Chapter 129 I Am Just Insecure
Lillian exclaimed in surprise, "Why does he give you an extra 400 dollars? 600 dollars is already quite a lot."
Oscar replied, "Alexander wants to give me some pocket money."
"Keep this money for yourself. I don't need it," Lillian said, looking at her brother with a touch of pity in her eyes. She continued, "When school starts, take care of your health and take your medication on time. Don't do the part-time jobs you did before. Focus on your studies. You don't need to worry about money, understand?"
Listening to Lillian's long list of instructions, Oscar felt a bit uncomfortable.
"Don't worry, I'll take good care of myself. During this time, Kelly has made a lot of delicious food for me. I feel much stronger. I also want to remind you to get along well with Alexander. At first, I thought he was just an annoying rich guy, but after getting to know him, I realized that Alexander is really great and has a lot of charisma. I hope you two can fall in love," Oscar said.
Lillian smiled. "Let's just let things take their natural course between us."
"Do you think you're not good enough for Alexander?" The light in Oscar Hill's eyes dimmed instantly. "Lillian, it's normal to have such thoughts. I have them, too. Insecurity has taken root in our hearts. It's not something you can throw away."
Lillian patted her brother's shoulder and teased, "Why are you being so sentimental like a girl? That's not what I meant. I feel like I can't get along with Alexander. Hearing you say that makes it sound like I'm really bad. I'm very confident."
Oscar laughed and said, "Lillian, I understand what you mean. If Alexander said he liked you, how would you respond? Would you say you can't get along with him?"
Lillian thought seriously for a moment, then nodded affirmatively. "Yes, I would."
"Really?" Oscar frowned slightly. "You are quite decisive."
"Let's not talk about this anymore. It would help if you went to bed early. What time are you going back to school tomorrow?" Lillian asked.
"Alexander said Kevin will pick me up at seven-thirty tomorrow," Oscar replied.
"Alright, goodnight, then. When you get to school, send me a message on Facebook," Lillian said.
Lillian left the room and stood at the door, pondering her brother's question. 'The answer remains the same. I will refuse. It is because of insecurity, even though I know I have feelings for him now.'
That night, Luke coaxed Lillian to the upstairs room. Alexander was not there.
"Lillian, you haven't slept with me and Alexander for several days! " Luke said sternly, "So, from now on, no matter how busy you are, you have to come up and sleep. Do you get it?"
Lillian tilted her head, pondering his words. 'They sound really awkward.'
"Luke, you're growing up now. You can't sleep with us anymore. You need to sleep on your own, okay?" Lillian coaxed him, "Look, Alexander prepared such a beautiful room for you with all your favorite things: Superman, Lightning McQueen, Transformers. Wouldn't it be great to sleep with them at night?" Lillian said.
"I don't want to. I want to sleep with you and Alexander," the little guy said excitedly, throwing himself onto Lillian, hugging her neck, and swaying as he pouted.
Lillian remembered that Alexander had mentioned consulting Luke's psychologist about him sleeping alone. Worried that her words might upset Luke, she didn't push further. Instead, she hugged him tightly and said with a smile, "I can't decide this. It's up to your Uncle Alexander."
"Lillian, tell Uncle Alexander not to make me sleep alone," Luke said, kissing her cheek with a smile. "Lillian, you're the best."
Lillian laughed heartily. "Stop fussing and go to sleep."
As they lay down, Luke held Lillian's finger and asked, "Oscar is going back to school tomorrow. Will he come back?"
"Of course, he will. He'll come back during the school holidays," Lillian replied.
"But what if I miss him?" Luke asked.
"If you miss him, I'll ask him to come back on weekends to play with you," Lillian said.
"Lillian, when do I start school?" Luke asked again.
"It is very soon, on March 1st. After school starts, our Luke will be a first-grader," Lillian said.
"Lillian, I want you to come to the parent-teacher meetings," Luke said.
"Alright, I'll go. Now stop talking and go to sleep," Lillian said, turning to pat him gently.
In no time, Luke fell asleep. Lillian turned off her bedside lamp and started reviewing vocabulary on her phone. Just as she was about to drift off, Alexander came in. She could sense him pausing for a moment before heading to the bathroom.
Feeling a bit awkward, Lillian turned over, put her phone by her pillow, and closed her eyes. Hearing the sound of water in the bathroom, she was so ruminating that she couldn't sleep at all. She opened her eyes and stared blankly.
Soon, the water stopped. Shortly after, Alexander came out, carrying the scent of his shower. Lillian quickly closed her eyes again, her heart racing. Every other time he came, he would go to sleep after his shower. This was the first time something like this happened. She didn't know why she felt so nervous, but she could feel her ears turning red.
The bed moved slightly as Alexander lay down and turned off the bedside lamp.
In the darkness, Lillian slowly opened her eyes and exhaled silently. 'I'm so useless,' she thought, 'Alexander just took a shower. There's no need to be embarrassed.'
She thought about what Oscar had said earlier and hesitated before asking, "Alexander, are you asleep?"
"Lillian, I realize you just don't want me to rest. You always wait until I'm about to sleep to call me," Alexander said angrily. "What is it? Speak!"
Knowing he was still upset, Lillian whispered, "Thank you for taking care of Oscar and giving him such a high salary."
"He worked hard for it. He deserved it," Alexander said flatly.
Lillian acknowledged this and continued, "No matter what, during the time Oscar was here, you accepted him and taught him many things. He really likes you. I still want to thank you."
Alexander still didn't respond.
Lillian added, "I transferred this month's installment payment to your bank account. This way, I don't have to give you cash anymore."
Alexander recalled that there had indeed been a small deposit recently. He had been busy and had forgotten about it. It turned out it was from her.
Seeing that he didn't respond, Lillian spoke again, "Alexander, can you stop being angry? I know I was wrong. I promise I won't lie to you anymore."
"Alexander? Alexander?" Lillian called his name twice more when she didn't hear a response, whispering, "Do you fall asleep so quickly?"
"Lillian, Shut up now," Alexander's voice came coldly from the darkness, sending a chill down her spine.
"Okay, I'll shut up," Lillian said, not daring to speak further, and obediently went to sleep.
