Chapter 79
Alexander opened the car door, bent down, and gently placed Elizabeth inside. His voice softened, "Alright, you get in first."
Elizabeth wrapped her arms around his neck, making it impossible for him to pull away.
He knew if he didn't let her ask now, she wouldn't let go. Elizabeth was stubborn like that.
With no other choice, he bent down, maintaining the awkward posture, and said helplessly, "Fine.."
Elizabeth lifted her face, staring straight at him, her eyes blinking gently. In a soft, tender voice, she asked, "If there was no Esme, would you love me?"
This was the question she'd been holding onto for the past three years.
Alexander gazed into her eyes, a complex emotion flashing in his own.
Her earnest gaze made it impossible for him to give a casual, perfunctory answer.
He should have firmly said "No," but looking at Elizabeth, he couldn't bring himself to say it.
Elizabeth pressed her lips, looking into Alexander's eyes, seeing his conflicted expression, and understood his answer.
Even without Esme, he wouldn't love her.
The reason he didn't answer wasn't hesitation. It was because he wanted to maintain her dignity and not embarrass her too much.
Elizabeth withdrew her arms, unable to hide the sadness in her eyes, and said, "I understand."
Alexander swallowed hard, catching the sadness in her eyes, and asked in a hoarse voice, "What do you understand?"
Elizabeth replied, "Your answer."
"I haven't answered yet."
Elizabeth let out a lazy laugh, then leaned back in her seat.
She turned her head, closed her eyes, and said calmly, "Alexander, we've known each other for seven years now. I know you very well. Sometimes, you don't need to answer verbally. Your expressions, actions, and eyes give me the answer."
Alexander got into the car, looked out the window, and said, "Really?"
"Sure." Her voice gradually softened.
Alexander looked at Elizabeth. She seemed very tired, or maybe she just didn't want to look at him, so she closed her eyes as soon as she got in the car.
Nolan glanced back at them and asked, "Mr. Tudor, where to...?"
"Take Elizabeth back to the Percy family." Alexander instruceted, feeling inexplicably irritable and downcast.
Nolan nodded and added, "Mr. Tudor, the birthday banquet is over. I've already sent Ms. Russell home. Ms. Russell wasn't in a good state."
"Got it. Buy her a gift tomorrow, and send her a bouquet of roses." Alexander rubbed his temples.
Elizabeth, with her eyes closed, listened to their conversation, her heart sinking gradually.
She had never received flowers from Alexander.
The journey home was long, and Elizabeth was too tired. Coupled with the numbing effect of the medication on her wound, she accidentally fell asleep halfway.
Suddenly, there was a weight on Alexander's shoulder.
When he turned his head, Elizabeth was sleeping on his shoulder.
Her dress was too revealing, exposing a lot of her chest. She was so fair-skinned that even in the dim car, it was hard to look away.
Alexander gazed at her delicate features, thinking about their kiss, his throat inexplicably dry, and his heart racing.
Alexander raised his hand, resting his palm on her cheek. His fingertips gently caressed her face before moving to her lips.
Alexander's Adam's apple bobbed up and down, his fingertips lingering on Elizabeth's lips, then gently stroking them.
He thought of Elizabeth saying she no longer loved him and her attitude towards Joseph, feeling a maddening urge to possess her immediately.
