Chapter 234
Rain woke up feeling a bit sore, yet she smiled, basking in the happiness of the night before. But her smile faded as she reached out, noticing Alexander’s warmth was missing beside her. She frowned, slowly opening her eyes. “Hmm, where is he?” she muttered.
She was alone on the sofa bed, still wrapped under the quilt. The last thing she remembered was Alexander gently cleaning her up and carrying her back to bed, cuddling her close as she drifted off. That was around ten in the evening.
She glanced at the clock and noticed it was already past four in the morning. Rain stretched, sitting up, and then saw a trail of flower petals scattered across the floor.
“Alexander?” she called softly, looking around the room. With no response, she slipped on a nightgown and followed the path of white rose petals. Her smile grew as she realized he must be planning something special, and curiosity quickened her steps.
As she reached the end of the petal trail, she found herself outside a door left slightly ajar. She pushed it open quietly and paused at the sight in front of her. There was Alexander, along with William and Uncle Ben, all blowing up balloons with several servants decorating the room.
“Damn!” William muttered, catching sight of her first.
Alexander followed his gaze, eyes widening as he noticed her standing there, watching the unexpected scene unfold. He crossed the room in a few long strides, wrapping her in his arms. “Everyone out! Now!” he commanded, sending everyone scattering in a flurry.
Taking a deep breath, he gave her a sheepish smile and murmured, “That nightgown doesn’t leave much to the imagination.” He tucked her hair behind her ear and whispered, “I didn’t think you’d be up yet. This was supposed to be a surprise.” He pressed a soft kiss to her forehead, holding her close.
Rain looked up at him, a hint of laughter in her eyes. He smiled shyly, rubbing the back of his neck, and finally said, “Happy birthday, love p>
She hadn’t expected any of this. She rarely bothered with her birthday and often forgot about it unless Clifford or Sanya surprised her. Her eyes welled up as she murmured, “I didn’t think you’d know p>
Alexander chuckled, gently brushing her tears away. “Why wouldn’t I? You’re my wife. Expect that I’ll know everything about you. By now, I even know how many moles you have and exactly where to find them… like that one on your right nipple.” He teased, making her pout because, of course, he was right.
But she was certain of one mole he still hadn’t found!
“So, is this my birthday surprise?” she hummed, glancing around. Her eyes settled on a large box draped with a cover. Pointing at it, she asked, “Is that my gift p>
Alexander took her hand, leading her toward it. “Actually, I was supposed to be the gift. They were going to wrap me inside the box so you could unwrap it and find me p>
Rain laughed, raising an eyebrow. “Now, that would be the best gift especially if you threw in a striptease p>
Alexander chuckled, leading her to another area covered with a cloth. With a quick flourish, he removed it, revealing the painting beneath. Rain’s eyes widened as she gasped, “Endurance p>
It was Vernice’s masterpiece, the one she’d never wanted to sell. It had been the very piece that had caught Rain’s eye, the one she’d wished she could own.
“How she murmured, staring at it in awe.
“Well, it wasn’t easy,” Alexander replied with a proud grin. “I made a deal with Aunt Vernice, and after a bit of convincing, she agreed to let it go to me p>
Rain turned to him, speechless, her heart swelling. “This is yours now, my wife. You can put it anywhere you want,” he added, his voice filled with warmth.
She smiled, eyes glistening as she looked back at the painting. “I’d love it in our study here,” she murmured, envisioning it perfectly in their shared space.
Rain grinned mischievously as she glanced at the large, empty box nearby, still half-wrapped in ribbon. “So… how about it?” she teased, nudging Alexander with her elbow. “Why don’t you hop in and give me that birthday strip tease? That’d be a gift I’d never forget p>
Alexander raised an eyebrow, chuckling as he looked at the box. “You really want me in there, huh?” he asked, feigning reluctance but clearly amused.
“Oh, absolutely,” Rain laughed, crossing her arms with a playful smile. “Unless you’re not up for the challenge p>
Alexander’s smirk deepened, unable to resist the playful challenge. “Alright, but remember, you asked for this,” he teased. “I’m supposed to be in there as a gift, but a strip tease? You’re pushing your luck… I don’t even know if I can dance p>
He stepped into the box with exaggerated seriousness, closing the lid behind him. Moments later, Rain opened it with a big grin, finding Alexander grinning back up at her, ready to perform.
He began unbuttoning his shirt slowly, one button at a time, his gaze locked on hers with a smoldering intensity. “Happy birthday, my daring wife,” he murmured, voice low as he shrugged his shirt off his shoulders.
Rain laughed, thoroughly amused but clearly waiting for more. “Come on! You’re just undressing… that’s not a striptease!” she teased, clapping her hands for effect.
“Oh, so you’re the music now?” he shot back, chuckling as he leaned into the challenge. With a mock-serious expression, he started swaying his hips, giving her a playful little dance with unpracticed, exaggerated moves, his eyes twinkling with amusement.
Rain’s laughter filled the room, full and unrestrained. She couldn’t remember the last time she laughed this hard. Watching Alexander, her usually composed husband, make such a playful effort warmed her heart and made her love him even more. He was simply the best.
Alexander circled her dramatically, tossing his shirt aside. “Come on, where’s my beat?” he teased as her clapping slowed from laughter.
“Oh, come here!” Rain hummed, reaching out.
He took her hand with a playful grin. “Or maybe I should practice and give you an encore tonight?” he murmured, his own laughter softening as he pulled her close, eyes meeting hers.
Rain wrapped her arms around his neck, her heart full. “Best birthday performance ever,” she whispered, her voice filled with warmth.
Alexander leaned down and kissed her forehead. “Happy birthday, my wife. I love you,” he murmured, holding her close.