Chapter 196 Unshed Tears, Unspoken Words
Beside her, he extended a tissue, an offering to dry her tears. Victoria Kensington glanced down, swiftly accepting the tissue and dabbing at her eyes. His intention had been to gently wipe away her tears, but they continued to flow, unending like a spring.
"Mmm, she's crying. It's not easy to console her," he murmured softly. Victoria's heart fluttered in her chest, wondering if he was referring to her. Could he possibly be discussing something as intimate as her tears with another person?
Just as indignation began to rise within her, his soothing voice reached her once more. "Yes, she requested not to post the photos online, but to send them directly to me." Victoria abruptly sat up, hugging her knees to her chest and resting her face against them, turning her back to him.
Alexander Harrington, aware of her continued sulk, hastily added, "I need to go. She's still upset about your random photo-shooting scaring her. Make sure to apologize next time you see her."
Victoria turned her head, still clutching her knees, and looked up at him defiantly. Alexander couldn't suppress the smile that spread across his face. He reached out to caress her damp cheek, whispering, "Tomorrow? I'll ask her. I need to go now."
He set down his phone, looking at her earnestly. "They want you to join us for a gathering tomorrow night."
"No, I'm not going," she responded immediately, as he had expected.
He chuckled lightly, "What if it's for a special occasion tomorrow?"
"What special occasion?" she queried.
"Shall we discuss it tomorrow?" he proposed, his voice maintaining its warmth.
Victoria felt it wouldn't be right to press him further, so she held back her questions. Yet, Alexander's gaze remained on her. Meeting his eyes briefly, she then lowered her own. She remembered she was still in his home. It was time for her to leave. If she didn't leave now, she might never leave. Tomorrow, she might encounter that person again. She didn't want to see him.
Alexander Harrington was oblivious to her inner turmoil as he gently brushed her hair aside, tucking it behind her ear. Victoria snapped back to reality, met his gaze, then quickly averted her eyes, murmuring, "I should head back."
"Just stay here tonight."
"I don't want to." Her words, usually delivered in a leisurely tone, rushed out in a hurry.
Alexander simply studied her for a few moments before rising to his feet. Victoria looked up at him, puzzled. "You don't want to," he echoed slowly, then bent down.
Victoria was already kneeling, making it easy for him to lift her, especially given her slight weight. Alexander cradled her in his arms, staring into her eyes. "When will you tell me what you want?"
What could she possibly want? What could he possibly offer her? Victoria was about to look away when she realized she was already off the ground. Feeling suddenly vulnerable, she implored, "Put me down."
"I'm carrying you upstairs."
"I don't want that."
"Mmm-hmm." Alexander didn't heed her protest; he continued to carry her towards the staircase.
Victoria's anxiety spiked. "Alexander Harrington, put me down this instant. I need to return to my place."
"This is your home too."
"No, it's not." It was his home, shared with another woman. To the outside world, they were merely neighbors, but what would people think if they knew the truth? The assumption was that they were living together.
Despite her protests, Alexander silently carried her to the bedroom. The half-open door was kicked wide by his foot. The loud thud startled her into silence. Alexander couldn't help but chuckle at her sudden stupefied expression as he continued into the room, still holding her.
"Where are you taking me?"
"To shower."
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