Chapter 340
Rain blinked in surprise as Alexander walked into the dining room dressed in his usual work suit. She knew he was recovering quickly, but she had hoped he’d take more time to rest.
“Are you going to work already?” she asked directly, concern lacing her tone.
“Yes,” Alexander replied matter-of-factly as he took a seat. “I feel like exercising my mind as well. Getting back to work will help, and besides, I can tell William could use some support p>
“Brother! What are you talking about? I’m managing just fine!” William retorted, his voice tinged with indignation.
Alexander gave him a pointed look. “I’m sure you’re capable, but everything’s new to you. Let’s not pretend you’re not facing challenges p>
William opened his mouth to argue but quickly shut it, realizing there was no point. Instead, he turned to Rain and smiled reassuringly. “Don’t worry, Sis. I’ll make sure he doesn’t overwork himself p>
Rain nodded, though she couldn’t shake her unease. Still, she reasoned that Alexander returning to work might be beneficial. It could jog his memory or help him reconnect with his routine and colleagues.
Breakfast began as usual, with lively chatter filling the room. Rain felt a warm sense of contentment seeing the people she cared for gathered together. That contentment quickly evaporated, however, when she took a sip of her pumpkin soup.
Her eyes widened in alarm. Peanut.
She immediately turned to Alexander, who was about to scoop a spoonful from his bowl. Without hesitation, she reached out and stopped him. “There’s peanut in the soup,” she said, swiftly pulling the bowl away from him.
“Oh, right! You like pumpkin soup with peanuts, don’t you?” Sanya chimed in casually, oblivious to the issue.
William’s expression changed as he realized what was happening. “Oh no, my bad! I forgot to mention… my brother’s allergic to peanuts!” he exclaimed. Sanya’s face turned pale as she froze in embarrassment.
“I… I’m so sorry,” she stammered, visibly upset.
Rain shot her a reassuring smile and said warmly, “It’s alright, Sanya. Don’t worry about it p>
Before anyone could dwell on the mishap, Aunt Vernice clapped her hands dramatically, drawing all eyes to her. “That’s it!” she exclaimed with sudden excitement.
“What’s it?” Father Rock asked, raising an eyebrow.
“Oh, nothing!” Aunt Vernice replied, her enthusiasm undampened. “I was just thinking about how Sanya’s been asking for feedback on her cooking lately. And let me tell you, I think it’s wonderful! But now I see what she needs to do to truly shine p>
Sanya, still looking mortified, glanced at her in confusion. “What do you mean?” she asked hesitantly.
Aunt Vernice’s eyes sparkled with inspiration. “You should open a restaurant! But here’s the twist… cater to specific dietary needs and preferences. Imagine a place where every dish can be tailored to the customer’s requirements. That would be unique and so thoughtful p>
Immediately, the focus shifted. Aunt Vernice animatedly discussed the idea with Sanya, while Father Rock and others chimed in with their opinions.
Rain sighed in relief, glad the incident had been diffused so smoothly. She glanced at Alexander, who gave her a subtle nod of appreciation for her quick thinking. Smiling, she quietly went back to eating, her earlier worry easing as the conversation shifted to lighter, more pleasant topics.
As Rain walked toward the exit, she couldn’t help but wonder if Alexander would offer to give her a ride like he always used to. To test the waters, she slowed her pace, taking small, deliberate steps to give him a chance to catch up.
She smiled to herself, satisfied, when she finally heard his voice. “Rain p>
Quickly turning around, she flashed her sweetest smile. “Yes p>
Alexander hesitated, his expression unreadable. Rain decided to make it easier for him. “Do you want to ride with me? I can drop you off at your office since it’s on the way p>
It was true; they always passed his office first. Yet, in the past, Alexander insisted on dropping her off at the prosecution office first before circling back to his own building. It was a little quirk of his she’d always found endearing.
“Let’s do that,” Alexander finally said, a small smile gracing his lips.
Rain nodded, and without hesitation, reached for his hand. It was usually Alexander who took her hand first during their walks to the car, but this time she decided to take the initiative. She noticed the brief flicker of hesitation in his eyes and felt a pang of warmth in her chest. He was still adjusting, and she didn’t mind making the first move.
As they walked together, hand in hand, Rain felt a mix of nostalgia and hope. Moments like this gave her the reassurance that, little by little, things were falling into place.
Inside the car, the silence was so thick that Rain found it almost suffocating. It was a stark contrast to the lively, intimate conversations they used to have during rides like this. Unable to bear it any longer, she broke the quiet. “You know, before, we’d always talk about all sorts of things. And you… you’d scoop me into your lap, cradle me, and kiss me the whole way to the office,” she said, her voice teasing yet tinged with longing.
Alexander’s brows shot up in surprise. “I did?” he asked, his tone half-incredulous.
Rain chuckled softly, the memory bringing warmth to her expression. “Yes, you did! You never hesitated, Alexander… not when it came to me. You always followed your instincts, no second-guessing, no holding back p>
She took a deep breath, steadying herself as she ventured into more vulnerable territory.
“Alexander, I’m your wife. You don’t have to hold back with me. If you feel like doing something, whether it’s holding me, kissing me, or just being close, then do it. I understand that things feel new to you because of your lost memories, but you don’t need to overthink it. Just listen to your heart and what your body tells you p>
Her voice softened as she turned to him, her eyes shimmering with sincerity and affection. She smiled, radiant and unshakable. “I am yours, Alexander, completely and always. Just like you’ll always be mine p>