom and slamming the door shut behind me. My cheeks burned hot enough to fry an egg.
Shortly after, I heard water running in the bathroom and couldn’t help pressing my ear against the door. “Alexander, are you taking a shower?”
“Mm,” came his brief response.
“Are you dizzy? Do you need me to call someone to help?” I tried to sound thoughtful.
“Not dizzy,” another short answer.
“Well, just call if you need anything,” I offered politely.
“Call you to scrub my back?” To my surprise, this usually cold man was actually making this kind of joke.
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Chapter 25
I immediately kicked the bathroom door, a kick meant for Alexander himself, “I’ll call Richard to scrub your back!”
Sitting back on the sofa, my mind wandered: Does this man experience blackouts when drunk? If so, that would be good- he wouldn’t remember our kiss. But if he remembered, our next encounter would be extremely awkward.
I sighed, looking up at the ceiling: My first kiss, gone just like that.
Soon enough, Alexander called out to me: “Charlotte.”
“Yes? You don’t actually want me to scrub your back, do you?” I asked warily,
“Where’s the bath towel?” His question caught me off guard.
“Oh! I put it away. I thought we would be leaving tonight. Wait, I’ll get one for you.” I suddenly remembered I had indeed packed up the bathroom supplies.
I ran to the closet, found a white towel, and hurried to the bathroom door, knocking gently. “Open the door a crack, and I’ll hand you the towel.”
I stood at the bathroom door clutching the white towel, my eyes tightly shut. The bathroom door opened slightly, and I felt Alexander reaching for the towel. The situation was excruciatingly awkward–all because he hadn’t brought a towel and pajamas before showering.
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