Chapter 9
Elizabeth's heart skipped a beat. Did Alexander just say that? He never wanted to acknowledge their marriage before.
Alexander saw the shock in her eyes and felt a wave of frustration. He said he was her husband. Why was she so surprised?
John pointed at them, doubtful. "You two are married?" He felt like he was being played, not getting the respect he deserved.
But John had a personal interest in Elizabeth. "Elizabeth, I admire you. I won't pry, but if you need help, I'm here." He was sincere.
That sincerity made Elizabeth feel even more apologetic. It had been a long time since anyone, besides her family, cared for her like this.
She was about to thank him when Alexander suddenly grabbed her wrist.
"Mr. Morris, thanks, but my wife doesn't need your help," Alexander's cold voice cut through the air.
His icy gaze swept over John before he dragged Elizabeth towards the car. John stood there, stunned.
"Alexander, let go! What are you doing?" Elizabeth shouted, frowning.
Alexander's grip was iron, his steps quick, ignoring her struggles like she wasn't even there.
Her toes hit the damp ground, the cold biting into her bones. She stepped on a stone and gasped in pain.
Alexander finally stopped and turned. Elizabeth's eyes were red.
He glanced down at her feet. "Alexander, it hurts," she choked out, her voice hoarse.
‘He never cares about my feelings,’ she thought bitterly.
Something tugged at Alexander's heart. He picked her up, realizing how thin she was.
Elizabeth clutched his sleeve, with disbelief in her eyes. He placed her in the car, then got in himself.
She couldn't understand him at all. The car was silent, the atmosphere thick. Elizabeth's hair dripped from the rain, making her look even more pitiful.
Alexander shot her a look, memories of their steamy kiss at the club last night flashing through his mind. His throat felt parched. He fished out a cigarette and lit it.
"So, what's the deal with you and John?"
"We're just friends," Elizabeth said, straight to the point.
Alexander didn't buy it but let it slide.
He bit down on his cigarette, tossed some disinfectant and gauze her way, and said flatly, "Handle it yourself."
"Huh?" Elizabeth blinked, confused.
"Your hand," he snapped.
Elizabeth opened her palm, suddenly remembering the cut from the pen.
"It's no big deal," she shrugged.
But Alexander grabbed her wrist, tending to the wound with a mix of irritation and care. "Weren't you always the drama queen? Crying over every little scratch, dragging me to the hospital!"
Elizabeth felt a pang of nostalgia. Back when they were newlyweds, she'd always find excuses to go to the hospital, hoping he'd show some concern. Sometimes, she'd even hurt herself on purpose. But he never seemed to care.
"You said it yourself, that was before." she said, watching him focus on her wound, her heart aching a bit.
Alexander looked up suddenly, cigarette still dangling from his lips.
The smoke was thick, making Elizabeth cough a few times.
Alexander's eyes went dark. He crushed his cigarette and rolled down the car windows, muttering, "You're so fragile."
Elizabeth stayed quiet, just staring at him.
She always hated smoke. No one in her family smoked.
Alexander had been a smoker even before they got married. Elizabeth had told him a few times she didn't like it. Eventually, he quit.
She thought he did it for her.
Then one day, she found Esme on his lap, purring, "You quit smoking for me, Alexander. You're the best!"
That's when Elizabeth realized he never quit for her.
Right then, Alexander got a call from Esme.
In the small, quiet car, Esme's voice was clear, "Alexander, the doctor said I'm fine."
"Okay," he replied, cool as ever.
Esme paused, then asked, "Did you see Elizabeth? Did you talk about the divorce?"
Elizabeth pulled her hand back.
She knew Alexander wasn't being nice for no reason. There was always a catch.
"I saw her. I'll come see you later." Then Esme's flirty voice came through the phone.
"Alright, I'll take a bath and wait for you~"
Elizabeth turned to look out the window, her heart shattered. She felt numb.
Alexander hung up the phone.
Elizabeth spoke up, "If you got something to say, just say it." Alexander stared at her back, but the words got stuck in his throat.
After what felt like forever, he finally broke the silence, "Grandma's turning seventy soon. The family's throwing a big party. She wants us there together."
Elizabeth turned, surprised. She'd been so out of it lately, she'd forgotten Lily Tudor's birthday was coming up.
"I'll get a dress ready for you and pick you up," Alexander said.
But Elizabeth shot back, "I'm not going to Grandma's birthday party this year."
