Chapter 218
Rain enjoyed a hearty breakfast with everyone, her spirits high as she noticed how cheerful Aunt Melanie was, particularly around Uncle Ben. It seemed the two were growing closer by the day.
“I’m planning to go out with Miss Melanie today. Is that alright?” Ben asked her sheepishly in the middle of breakfast.
Rain chuckled. “You really should drop the ’Miss’ already. Just call her Melanie,” she teased.
“That’s exactly what I’ve been telling him,” Aunt Melanie added with a playful smile.
“And you don’t need my permission,” Rain continued.
Ben scratched his head, looking slightly embarrassed. “Well, your aunt won’t come unless you agree p>
Rain turned to Aunt Melanie, who gave her a bashful smile. Taking a deep breath, Rain said, “Aunt, you should start living life for yourself. Do what makes you happy without worrying about what others think. Life is short, and it’s yours to live. But if you ever need advice, I’m always here p>
Alexander joined the conversation. “The trial for Aunt Melanie’s freedom is coming soon, and it’s practically a win. Rain’s right. Don’t hold back anymore, we’re all here to support you p>
William then added, “Speaking of which, I’ve been tasked by brother to transfer your medical records to Meta Doctors Hospital. My team’s handling it. You won’t be going back to Clayton University Hospital anymore. From now on, Meta Doctors will take care of you, and Uncle Ben here will be your personal chauffeur p>
Rain laughed as Aunt Melanie blushed.
“Alright, that’s enough teasing. Let’s finish breakfast, we’ve got a full day ahead.” her father-in-law interjected.
“Are you going out today, Dad?” William asked.
“Not really. I just want to rest for a while,” Rock responded.
Alexander suddenly spoke up. “By the way, we’ve arranged for a medical team to be stationed here at the estate from now on. It’s important, given Dad’s age, to have someone consistently monitoring his health. Plus, we’ve asked for someone with a broad specialization to look after Aunt Melanie too p>
Rain sneaked a glance at Father Rock, who remained quiet. She and Alexander had discussed this plan earlier; though it was framed as care for Aunt Melanie, the main reason was to monitor Father Rock’s condition closely.
“I’ve already spoken with Doctor Lambert,” Alexander continued, “and he’s personally selecting the best team for our family p>
William nodded approvingly. “That sounds like a good idea. It’s a hassle to call Doctor Lambert all the time. And it wouldn’t hurt to extend the service to our employees and workers if they fall ill p>
“We could add a small clinic in the estate’s facilities for that,” Ben suggested.
Alexander nodded, though Rain couldn’t help but wonder, *Does he already know that we’re aware of his condition?* She kept sneaking glances at her father-in-law, feeling the weight of the secret they were keeping.
She had received promising news from Ivan about the test patient, but until the results were a hundred percent certain, Rain decided not to mention anything to Alexander. In the meantime, she was doing her best to assist in finding more research facilities and hospitals that could offer hope for Rock’s condition.
William turned to Rain and Alexander, breaking her thoughts. “How about you two? Any plans to head out today p>
“Not really,” Rain said, excitement bubbling in her voice. “There’s a lot to explore around here, so we’re going to tour the estate. Plus, Alexander is teaching me a few things, like riding a horse for the hunting event p>
Alexander added with a grin, “We figured we’d finally join in and help you out this time. I know you’re always the one participating p>
William’s eyes widened in disbelief. “Wait, for real?! You’re actually going to participate in the activities this time?” he exclaimed.
Rain frowned, turning to Alexander. “Do you usually skip out on these things p>
“Nope, never,” William cut in before Alexander could answer. “That man brings his work everywhere. He’d rather sit in the camp glued to his laptop p>
Rock chimed in, his face twisting with exasperation. “It’s true. He’s always been like that, ignoring all the fun p>
Rain turned to her husband, eyebrows raised. “Seriously? Are you that much of a mood and joy killer p>
Before Alexander could respond, William, Rock, and Uncle Ben all answered in unison, “Yes p>
“So in the end, it’s always me, Uncle Ben, and Dad representing the family in these activities,” William grumbled. “And we always lose to the Lanes p>
Father Rock chuckled softly. “Well, Darwin’s got four talented kids. Lavinia and the twins, along with Sebastian, are all fiercely competitive. It’s no surprise p>
Rain, full of determination, leaned forward with a grin. “Well, now you’ve got me and Alexander, Father! I promise we’re going to win almost all of the events this time p>
Rock laughed warmly, patting Rain’s hand. “It’s fine, my dear. Winning isn’t what matters. The real purpose of the event is for all of us to have fun and relax p>
Rain smiled at his words, but she still couldn’t shake her resolve. ’Relax?’ she thought. ’I’ll make sure we have fun… but winning wouldn’t hurt either p>
After breakfast, everyone dispersed to follow their plans for the day. Rain, brimming with excitement, took a quick bath before heading to her walk-in closet. To her surprise, she found several pairs of riding clothes and gear neatly organized, along with an impressive collection of sportswear.
“My father-in-law is truly impressive!” she exclaimed with a laugh, appreciating the thoughtful preparation.
Just then, her body froze as she felt Alexander’s warm breath tickle her ear. “Need help putting those riding clothes on?” he murmured playfully.
Rain turned to him with a raised eyebrow and smirked. “I think I can manage, but thanks for the offer p>
Alexander’s gaze grew more intense, his eyes practically undressing her with every second. Rain could feel the heat rising between them, her breath catching in her throat.
“Fine,” he whispered, his voice thick with teasing desire. “I’m much better at helping you undress than getting you dressed, don’t you think p>
Before she could respond, he reached up to gently pull the towel from her hair, letting it slip down effortlessly. Then, with the same deliberate ease, her bathrobe slid down her shoulders, pooling on the floor. Rain’s pulse quickened as she felt his lips pressing soft, lingering kisses along her shoulder blades, slowly trailing upward toward her neck.
“Alexander she breathed, her voice hoarse, barely a whisper.
He hummed against her skin, his warm breath sending shivers down her spine as his hands followed the curve of her waist.