Chapter 106 The Fruits of Love
As night fell swiftly, Alexander, freshly bathed, nestled into his bed, yearning for sleep's swift embrace.
Yet, despite his fervent tossing and turning, sleep remained a distant dream.
With a sigh, he rose from his bed and ventured towards Ava's room, gently rapping on her door.
However, despite his patient vigil, no response echoed from within.
Alexander's hand hovered over the door, caught in a moment of hesitation. Their strained relationship weighed heavily on his mind, causing him to question the wisdom of another knock. Even if she were to answer, he found himself at a loss for words. His inexplicable desire was merely to catch a fleeting glimpse of her.
With a sigh, he retreated to his room.
No sooner had Alexander settled onto his bed than a knock echoed through his room. The door was unlocked—the visitor could have easily let themselves in—yet, he hastened to the door, recognizing Ava's distinctive knock.
Ava's hand was suspended midair, poised to knock again when Alexander swung the door open. Caught off guard by his sudden appearance, she offered an awkward smile and extended her phone to him.
Displayed on the screen was a text conversation between Ava and her grandma.
Grandma: [Let's have a video chat, honey. Grandma wants to see you both.]
Ava: [Sure, give me a sec. Alex is in his room. I'm just grabbing a drink downstairs. I'll be up soon.]
Suddenly, everything fell into place for Alexander. He stepped aside, inviting Ava in.
Once the door closed behind them, the couple settled onto the bed. Ava, still radiating discomfort, lifted the covers and nestled under them.
"Sorry to bug you," she mumbled, "Grandma wants to see us, so..."
"It's fine," Alexander interjected, dismissing the formality, "Let's just start the video."
Ava nodded, a gentle reminder in her voice, "Try to look a bit cheerful."
He grunted in acknowledgment.
Initiating the video call, Ava swiftly connected with her grandma. Scarlett's face appeared on-screen, her figure comfortably nestled in bed, still donning glasses, "Ava, can you see me?"
Scarlett waved at the camera.
"Grandma, I can see you. Do you see us?" Ava asked.
"I do. Are you two heading to bed?" Scarlett inquired.
"Not yet, Grandma. Why aren't you asleep?"
"Couldn't sleep. Felt like seeing how you lovebirds are doing. Come over tomorrow—what would you like to eat? I'll send someone to get the ingredients."
Ava's spirits lifted, "I've been craving some fish stew."
"Alright, first thing tomorrow, I'll have them pick up what we need for the fish stew. Anything else you fancy?"
"Let me think..." Ava trailed off, pondering.
Their exchange continued for about thirty minutes, their voices filling the room with the warmth of familial affection.
Throughout the entire conversation, Alexander contributed only a few words. He stood silently beside Ava, like a prop, simply there to accompany her on their journey.
Later, noticing that her grandmother seemed a bit tired, Ava suggested, "Grandma, you should get some rest. Alex and I will come see you tomorrow."
"Alright, but you two don't need to call it a night so early," Scarlett replied with a caring smile. "Otherwise, when will I get to hold my great-grandchild?"
Ava's cheeks flushed red, and she shyly dropped her gaze. "Grandma, why would you say something like that?"
"What's there to be shy about? You've been married for quite a while now."
She then turned to Alexander with a serious look, "Alex, you better step up your game, or people might start thinking you're not up to the task."
A dark line seemed to form on Alexander's forehead. "Grandma, what are you talking about?"
"You don't want me to speak of it? Then you better work on it. Try to have a child with Ava soon. It doesn't matter if it's a boy or a girl, I’ll be happy either way. You two will have a token of your love, isn't that wonderful?" Scarlett wasn’t merely joking. She meant every word.
