Part 12

Alexander sat in the corner of the living room, observing the interaction between Casandra and her mother. The two of them looked more like mother and daughter rather than mother-in-law and daughter-in-law. They appeared familiar and engaged in a warm conversation, unlike when Meri spoke with Cesilia. The two of them seemed more like enemies than in-laws.

"Now, tell Mama what happened that made you come back home all soaked like this," Meri spoke to Casandra, but her gaze was directed at Alexander.

"I was just looking around the backyard. Accidentally, I fell into the swimming pool because I was too focused on the decorations there. I didn't realize my feet touched the pool water, and I fell," Casandra explained.

"Is that true?" Casandra nodded.

"Then where was Alexander when you fell?" Meri asked, her gaze sharpening. She clasped her hands together, trying to suppress the mix of nervousness and fear.

"Alexander..." Casandra paused. She squeezed her hands, trying to dispel the anxiety