Chapter 113 In Defense of Her Man
The table was already set, the meal meticulously arranged by Alexander. "Do you wish for me to go back quickly?"
"Yes, I do," responded Isabella, her smile warm and inviting.
"When you summoned me here, pleading for my assistance in various matters, you hardly seemed eager for my departure," Alexander playfully retorted. His tone was not one of mockery, but rather a light-hearted jest shared between intimate companions.
"Really, Alex, are you holding this against me?" Isabella's voice was tinged with regret. "I was unaware of your plans to return and finalize your divorce. Had I known, I would not have kept you. You know how deeply I love you, you should understand my intentions."
"Do you not require my company? Do you truly wish for me to return and dine with Ava and Grandma?" he sought confirmation.
"Please, do not keep them waiting," she insisted.
A sense of urgency washed over Isabella, a feeling she had never experienced before. For the first time, she found herself longing for Alex to hasten his departure, "It's not fair to leave Ava alone."
The urgency in Isabella's gaze was palpable.
Alexander recognized this and had no desire to cause a scene.
Yet, for some inexplicable reason, he remained, keeping his plans concealed from her.
"Then, you will dine alone?"
"Yes, I will finish my meal . Please, proceed," she urged him.
"Very well," Alexander conceded, retrieving his coat from the chair and donning it, "I shall take my leave."
"Do not forget your phone." Isabella handed him the device, her movements filled with a homely grace.
Accepting his phone, Alexander exited the hospital room without another word.
Isabella released a long, relieved sigh.
She had not anticipated Ava's words to hold truth, and she was taken aback that Alex had not informed her sooner.
Perhaps Alex feared disappointing her.
He was correct. The outcome remained uncertain until the very end.
Reflecting on Alex's consideration for her feelings, Isabella was filled with a sweet warmth.
...
Ava and Scarlett were seated at the dining table.
The dishes were served, their enticing aromas wafting through the air, but the warmth of the food was fleeting. If Alexander did not arrive promptly, it would all turn cold.
Scarlett’s expression was thunderous; the elderly woman was clearly incensed.
Ava attempted to pacify her, "Grandma, shall we begin our meal? There's no need to wait for him."
“We will wait,” Scarlett declared sternly, “I want to see if that boy has the audacity not to show up. If he doesn’t come, I won't eat. Let him be responsible for my starvation, the nerve of him!”
With a forceful smack on the table, Scarlett added, “It's always like this. When he finally arrives, I'll question him about his work commitments—or if he's been preoccupied with other matters!”
Witnessing her grandma's agitation, Ava was not only anxious about Alexander but also concerned for Scarlett's health. She drew a chair closer and coaxed, “Grandma, isn't it nice to have dinner with me? Why must we wait for Alex? I thought I was your favorite, but it seems you still hold your eldest grandson in higher regard.”
Ava pouted like a child, her disappointment evident.
Scarlett clasped her hand. "Ava, you know Grandma always has a soft spot for you. It's just Alex. He has a knack for being fashionably late."
"Why don't I keep you company for dinner? With me here, who cares what he does? I'm famished." Ava patted her flat stomach. "Let's eat, Grandma."
"Alright," Scarlett sighed. "You, my dear, are always defending your man."
"That's not true. I'm not defending him. I'm just really hungry, and I'm worried you might be too. Who cares about him? If we finish eating, he'll have nothing left when he arrives."
