Chapter 22

As dinner ended, Alexander turned to his sister, Lily, and asked her to show Celine to her room. His mother, who had been eyeing the two of them throughout the meal, looked surprised.

"Oh, you're not sleeping together?" she asked.

Alexander shook his head. "No, Mother, we're not."

"Well, that's a shame," she said, looking at Celine with a smile.

"I may not agree with how you and my son met, but I can see how much he cares for you and our grandchild," she said, surprising Celine with her sudden warmth. "Just know that you are always welcome here."You're such a lovely girl, and I can see how much my son cares for you. I'd love to see the two of you get married."

Celine was moved by the unexpected kindness from Alexander's mother and felt a newfound sense of acceptance in the family. Celine blushed, feeling both flattered and uncomfortable at the same time. She wasn't sure how to respond to Alexander's mother's words, but she knew that she liked the woman's warmth and kindness.

Lily, on