Chapter 127 Submerged in Water
Ava found herself pondering, 'Why did Grandma have to do that?'
She had finally shown some semblance of concern for her grandson, only for it to be revealed as a ruse. It was no wonder that Alexander had reacted so violently upon her entrance. He was a man in his prime, and under the influence of such a potent concoction, it was inevitable that he would lose control.
Had he pushed her away out of fear that he'd succumb to his desires and lose control? Ava realized she had misunderstood him.
Seeing Alexander in such discomfort, Ava murmured, "What do we do now?"
She considered their situation. The only relief seemed to come from a certain act, but their circumstances had changed significantly. Not to mention, she was now carrying their child.
"I'll take a cold shower," Alexander declared, rising to his feet and making his way to the bathroom.
Ava, filled with guilt over her misunderstanding, exited the room and headed to the kitchen. She fetched a jar and filled it with ice cubes from the freezer.
Suddenly, a voice echoed from behind her, "Mrs. Mitchell, up so late?"
Ava's heart jolted, and she spun around, stuttering, "Uncle Mike... you're still awake?"
"I came to check if anything was out of place. Why are you getting so many ice cubes?"
"I..." Ava was already feeling guilty.
She wondered if the butler had noticed the missing key from the study. Moreover, he must have known about the tonic Alexander had consumed, which would undoubtedly cause him to burn up.
Taking these ice cubes would surely raise suspicions. She couldn't just say they were to cool Alexander down, and she was unwilling to let Alexander touch her.
After a moment of contemplation, Ava replied shyly, "Uncle Mike, it's something private between Alex and me, better left unasked. I'm too embarrassed to say."
"Oh," the butler chuckled awkwardly, giving a slight nod, "My apologies, Mrs. Mitchell. Please go ahead."
He quickly stepped aside, clearing a path for her.
Ava brushed past him, clutching the jar filled with ice cubes.
"By the way, make sure to get some rest early," she paused, turning back, "the house isn't quiet yet, and I'm feeling a bit shy around Alex."
She was worried that if the butler went to the study and noticed the missing key, he'd search everywhere, and it would be problematic if the old lady found out.
The butler nodded slightly, "Alright, I'll head back now."
Ava, clutching the cold jar, returned to her room and paused at the bathroom door. Even through the closed door, she could almost hear a man's heavy breathing inside.
She raised her hand and knocked, "Alex?"
"Is something wrong?" His voice was muffled, oddly suppressed.
"I brought you some ice to help cool you down. It might make you feel better."
Silence followed.
"Alex?" She knocked again, but there was no response. Fear gripped Ava's heart, and without hesitation, she opened the door. To her horror, she found Alexander submerged in the water.
Ava gasped, dropping the jar on the floor, and quickly pulled Alexander out of the water.
With a splash, his face emerged. Wiping water from his face, his gaze was ominously dark, "What are you doing?"
"What are you doing? Why is your head underwater?"
"I'm cooling off. What did you think?" Did she think he was drowning?
"I..."
The bathtub water was crystal clear, and she could see right to the bottom, to his body. She averted her eyes, her cheeks flushing deep crimson.
In a panic, she picked up the jar of ice from the floor and handed it to him, "Here’s the ice. Eat some or put it on your body to cool down, whatever you prefer."
