Chapter 104
Alexander and Rain had stopped at a restaurant with a private dining area offering a stunning view of the city lights to eat dinner. After placing their orders, Rain turned to Alexander. “Will father-in-law stay late p>
“He probably will. He always does when they’re together,” Alexander replied. Rain nodded, murmuring, “Eric did mention that they’re close friends p>
Alexander then shifted his attention to her, his expression softening with concern. “By the way, how are you feeling? Any symptoms at all?” His gaze made her heart flutter. Smiling, she reassured him, “I’m fine now. No headaches or dizziness at all. Just a bit hungry p>
Satisfied, Alexander nodded. Rain, curious about the day’s events, asked, “How is the case with Sinclair Winery and Vineyard going? I was too caught up with everything earlier to ask p>
“It’s been settled,” Alexander said, then added, “Also, send me your account number. I need to pay you for helping endorse everything to Eric, making it smoother for him to finalize p>
Rain raised an eyebrow. “Hmm, how much are you planning to send to my bank account p>
Before Alexander could answer, the waiter arrived with their meals. Alexander began cutting his steak and casually mentioned the amount. He then handed her a plate with neatly cut pieces of steak. “Take this one and give me your plate p>
Rain was momentarily taken aback by the gesture. She accepted the plate and handed him hers with a barely contained smile. ’Who wouldn’t fall for this man?’ she thought. Despite his often stoic expression, he was always so thoughtful and caring.
“Thank you,” she said, trying to keep her composure.
Alexander didn’t reply, instead focusing on his meal. “Let me know if that’s not enough,” he added.
Rain couldn’t resist a mischievous grin as she playfully suggested, “Can you pay me differently? I don’t need money p>
His forehead creased while staring at her in confusion. Rain’s smile widened. “How about you pay me by going out with me? You know, spending that amount on dates, picnics, theme parks… until we’ve used it all up p>
Alexander shook his head, now barely looking up from his plate. “Just eat, Rain. You’ll starve at this rate p>
With a small pout, Rain didn’t push further and finally began eating. After all, she really was hungry! Maybe after dinner, she’d try bugging him about it again. For now, they ate in comfortable silence, and once they were done, they left the restaurant and headed toward the car. However, Rain suddenly halted when she noticed the street vendors near the city bay. People were strolling around, riding bikes, and skating, enjoying the lively evening.
“That looks interesting,” she hummed, gazing across the road. It had been a long time since she’d enjoyed a casual walk by the bay. Her focus on studying law and working through her internship had left little time for simple pleasures like this.
Rain pointed across the street. “How about a walk by the bay? Or are you ready to head home p>
Alexander glanced at his wristwatch. “Alright, we can take a walk for a while if you want p>
Excited, Rain led the way toward the bay, but paused at the edge of the road, waiting for the signal to cross. She felt Alexander’s hand on her shoulder, gently guiding her so that he positioned himself between her and the oncoming traffic.
The signal turned, and they started walking side by side. As they moved, she couldn’t help but notice the occasional brush of their hands, the slight contact sending a spark through her.
’I feel like I’m in one of those romance dramas Sanya loves to watch,’ Rain thought, amused. The scene between her and Alexander was straight out of one of those shows—serendipitous, casual, and undeniably romantic.
“Walk a bit faster, will you?” Alexander’s voice broke through her daydream. Startled, Rain quickly gulped and picked up her pace, realizing she had been moving at a snail’s pace because she was lost in thought. Embarrassed, she patted her cheeks, trying to snap back to reality.
Once fully alert, she turned to Alexander. “Have you ever strolled around here before p>
“I have,” he replied, and her heart sank a little. She was itching to ask who he’d been with but decided against it, not wanting to ruin the mood if the answer confirmed her suspicion about Carla.
Just as her thoughts spiraled, Alexander added, “My younger brother William likes walking here and always drags me along with him p>
Rain couldn’t help the wide smile that spread across her face. That bit of information lifted her spirits instantly. It wasn’t Carla. Still, she reminded herself not to sulk over things from the past.
“I see. I’ve heard William is full of energy, like your father. No wonder he enjoys walking around here!” Rain commented, before glancing at Alexander with curiosity. “But what about you p>
“I hate going out,” Alexander said with a hint of self-deprecation. “I guess I’m just a boring person who prefers staying at home or at work p>
Rain chuckled softly, then playfully added, “Maybe you just need to find the right person who’ll make you enjoy going out p>
Alexander’s eyes softened as Rain playfully fluttered her lashes and made her bold request. “So, how about paying me with your time instead of money? I’ll make sure you enjoy every outing with me,” she teased with a wide, puppy-eyed smile.
Without missing a beat, Alexander pointed his index finger between her eyebrows. “Stop that look p>
But Rain was too caught up in her excitement to listen. However, her gaze accidentally landed on a nearby stall selling dragon’s breath desserts, a frozen treat that emitted a smoky vapor. Without warning, she latched onto Alexander’s arm and tugged him towards it. “Buy me this dessert!” she chirped.
With no protest, Alexander bought the treat, and Rain gleefully grabbed her phone to record the moment. She took a puffed ball from the cup and, without warning, shoved it into Alexander’s mouth. “Ahhh she said playfully. Startled but obliging, Alexander took the bite, and just as Rain predicted, smoke began billowing from his nose.
Rain burst into laughter, quickly stuffing her own mouth with a dessert ball. As vapor began to puff out of her nose and mouth, Alexander couldn’t resist joining in on the laughter. He pulled out his phone and started filming her in return.
“This is refreshing, right?” Rain asked between giggles.
Alexander shook his head, a smile tugging at his lips as he watched her. Noticing his spectacles fogging up from the cold, Rain reached up and gently took them off, her fingers brushing lightly against his skin.
“You look more handsome without the glasses,” she commented, her tone slightly more serious now. “Is your vision really that bad, or can you still see me clearly right now?” she asked, curiosity getting the better of her.
Alexander’s gaze locked with Rain’s, and before she could even process the moment, she felt his arm wrap around her waist. With a gentle yet deliberate pull, he brought her closer until only an inch of space remained between their faces.
“There, I can see you just fine,” he murmured, his deep voice sending a shiver down her spine.