Chapter 105
Rain’s heart pounded in her chest. She could feel the warmth of his breath against her skin and the steady strength in the way he held her. For a second, the world around them seemed to fade, leaving only the two of them standing there, bathed in the soft glow of city lights.
Her breath hitched, and she searched for words, but nothing came. Alexander’s presence was all-consuming, and the playful teasing from earlier had given way to something far more intense, something that made her pulse race and her mind swirl.
Rain finally managed to smile, though it was softer this time, more vulnerable. “I guess you have a pretty good view of me then,” she whispered, her voice barely audible.
Alexander’s lips quirked into the faintest smile. “Crystal clear,” he replied, his tone as steady as ever, though there was a flicker of something in his eyes, something that made Rain’s heart flutter all over again.
“Those two should get a room p>
Rain overheard the comment from a passerby, and her face instantly flushed. Embarrassed, she quickly wriggled out of Alexander’s hold, her cheeks turning a deep shade of red. Trying to ease the sudden tension, she handed him his glasses and asked curiously, “I guess your vision isn’t that bad? What’s your prescription p>
“Just mild nearsightedness,” Alexander replied, adjusting his eyeglasses. “These are mainly for reading—lightweight, high-quality lenses with an anti-glare coating. I can function just fine without them p>
Rain nodded, her teasing smile returning. “So, the eyeglasses are more for maintaining that polished, professional look? A bit of a fashion statement to enhance your sophisticated appearance p>
Alexander frowned slightly before scoffing. “Didn’t you hear me? I also use them for reading and protecting my eyes from the screen since I spend most of my time in front of a computer p>
“You’re so serious! I was just teasing you,” Rain replied with a playful pout.
“I know,” Alexander shrugged, his tone lightening. “I was teasing you back p>
Rain chuckled at his response and added with a grin, “You’re pretty adorable when you try to be funny p>
Under the streetlights, Alexander’s face reddened slightly, and Rain couldn’t help but smile brightly. Without thinking, she looped her arm through his again, hugging it comfortably. “Let’s keep walking and see if there are any more interesting stalls p>
As they continued walking, Rain spotted another intriguing stall, this time serving spicy simmered rice cakes. Excited, she asked Alexander to buy them.
“You like spicy food, right? Here,” she said, offering him a piece. Alexander quietly accepted it, chewing as she smiled and ate a piece herself. They shared the serving, with Rain occasionally feeding him after taking a bite for herself.
Anyone watching them might easily mistake them for a real couple. Rain couldn’t help but wonder—was Alexander indulging her simply to avoid making things awkward, or was he genuinely enjoying her company?
“You know you can say no, right? It’s not like I’ll push you if you don’t want to,” she said softly as they continued walking, scanning the street for more stalls that might catch her interest.
“It’s fine,” Alexander replied calmly. “But we should head back home before ten p>
Rain nodded in agreement. Just then, she noticed a cozy cafe with outdoor seating and live music playing nearby. She pulled Alexander toward one of the tables and ordered coffee for them.
As they sat down, Alexander frowned slightly and asked, “How did you know I like spicy food? And that I’d order plain brewed coffee p>
Rain flashed a proud grin. “I literally have a diary about you, so by now, I pretty much know you inside and out p>
Alexander raised a brow. “Let me guess, my father gave you that p>
“Yep! He’s helping me out,” she said, sounding pleased with herself.
“You’re doing all this just to stay married to me, aren’t you?” Alexander questioned, his tone curious yet serious.
“Yes. And because I like you,” she answered without hesitation. “I mean, I wouldn’t make this kind of effort if you weren’t my type. Staying married to someone you don’t find attractive or likeable would be tough p>
“Are you always this?” he asked, his gaze sharpening as he studied her.
Rain blinked, caught off guard. “Like what p>
“Being this direct and vocal about what you want to say,” he clarified, his eyes still fixed intently on her.
Her heart raced under the weight of his stare, but she kept her composure. “Yeah, I’m always like this. I’d go crazy if I bottled up all my thoughts. It’s better to let them out p>
Trying to distract herself from his intense gaze, Rain picked up her fork and started eating the blueberry cheesecake the waiter had just served alongside their coffees. “Does it bother you? Does it turn you off?” she asked curiously, sipping her coffee.
“I’ve always found women who talk too much a bit irritating,” he remarked bluntly.
Rain nearly choked on her coffee. Of all things, she was definitely the type who talked too much.
“So, are you going to talk less now?” Alexander challenged her, his eyes glinting with curiosity.
Rain frowned slightly, her lips twitching before she answered with resolve. “No. You should embrace me for who I am p>
“And if I can’t?” he mused, his tone serious.
Her expression grew serious as she met his gaze head-on. “Yes, you can. If you want to,” she replied firmly. Taking a deep breath, she hesitated for a moment before continuing, “But if you can’t… then I suppose we should part ways p>
Even as the words left her lips, Rain felt an uncomfortable prick in her heart. ’What the hell? Am I falling hard for this man already?’ she thought, gazing at his face. His calm, unreadable expression could sometimes be infuriating.
Still, she forced a smile and added, “Don’t worry about me. I know when to stop. I won’t harass or bother you once you decide to kick me out of your life p>
At her words, Alexander’s face darkened, a storm of emotion flickering in his eyes that she couldn’t name. “Finish your coffee,” he said in a low voice, “and let’s go back home p>