Chapter 63

Alexander and Heather were in blissful slumber when they heard a soft knock on the door. Alexander groaned as Heather made a little frowning noise.
It was relatively early for anyone to be knocking on the door. Further, he did not inform anyone of his return to his home. It was rather astonishing that anyone would want to meet him at this hour in the morning.
“Did you inform anyone about your return?" With concern in her voice, Heather questioned Alexander.
“No. I did not tell a soul. While I check to see who came here to greet me, why do you not get dressed?"
Alexander lightly touched Heather's face as she stood to get dressed after giving him a little nod.
"Do not worry, Heather. Everything will be fine."
"I pray that you are correct,"
Once she was out of sight of him, he did pray that he was correct before he let out a nervous breath, pulled up his trousers, and went to unlock the door.
When he realized that it was his brother, Juan, he exhaled with relief.
Alexander spoke as he made space for his brother to enter his room. "You gave me a scare. How did you find out about my return?"
"I just had a feeling. I decided to confirm it for myself. So, did you find Heather?” Juan asked with hopeful eyes.
“What do you think?” Alexander smirked.
Both brothers grinned.
Alexander turned to his left and glanced in the direction of the restroom where Heather was getting ready and called out to her, “Heather, the coast is clear. You can come out. It is my brother, Juan.”
After a few minutes, she emerged and beamed as she greeted Juan.
"It is so nice to see you back here," Juan said as he kissed her hand. "Without you, it has not been the same at all."
“I missed your presence equally, Juan. One always needs someone in life who can make you smile with their mere presence.”
However, Alexander laughed and said, “Brother, do not allow her compliments to get into your head. I do have to admit that it hurts that you received a better welcome than I did."
“Alexander, I am still not happy to be here. You bought me with you against my will.” Heather fixed her gaze on Alexander.
“You had given me no other option, Heather. Furthermore, this location is safer than Boonsdock for you."
“She was in Boonsdock?” Juan was startled at this revelation.
“I was, Juan, and I beg to differ, Alexander. Boonsdock is a lovely place, and no harm would have come to me there.” Heather retorted.
“I am not sure if I agree, Heather. Boonsdock is not known for its pleasantries.” Juan stated worriedly.
"There, Juan, is where you are mistaken. Boonsdock is a wonderful place, and I thoroughly enjoyed my stay there. You are welcome to come along with me when I go there again, though. In fact, I insist that you accompany me there next time I visit. I do not want to offend anyone, but that place is more secure than Warsavor.”
Juan was astounded by Heather's statements and turned to look at Alexander, who shrugged.
“The locals there are taken towards Heather. Even though I do not feel comfortable there, the people of Boonsdock adore her. They are not fond of me, though, but Heather seems to have become part of their family, so they have become protective of her. I do not blame her for believing that Boonsdock is safer, as our natives have not been welcoming.”
“I am really surprised by what you just said. I can never imagine anyone having a good word to say about that place. Both of you must tell me everything about Boonsdock. But first, Heather, please know that you have my support. To get our people to accept you for who you are, we only need to be patient.” Juan said.
Since Heather is the only person he knows who has positive things to say about Boonsdock, he was curious to hear about the time she spent there.
“We must meet my folks now. I do not want them to know about our presence from anyone outside.” Alexander pronounced.
Heather, however, was hesitant about his decision.
Heather looked at Alexander cautiously and said, "I do not think it is wise for us to meet your folks this soon."
“What do you mean to say? The longer we keep quiet about your presence in Warsavor, the worse off we will be seen," Alexander was rather baffled.
He did not wish to engage in a cat-and-mouse game with his parents. The outcome would only worsen their situation.
“Alexander, your folks despise me. The moment they see me, they will throw me into prison. You must gradually allow them to grow accustomed to my presence.”
“Where are you going to stay until then?" Alexander questioned while crossing his arms.
Heather kept her lips pursed for about a minute and then spoke, “I could reside with Mabel. I would be safe there.”
“No. You would not hide from my parents. It is unacceptable. We must have a reasonable conversation with my parents and clear your name of all the accusations.”
“I really…”
But Juan cut her off, saying, “Heather. I sympathize with your concerns and support them, but Alexander is also not necessarily in the wrong. Your mere existence would prove that you are innocent. We must inform our family and friends, because if they learned about it from someone else, it would just make the situation worse. Since you have not done anything wrong, there should be no reason for you to hide from anyone.”
Heather still had a strange feeling in the pit of her stomach, but somehow, she was unable to reason with the brothers standing before her. She was sure that something disastrous was about to happen and that she would be unable to stop it.
She was forced to resign and accompany the brothers to their parents' office because she had no other choice.