LOGINChapter 124
Alex's pov
Eventually, she returned to her meal, while I settled into my chair and watched the light reflect against the glass walls. The music continued softly around us, and the gentle sound of the water feature outside created a peaceful background that made the entire room feel removed from reality. I could have remained there for hours, listening to Serena talk about the things she liked, the places she wanted to visit, and the
Chapter 125Alex's pov"Did you miss me?" I asked looking deep into her eyes.She stared at me. "That is your important question?""An extremely important one."She rolled her eyes. "Alex, we spoke last night.""And?""And we are speaking now.""That was not what I asked."She tried to pull her hand away, but I held it gently, giving her plenty of room to withdraw if she truly wanted to. Her expression was caught between amusement and embarrassment, and I was beginning to suspect that teasing her might become one of my favourite habits."You are so full of yourself," she muttered."Only when I am in the presence of someone this beautiful.""Do you practise these lines in front of a mirror?""Would you believe me if I said no?""Absolutely not."I laughed, then leaned slightly closer, keeping my voice low enough that the question became something
Chapter 124Alex's povEventually, she returned to her meal, while I settled into my chair and watched the light reflect against the glass walls. The music continued softly around us, and the gentle sound of the water feature outside created a peaceful background that made the entire room feel removed from reality. I could have remained there for hours, listening to Serena talk about the things she liked, the places she wanted to visit, and the plans she hoped to pursue now that she had decided to reclaim her independence.She spoke with increasing enthusiasm as the morning progressed, describing ideas she had once set aside and interests she wanted to explore again. I listened carefully, asking questions whenever I wanted to know more, and I found myself admiring her even more with every answer. There was so much to her that I suspected Adrian had never taken the time to understand. Serena was not simply a beautiful woman
Chapter 123Alex's povI leaned towards her. "What is that?""My favourite thing is not a particular meal."I waited, watching her face.She picked up her glass, took a small sip, and then continued. "It is effort. I like it when someone puts thought into something for me. It does not have to be expensive, and it does not have to be perfect. I just want to know that the person cared enough to try, that they paid attention, that they wanted to make me happy instead of simply doing whatever was easiest. I think that matters more to me than anything else."Her words struck me with unexpected force. I thought of all the times I had tried to show Vanessa that I loved her through gifts, acts of service, and quiet gestures that I had assumed would eventually mean something to her. I had cooked for her, supported her ambitions, and tried to give her a comfortable life without constantly reminding her of what I could
Chapter 122Alex's pov"You did all this because you did not know my favourite food?""Exactly.""Alex, you could have just asked me.""And ruin the surprise?"She gave me a helpless laugh. "You could have prepared two or three dishes. Nobody expects you to cook everything in the world just because you do not know what I like.""I never said I was sensible.""That much is becoming very clear."I moved towards the chair at the head of the table and pulled it out for her. "Please, beautiful. Take your seat before you decide I have lost my mind completely."She laughed again, then accepted my hand and sat down. I pushed her chair in gently, making sure she was comfortable before taking the seat beside her rather than sitting at the opposite end of the long table. I wanted to be close enough to speak to her without raising my voice, close enough to see her expressions and enjoy the li
Chapter 121Alex's pov"You are going to make me emotional," she murmured."That was not the plan.""Then your plan needs work.""I will inform my staff."She laughed properly at that, and the sound brought a smile to my face. I lifted her hand and kissed the back of it before guiding her towards the entrance. I could have spent the entire morning watching her react to every flower, every light, and every small detail I had arranged, but I wanted her to see the dining area as well. The meal was waiting, and I had a feeling that the table would produce another reaction I would enjoy far too much.The glass doors opened as we approached, revealing an elegant interior filled with warm light and carefully chosen furnishings. The main residence had been designed with an open layout that allowed the garden to remain visible from almost every room. Tall glass panels separated the dining area from the courtya
Chapter 120Alex's pov"What do you think?" I asked.She turned towards me, still holding my hand. "I think you have been hiding an entire world from everyone.""Not everyone."Her expression softened. "Just me?""Especially you."She laughed under her breath and shook her head. "You really know how to make a woman feel special."I stepped closer, lowering my voice. "I am not trying to make you feel special, Serena. I am trying to show you that you are."For a brief moment, the playful expression left her face. She looked at me with a tenderness that made my heart ache, and I wondered whether she could see how much those words meant to me as well. Then she lowered her gaze, smiling shyly, and I decided not to push the moment any further. Instead, I offered her my arm."Come on, beautiful. I have something else to show you."She slipped her arm through mine, and together we







