Chapter313 The Promise
"There's no need," Victoria assured him, her smile soft and tender.
"Why?" Alexander queried, his brow furrowing in confusion.
"You don't need to be with me every year on my birthday. Your presence this time has already touched me deeply," Victoria replied, her laughter ringing out, serene and peaceful.
Yet, as soon as the words left her lips, Victoria turned to depart. Alexander's warm hand reached out, grasping her shoulder from behind. He leaned in, his whisper soft as a summer breeze, "This is my promise to you. Wherever you may be in the future, I will be by your side on your birthday."
"There's no need," she murmured, her heart fluttering at his words. She struggled to articulate her thoughts, "There's no need for promises between us, especially not ones that are meant to last forever."
"Victoria, I think...," Alexander said.
"I'll go get the bandages to treat your wounds," Victoria interjected, cutting him off. To her, Alexander's promises were nothing more than illusions. She lowered her head, quickening her pace towards the living room.
Alexander remained rooted to the spot, his gaze lingering on her retreating figure. Only when the water in the pot began to boil did he tear his eyes away.
Victoria returned, bandages in hand, just as Alexander was ladling noodles into a bowl. She moved to stand beside him, instructing, "Give me your hand."
Without hesitation, Alexander extended his hand towards her. Victoria recoiled slightly, expecting him to touch her. A chuckle escaped Alexander's lips at her reaction, causing a blush to creep up Victoria's cheeks.
With a steady hand, Victoria began to bandage the burn on Alexander's hand. The kitchen was suddenly filled with a serene calm, the atmosphere warm and inviting.
Alexander stood still, his blue eyes locked onto the girl tending to his wounds. Her cautious demeanor was endearing, stirring a desire within him to give her the world.
"Victoria," Alexander murmured, his voice low and husky.
"I'm done," Victoria announced, stepping back to admire her handiwork. The bandage was neatly applied, a testament to her careful attention.
Alexander lowered his gaze to inspect the bandage, before lifting his eyes to meet hers. He reached out, capturing her hand in his, his tone unusually serious as he said, "Happy birthday."
Victoria kept her eyes downcast, responding softly, "Thank you." She moved to collect their food, setting it on the table.
Alexander watched in silence as she gathered the utensils, placing them next to their bowls. "Come and eat," Victoria invited.
Alexander stretched his long legs, sauntering over to the table. He pulled out a chair, preparing to join her for the meal.
The following morning, they went about their usual routine. En route to work, Victoria received a birthday message from Adrian. She responded with two simple words.
Victoria: [Thank you.]
Adrian had been sending her birthday wishes and gifts every year since they met. Yet, sometimes, he would forget his own birthday.
Alexander caught sight of her staring at her phone through the rearview mirror. "Is that Adrian?" he asked.
"What's wrong?" Victoria responded, snapping back to reality.
A shadow crossed Alexander's face at her words. Victoria glanced at him, the conversation between him and Adrian from the previous night playing in her mind. She didn't want to pry, but she understood that there were unresolved feelings from the past. She also knew that Adrian's father's health was likely deteriorating.
Around ten in the morning, a stunning woman in a form-fitting skirt walked into Alexander's office. Soon after, Victoria's phone rang with a message.
Alexander: [Come in.]
Victoria was perplexed. He was in a meeting with a beautiful woman. Why was he summoning her?
Despite her confusion, she knew better than to defy Alexander's orders. She entered the office to find the woman seated on the sofa. The woman's short hair framed her face, her figure alluring. She flashed Victoria a smile, her eyes radiating a challenging glint.