Chapter 199
Rain and Alexander left Malibu Town after breakfast. Rain wanted to go to the orphanage but decided to stop at the Meta City Mall first, the largest shopping mall in the city, to buy some gifts for the kids and staff.
“Are you sure you’re not going to work? You can just leave me here and call Rico to pick me up,” she said as they entered the children’s section, hand in hand.
Alexander sighed with a playful look in his eyes. “Hmm, are you already trying to get rid of me? Remember, I run my own schedule. Unless there’s an emergency, I’m all yours p>
She laughed, pulling him close to hug his arm. The idea of wandering through the mall together, choosing things for the children, filled her with excitement. Then, for a brief moment, she imagined herself and Alexander shopping for baby items together, and her cheeks grew warm.
The idea of having a baby with Alexander felt lighter now, no longer as intimidating as it once had. She could tell he had real feelings for her. He was falling, and she felt confident that, in time, their relationship would grow even deeper. Alexander was committed to her, and the thought of building a family together made her heart flutter with excitement.
She quickly shook off the thought before she ended up blushing even harder, imagining their future together. If she kept at it, she’d be a walking ripe tomato for the rest of the day.
“Have you visited the orphanage before? I don’t remember seeing you around,” she asked, breaking her train of thought. She was also curious about Carla, given her mother owned the orphanage, yet she’d never once seen Carla there. Rain had practically grown up in that place, seeing Mrs. Summer Cartier often and sometimes her husband, Arlan.
“My last visit there was when I was fifteen,” Alexander said as he grabbed a cart. “I haven’t gone back since p>
Rain looked up at him, curious. “Why p>
He paused, his expression darkening. “There was a fire back then. I nearly didn’t make it out… I was half-conscious, and Carla had to pull and even carry me on her back to safety.” His voice dropped to a murmur as if the memory still clung tightly. “After that, I just couldn’t bring myself to go back p>
Rain’s brows lifted in surprise, memories stirring faintly. She’d been about eight years old when the fire happened, too young to remember every detail, but she could still recall running back and forth, pulling and carrying kids to safety. Sanya had been one of the children she’d rescued, and ever since then, Sanya had followed her around like a shadow, almost like a little sister.
She nodded, understanding his reluctance. “That must have been terrifying. Maybe it’s why Carla doesn’t visit the orphanage either p>
Alexander nodded. “It’s possible. But I’m curious, Rain, what made you so close to the orphanage p>
Rain grew quiet, hesitant to share the reasons behind her bond with the orphanage. Her past wasn’t something she liked talking about. But, looking at Alexander, the man she loved, she felt a bit of that hesitation melt away.
Rain took a deep breath, her voice softening. “When I was eight, I was at a restaurant with Sylvia and Dina. I went to the restroom, and when I came back… they were gone. I waited until the restaurant was about to close, hoping they’d return. That’s when a woman from the orphanage approached me. Back then, she was just a staff member, but now she’s been promoted to Manager p>
A small smile appeared as she continued, “Manager Wilma took me to the police, just in case someone reported me missing. I didn’t want her to leave me, so she decided to bring me to the orphanage, telling the officer that if my family came looking, they could find me at Haven Orphanage p>
Rain continued to walk as she spoke, her voice soft. “No one came for me, so I stayed in the orphanage for three days until Aunt Melanie finally came p>
She bit her lip, remembering how her aunt came to fetch her. “She cried so hard when she saw me playing with the kids. She kept saying sorry… sorry that it took her so long to find me p>
It had been so long ago, yet that memory lingered in her mind as clearly as if it had happened yesterday. The sight of her Aunt Melanie rushing in, tears streaming down her face, still tugged at her heart in a way few things could.
It was just a part of her past, a tragic Chapter that had once defined her life. But even now, thinking of that moment with her aunt stirred something deep within her, reminding her how loved she was, even when she’d felt completely alone.
Rain’s eyes welled up, the memory still so vivid. For days, she’d waited, thinking no one wanted her, that she’d been abandoned. Some of the kids in the orphanage even bullied her, saying she was just like them and waiting for someone who’d never come. She’d cried herself to sleep for three nights.
As she lowered her head to wipe her tears, she felt Alexander’s arms wrap around her. “I’m so proud of you,” he whispered, his voice warm and steady. “And I know Aunt Melanie is, too. You’ve grown into such a strong, amazing woman, even without the support you deserve. You’re doing great, Rain. You’re doing so great p>
Rain couldn’t remember the last time she’d let herself cry like this. It was as if all the hurt she’d buried for so long was finally breaking free. She’d promised herself at twelve years old never to shed another tear, no matter how much it hurt. Yet here she was, releasing years of pent-up sorrow, and it felt strangely… good.
Feeling self-conscious, she tried to compose herself, glancing around at the public space. But Alexander held her close, whispering, “It’s alright p>
Rain chuckled, sniffling as she looked up at him. “Mind if I use your shirt as a tissue?” She gave him a playful smile, and he smiled back, gently wiping away her tears.
“I bet everyone watching thinks you’re the reason I’m crying,” she joked softly, then tiptoed to kiss him on the lips, hoping to assure anyone who might’ve been watching. Wrapping her arms around his neck, she beamed, “Thank you. I’m so grateful for you. I couldn’t ask for more p>
Alexander chuckled, his voice warm as he leaned close to her ear. “I think we’ve cleared any confusion by now. Now, how about you splurge your husband’s money?” he murmured, smiling. “Buy anything you want. I’ll cover it. Well, technically, it’s your money, too, since everything I have is yours. So, go on, take advantage of it, wife p>