Chapter 342 Domineering Gentleness
"No, I'm not avoiding you, I'm just on my period. I'm fine, but I'm sorry for making you come back for nothing."
Ava knew Alexander was busy with work, so she usually tried not to disturb him. She was a model of compliance and tranquility.
Their marriage was still in its infancy. As she navigated the complexities of their relationship, Ava was gradually learning to fulfill her role as a wife, striving to treat Alexander as her husband and to coexist with him naturally.
Yet, Ava couldn't shake off a lingering sense of surrealism.
When she was in Alexander's presence, she felt as though she was living in a dream.
It was akin to an ordinary woman harboring a secret infatuation for a man of exceptional stature, far beyond her reach, only to find herself unexpectedly wedded to him. The sudden shift left her disoriented. She was perpetually on edge, fearful of doing something that might make him dislike her.
"Why apologize?" Alexander's handsome face creased into a frown, his expression tinged with indifference. "We're married. You should let me know if you're in pain."
"Why?" Ava asked reflexively.
She didn't see the need to share her menstrual discomfort with anyone. She feared that telling Alexander might irritate him, and besides, he couldn't alleviate her pain.
"Why are you questioning me?" Alexander retorted, a hint of amusement in his voice, though he was slightly irked. "I'm your husband, and you're asking me why?"
Ava remained silent, pondering, 'Why should I tell him just because he's my husband? Wouldn't he be annoyed if I acted needy?'
Her gaze, filled with bewilderment, rested on him.
Alexander sighed softly, his voice tender, "You silly girl, if you tell me, I can take you to a doctor."
He wouldn't resort to the clichéd advice of drinking more water.
Ava was deeply moved.
Perhaps it was Alexander's comforting words that eased her pain somewhat.
However, the onset of severe cramps shattered Ava's momentary relief.
"Hmm." Ava clutched her stomach, the intense pain causing her to crumple into Alexander's arms.
The pain was excruciating, almost unbearable.
It felt as though she was being torn apart from the inside, her internal organs being wrenched out.
"We need to get you to a hospital." Alexander's voice was laced with alarm as he hastily pulled back the blankets covering Ava.
She was still dressed. She had changed earlier in preparation for school, but the pain had forced her to collapse onto the bed.
As Alexander moved to lift her, Ava protested, "No need. It's just menstrual cramps, it's normal, and there's nothing a doctor can do."
Despite the usual advice to drink more water during her period, which she found irksome, she knew that in her current state, she had no other choice.
"I will find a doctor who can help, at least he can determine the cause of your painful periods. Otherwise, you will suffer like this every month."
"Alexander, I really..." Ava began.
"Keep quiet," Alexander cut her off, his gaze icy and commanding, yet tinged with a concern that touched Ava.
"Do as I say."
When it came to Ava's health, Alexander was unyielding.
He propped her up against the headboard, then turned to fetch a pair of flat shoes for her.
The pain was so intense that Ava couldn't sit upright and fell back onto the bed. Alexander placed her feet on his lap and helped her into the shoes.
He lifted Ava from the bed and exited the room, cradling her in his strong, powerful arms. Ava's face was pressed against his firm chest. Even through his suit, she could hear his heartbeat.
Alexander was a pillar of strength.
Coincidentally, the shoes Alexander had chosen for Ava that day were the same ones she was wearing now.
Ava had a vast collection of shoes, and it was often a while before she wore the same pair again.
In all this time, she had only worn this particular pair four or five times.
However, whenever Alexander or William helped her with her shoes, it always happened to be this pair.
They were plain white lace-up flats, but to Ava, they were a symbol of their care for her.
Ava was deeply moved.
Often, her thoughts would drift to Alexander.
Even the most mundane or unrelated things would somehow remind her of him.
In such moments, Ava wondered if her constant thoughts of him were a sign of her deep love for him or an indication of her intense resentment.
William's movements were gentle as he quickly slipped on Ava's shoes and tied a neat bow with her shoelaces.
After securing the laces, William looked up. He was about to tell her he was done when he noticed her distant gaze. She was staring blankly at a spot, seemingly lost in thought.
