Chapter 76
“I was at the shipyard when I got a call from my father,” Alexander replied, his voice calm. “He told me you’d been in an accident and were rushed to Clayton University Hospital.” He glanced down at his clothes, still dusty and stained from working on machinery.
Rain stared at him in disbelief. “You rushed to me without even changing first p>
“It was an emergency, so I moved fast,” he answered matter-of-factly. Then, with a sideways glance at her, he asked, “Wouldn’t you do the same if it were me p>
Rain’s expression softened. “Of course, I would! I’d rush to you as fast as I could,” she replied, her voice sincere. She found herself wondering if there was something more behind his actions, but she quickly shook the thought away.
Rain’s forehead creased in thought as she murmured, “But how did Father-in-law find out about it p>
Alexander shrugged slightly, his gaze still on the road. “I’m not sure either. You can ask him about it later,” he replied.
Rain nodded, mentally noting to ask her father-in-law about it later. She subconsciously bit her lower lip and stole a glance at Alexander, who seemed focused on driving. She realized she had called Mr. Rock “Father-in-law” earlier, but Alexander hadn’t reacted. If he brought it up later, she would just say it was practice. Still, she found herself liking the way it sounded—calling Mr. Rock her father-in-law.
“Thank you for coming to get me,” she suddenly said. “And for introducing yourself as my husband back there p>
Alexander nodded, his tone steady. “I told you, I’m keeping tabs on you. Consider it another favor p>
Rain couldn’t help but wonder what kind of repayment or favors he might ask for in the future. But since they were on the topic of favors p>
“Do you think you could help me out again?” she asked, no longer hesitating.
“Another favor?” Alexander hummed, a hint of amusement in his voice.
“Yes. You heard my father earlier… about Aunt Melanie. I want to see her and make sure she’s okay. I may not be close to my family, but Aunt Melanie is different. She’s the only one I have,” Rain explained, her voice laced with concern.
“Looks like your father and half-sister are cornering you, using your Aunt as leverage. But don’t worry. I’m willing to do you another favor,” Alexander said, his tone reassuring. “Just set the date and time to visit your Aunt Melanie, and I’ll make sure to clear my schedule p>
Rain’s lips stretched into a wide smile. She had been wracking her brain, trying to figure out how to see Aunt Melanie. Her last resort was to ask Alexander, but she was reluctant to involve him too much in her family’s issues. Yet, here he was, offering his help without hesitation. It felt like a weight had been lifted off her shoulders—Alexander was proving to be someone she could truly rely on.
Unknowingly, Rain found herself staring at Alexander for far too long, her thoughts swirling with determination. ’I must keep this man with me, no matter what!’ she thought.
Alexander suddenly glanced over, a teasing smirk playing on his lips. “I feel like I’m going to melt soon, Rain. Could you stop staring at me like I’m some kind of prey p>
Rain’s cheeks flushed, but she couldn’t resist expressing what she felt. “I can’t help it. Right now, Mr. Alexander Lancaster, you’re like my knight in shining armor! This may sound absurd, but I feel like I’ve hit the jackpot being married to you p>
It was bold, but the sight of Alexander’s ears turning red again encouraged her to continue. “Now, it makes me want to keep you even more. Can we extend our marriage p>
“No,” Alexander responded firmly, making Rain shrug her shoulders in playful defeat. “You really enjoy teasing me, don’t you?” he mumbled, his voice tinged with amusement.
“Of course! It’s fun! But I’m serious about wanting to keep you as my husband. You’ve been helping me a lot, and you’ve been so generous to me, hubby!” Rain burst out, her own face reddening at her shamelessness. But she was used to being candid, so she just let herself be.
“Hubby?” Alexander questioned, raising an eyebrow.
“I’m just practicing. Father-in-law will like it, don’t you think? Us having an endearment for each other. I remember him scolding me for calling you Mr. Lancaster before,” she added, her excuse ready.
“Don’t overdo it, or Father won’t buy it,” he replied simply. “Just call me Alexander, and I’ll call you Rain p>
“Fine then, Alexander,” she agreed with a pout.
“Did you pack your things already?” Alexander suddenly asked.
“I did,” Rain replied.
“Good. We’ll make a quick stop at your apartment to grab them, then head straight to the ancestral mansion,” he informed her. Rain simply nodded in agreement.
The rest of the drive was quiet, and soon they arrived at Rain’s apartment. As they entered, Rain noticed both Sanya and Clifford were around. This was the perfect opportunity to introduce Sanya to Alexander.
Rain waved at Sanya, who was staring intently at Alexander, her curiosity evident. “Sanya, this is Alexander,” Rain said, gesturing toward him with a smile.
“Sanya! Are you alright?” Rain called out, noticing her friend’s stunned expression. Sanya’s lips were parted, her face pale as she continued to stare at Alexander. Finally, she muttered in disbelief, “You’re Alexander Lancaster p>
Rain frowned, confused by Sanya’s reaction. It was as if she had seen a ghost. “Yes, he is,” Rain confirmed. “Didn’t I just introduce you p>
Before Sanya could respond, Clifford stepped in, his own expression tense. “Why are you back home so early?” he asked, his gaze sharp.
Rain sighed, trying to brush off the concern. “Oh, I had an accident, and Alexander picked me up from the ER,” she explained, but the words barely left her lips before Clifford was in front of her, his hands gripping her shoulders, his eyes scanning her from head to toe.
“Why didn’t you call me? Are you hurt? What happened?” Clifford’s questions came in a rush, his worry palpable.
Before Rain could answer, Alexander stepped forward, his voice cutting through the tension. “Why would she call you when she has a husband p>