Chapter 140 Alexander is Reluctant to Let Luke Leave
"Don't mention that!" Lillian cried out, covering her ears. The shame that incident brought her was beyond words.
Alexander sensed her disgust due to his fault and didn't want to upset her further, so he didn't speak.
He changed the subject. "Luke returns to school on Sunday, and Jackson will take him up tonight."
Lillian lowered her hands, her face full of disappointment. "So, is Luke leaving tonight? When will he come back?"
Alexander was also reluctant to see Luke go, saying, "Jackson and Nico are returning and staying awhile. The idea is to stay with Luke. Maybe he'll return over summer break."
"I see," Lillian said, her face falling. "Does Luke know about this yet?"
"Jackson called me today. I didn't expect it to be so sudden. We'll tell him when we get home," Alexander glanced at Melvin's car in the rearview mirror and said, "We've all grown attached to him. It's hard to see him go."
Lillian nodded silently and suddenly asked, "Alexander, will you be upset when we end our agreement?"
Alexander didn't speak, seemingly seriously considering the question.
"I won't be sad. Kelly and I will need time to adjust when you depart. After all, we've lived together," Alexander replied rationally.
Not hearing him say he would be sad depressed Lillian, who wasn't sure if she liked the response. She knew he couldn't be sad. It was wishful thinking.
She shook her head with a bitter smile, mocking herself for being foolish.
Alexander suddenly asked, "Will you be sad?"
"Of course not," Lillian said. "I won't be sad over a man who has hurt me in so many ways."
Alexander heard and grinned silently as if agreeing. But he was hurt inside.
The car stopped in front of a restaurant, a property of 'the Whale Group.' With a smile, the lobby manager took them to a private room.
Kelly had already ordered the dishes, catering to everyone's tastes. They chatted while waiting.
Suddenly, Alexander's phone rang. He answered it, and Shae's gentle voice came through. "Alexander, the baby threw up again."
Sitting next to him, Lillian heard it clearly. Her heart sank, but she couldn't help looking at him. Alexander stood up, walking out while asking, "Why did he throw up again? Didn't the shots help?"
Kelly puzzled and asked, "Who is Alexander talking to? Who threw up?"
"Shae called. Maybe she's sick," Lillian said softly, folding a napkin.
Seeing Lillian's downcast expression, Oscar couldn't help but ask, "Who is Shae?"
"Don't ask," Lillian replied.
Alexander soon concluded his call and returned, followed by the waiter with the meals. Hot and cold foods were served. Kelly considerately offered Lillian her favorite steak. She hurried out, covering her mouth at the heavy meat smell.
"What's wrong with Lillian?" Oscar stood up, ready to follow her.
"I'll go check on her," Alexander said.
Kelly looked serious, confused, and happy. Having her assumptions confirmed would be great news!
Lillian dry-heaved several times in the bathroom, but nothing came out. She stood upright, touched her chest, and breathed deeply. She was surprised to see Alexander at the sink and asked, "Why did you follow me?"
"Is your stomach upset?" he asked with concern.
Lillian rinsed her mouth, wiped it clean, and said, "Yes, I always want to throw up."
"You probably ate too much this afternoon," Alexander teased. "Take some digestive tablets when you get home."
When Lillian and Alexander returned, Kelly and Oscar both asked, "Are you okay?"
"I'm fine. I probably just ate too much," Lillian replied.
The meat in front of her had been replaced with cold dishes and fruit.
"If your stomach is upset, just eat some fruit," Kelly said. "You'll feel better by tomorrow. Don't take any digestive medicine at home."
"Alright, I don't like taking medicine anyway," Lillian responded.
Kelly grinned with satisfaction and glanced at Alexander with a confusing mix of adoration, relief, and contentment.
"Kelly, eat up. Why are you looking at me?" Alexander said with amusement, turning a dish she liked towards her.
"Alright, I need to eat well and take care of my health!" Kelly said.
After dinner, Melvin drove Kelly and Luke home first. Alexander and Lillian drove Oscar back to school.
"Make sure you eat breakfast, don't skip classes, and go to bed early. Do you remember?" Lillian reminded her brother outside the car.
Oscar replied, "I know. You always remind me of these things."
"Go on in," Lillian said, straightening his collar.
Oscar looked down, thought for a moment, and couldn't help but ask, "Lillian, has Alexander found a mistress?"
"He hasn't," Lillian replied.
"I heard it just now. It was a woman's voice, and she mentioned a baby," Oscar retorted.
"Don't worry about it. I'll explain it to you later," Lillian said evasively, pushing Oscar towards the school gate.
Watching Oscar leave, Lillian got back in the car. Alexander started driving home.
Suddenly, Lillian said, "If you have something to do, go ahead. I'll get off here and take the subway home."
"Who said I have something to do?" Alexander asked.
"Didn't you get a call just now?" Lillian asked.
"What did you hear?" Alexander asked teasingly.
Lillian pouted. "My hearing isn't that good. I only heard 'Alexander.'"
"Do you know that you look very cute when you're jealous?" Alexander said, delighted, and couldn't help but pinch her cheek.
Both of them froze after that gesture.
Lillian turned away, blushing, and whispered, "I'm not jealous of her."
Alexander tightened his grip on the steering wheel, unable to suppress the smile rising on his lips.
As soon as they drove back home, they heard Luke's voice in the yard. Jackson was pulling him, and he looked very unwilling.
Lillian quickly got out of the car and asked, "What's going on here?"
"Lillian!" Luke cried even louder when he saw her. "I don't want to go with Dad. I want to stay here! I don't want to leave you!"
Lillian pulled Luke from Jackson's grasp, squatted down, and wiped his tears, soothing him. "Luke, you have to go to school. When you have a break, you can come back, and I'll play with you again."
