Chapter 35 Alexander has liked you since childhood
Victoria listened to Saskia, her almond-shaped eyes narrowing. Esme and Saskia knew each other? Esme had never mentioned it.
Saskia noticed her confusion. "It's not surprising you don't remember. You were only about two years old then," she said.
Victoria stayed silent. She didn't remember anything from when she was two.
Saskia pulled out an old, yellowed photo album from a nearby cabinet. It had always been kept in Nathan's courtyard.
Victoria glanced at it curiously. "What's this?" she asked.
"Open it," Saskia said, handing it to her.
Victoria opened the first page. It showed a chubby, naked boy with a cute face. As she flipped through the pages, the boy grew into a handsome young man. His face seemed vaguely familiar.
Saskia leaned in and whispered, "Yes, that's Alexander when he was four."
Victoria's hand paused. This was Alexander? So the first naked photo was him? She had seen Alexander completely naked!
Before she could react, Saskia said, "Keep going, Victoria. There's more."
Curious about Alexander's childhood, Victoria continued flipping through the album. She saw a young Alexander sitting on a carpet, holding a tiny baby.
"Is this Landon?" she asked, thinking of Alexander's younger brother.
Saskia smiled. "No."
Victoria looked puzzled.
"It's you," Saskia said.
Victoria was stunned. Alexander was holding her? How was that possible?
"Look closely at the surroundings in the photo. Don't they seem familiar?" Saskia prompted.
Victoria examined the background. It did seem familiar, sparking some distant memories.
"Keep going," Saskia urged.
Victoria turned more pages. In each photo, young Alexander was either holding a baby or playing with it. The setting looked like the children's room in the Kennedy family home from her childhood.
Saskia explained, "Your mother and I met years ago when I was studying abroad. My wallet got stolen, and she helped me get it back. We became friends. Later, I returned and married Preston. But your mother wasn't from Ridge. After we graduated, we lost touch. Four years later, she showed up in Ridge and married into the Kennedy family."
Victoria hadn't expected her mom to be Saskia's former classmate.
She listened quietly.
"Your mom contacted me when she had you. That's when I found out she married into the Kennedy family. But oddly, she never mentioned her family. She was always alone," Saskia said.
"Your mom was not only beautiful but also smart, wise, and independent. I never understood why she married someone like Simon. She deserved better," Saskia added with emotion.
Victoria only remembered her mom from when she was five. Her mom was indeed beautiful, gentle, and intellectual, but she never talked about her family.
Saskia noticed Victoria's emotions and changed the topic. "Alright, enough about that. From now on, I'll be your mom and take good care of you for Esme."
Saskia's words touched Victoria's heart. She hadn't felt motherly love for nearly twenty years, let alone fatherly love. The care from the Howard family tonight made her feel warm. This was what a home felt like.
"Thank you, Mom," Victoria said, smiling and feeling particularly happy.
Saskia felt the sentimental topic shouldn't continue and quickly switched back. "Victoria, aren't you curious why Alexander wanted to marry you after meeting you only twice? Nathan arranged many blind dates for him before, but none worked out. He never paid attention to any of them," Saskia asked with a hint of mystery.
Victoria thought of the photos but had no clue. Did it have something to do with them?
Seeing her puzzled look, Saskia sighed inwardly. She still had to explain. "Alexander has liked you since you were little."
Victoria's eyes widened in disbelief.
"No need to doubt it. It's been since you were little," Saskia said.
Victoria stayed silent.
After leaving Howard Villa, Victoria was deep in thought on the way back home.
Alexander noticed her acting strange after talking with Saskia. Finally, he couldn't help but ask, "What did my mom talk to you about?"
Alexander's deep, magnetic voice pulled her out of her thoughts.
Victoria turned her head slightly to look at Alexander's perfect profile, hesitating several times.
In the end, she spoke up.
What followed was a sudden emergency brake.
A screeching brake sound echoed on the quiet road.
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