Chapter 191
“I’ll be heading out a bit early,” she murmured, feeling a flutter of excitement. Jane’s smile widened, and Rain felt herself flush slightly before making her way toward the elevator.
As she walked, she could sense people noticing her, their whispers floating around her.
“Is she the one? The tycoon’s wife p>
The murmurs continued, faint but unmistakable. A subtle pride warmed her heart, bringing a small smile to her lips, but that momentary joy faltered when she caught a particular whisper inside the elevator.
“It’s probably because of her looks… But if I were him, I’d still choose Carla with her powerful, impressive background p>
Rain’s face twitched. Annoyance pricked at her, and she cleared her throat deliberately, making sure her presence was unmistakable. The whispers stopped instantly, replaced by awkward silence. She stepped out of the elevator with her head held high, determined not to let anyone’s words shake her confidence.
Rain couldn’t deny that Carla Cartier’s background was exceptional, especially with her mother, Summer, commanding so much respect. Even Rain had admired Summer from afar. But Alexander didn’t need a powerful lineage—he was powerful enough on his own. And he was hers now. Maybe not completely yet, but she’d make sure he would fall deeply and irrevocably.
With that thought, she squared her shoulders, her confidence restored. As Alexander’s sleek car pulled up in front of her, he stepped out, moving to open the door with a smooth, effortless grace. The sight brought a smile to her face, and any lingering insecurities melted away.
“It really is him… Alexander Lancaster!” she overheard one of the whisperers from the elevator, their voices hushed but unmistakable.
Seizing the moment, Rain stepped close to Alexander, wrapping her arms around his neck and giving him a quick, sweet kiss on the lips. She felt his surprise, but he didn’t pull away. Instead, he let a small, amused smile escape, meeting her eyes with an intensity that left her breathless.
Let them watch, she thought. Alexander Lancaster was hers, and she wasn’t about to let anyone doubt it.
“Aren’t you being a bit possessive?” Alexander teased as soon as they were inside the car. Rain pouted and muttered, “I’m just mirroring your level of possessiveness… besides,” she trailed off, choosing not to mention Carla.
Instead, she glanced at him with curiosity. “So, where are we going? Why did you want me to leave early p>
“I missed you, that’s why,” he replied, his tone soft. “Honestly, I wanted us to go out earlier, but you insisted on working. I figured you’d like a break after the stress today p>
Her cheeks flushed, and without thinking, she wrapped her arms around him, burying her face against his chest. “Thank you for everything,” she murmured, touched by his thoughtfulness.
After a moment, he spoke again, more serious this time. “Do you want me to take legal action against Dina p>
Rain paused, taking a deep breath. “No, let her be. She didn’t say anything that wasn’t true.” She hesitated, then added, “How did she find out, though p>
Alexander recounted what William had reported. Everything seemed to happen for a reason. Despite Dina’s attempt to use what she’d discovered against her, Rain felt a sense of relief that Dina’s plans had ultimately failed. She couldn’t imagine how much worse things might have been without Alexander’s support.
And then there was Sanya p>
Rain pulled away from their embrace, humming thoughtfully. “Sanya… I almost forgot. She’s probably worried since I haven’t replied yet p>
“What about her?” he asked, gently brushing her cheek with the back of his hand, a gesture she found deeply comforting.
“She wants to meet and talk,” Rain explained, pulling out her phone. As she typed, she hesitated, biting her lip.
“What’s wrong?” Alexander asked, sensing her reluctance. “Not ready to see her yet p>
Rain hesitated, her fingers hovering over her phone’s screen as she bit her lip. Seeing Sanya felt complicated. She had no intention of avoiding her.
Alexander watched her, his eyes softening as he stroked her cheek. “You don’t have to see her if you’re not ready. Take things at your pace,” he said gently, sensing her hesitation. “If she’s a true friend, she’ll understand p>
Rain sighed. “I do want to see her… just—maybe not right now,” she admitted, slipping her phone back into her bag. “There’s so much going on, and I want to clear my mind a bit before having that talk p>
Rain had been waiting for Sanya, but things had already spiralled, and Sanya hadn’t reached out until now.
If she were honest, though, all she truly wanted at this moment was to stay with Alexander, to feel the warmth of his presence. Being wrapped in his arms made her feel like she was floating, as though all of this—his support, his tenderness—was part of a beautiful dream she was afraid to wake from.
“Where are we going?” she asked when she noticed that they were leaving the city.
“We’re going to unwind… to a place I’m sure you’ll love,” Alexander murmured, pulling her closer as he kissed the top of her head. Rain felt a surge of warmth spread through her at his touch, any lingering thoughts disappearing in the comfort of his arms. She loved surprises—especially when they came from Alexander.
“Alexander,” she whispered, gazing up at him, her eyes soft and steady.
He leaned down to meet her gaze, his face inches from hers, and she closed the space between them, pressing her lips softly to his. The tenderness of the moment washed over her; she didn’t need to know where he was taking her or what lay ahead. At this moment, nothing else mattered—she was ready. Ready to give herself to him completely, to let go of every reservation.