Chapter 179 Alex Confesses
Alex noticed the wariness in her eyes. His face darkened for a moment, but he quickly replaced it with a gentle smile.
"Ashley, I came to visit and saw Ms. Nelson making soup, so I brought it up for you. Mind if I come in?"
Ashley was worried about being alone with a man, fearing gossip.
But Alex had come to see her, and she didn't want to hurt his feelings.
After thinking it over, Ashley said, "Sure, Alex, you can sit over there."
She pointed to a chair about 6 feet from the bed, clearly wanting to avoid any rumors.
A flash of disappointment crossed Alex's face.
He said, "Ashley, let me help you up. Spending time with Buddy might cheer you up."
He placed the soup on the bedside table and moved to help her sit up.
Ashley quickly refused, "Thanks, Alex, but please just call Olivia. I'm grateful you visited; I don't want to trouble you more."
Alex felt discouraged.
Buddy seemed to sense this and tugged at Alex's clothes, pulling him to the bedside.
"Buddy, what are you doing..."
Alex's face turned red with embarrassment.
Buddy jumped back onto Ashley's bed, nuzzling her and making whimpering sounds, looking incredibly innocent.
Seeing this, Ashley felt helpless.
Buddy howled again, jumped off the bed, and pushed Alex towards the bedside. Caught off guard, Alex ended up sitting on the edge of the bed.
Both Alex and Ashley looked awkward.
The atmosphere became very delicate.
After a long silence, Alex mustered the courage to ask, "Ashley, do you consider me a friend?"
Ashley was surprised and puzzled. "Of course, why ask that?"
"I feel like you don't. You always seem distant and keep me at arm's length when I try to help."
Alex spoke his mind.
Ashley let out an embarrassed chuckle. "I just think being alone with a man could lead to gossip."
"We're not doing anything wrong, so why worry about what others say? Do you think I'm a hypocrite?"
Ashley had no response and felt she might be overthinking it.
"Sorry, I was just overthinking."
"It's okay. Now, if I take care of you, will you still refuse?"
Ashley hesitated but then said, "Alright, thank you."
"It's no trouble. Let me help you up first."
"Okay, thanks."
Alex stood up and supported Ashley's back and waist to help her sit up. In the process, his body accidentally brushed against her chest, causing both of them to stiffen.
Ashley looked embarrassed.
Alex pretended nothing had happened and, after settling her, sat by her bedside.
"Here, drink slowly."
"Thank you."
Ashley absentmindedly took a sip.
The soup was too hot, and she almost spilled it on herself.
Ashley started coughing violently.
Alex quickly put down the bowl and patted her back. "Did you choke? Drink slowly."
Ashley's face was red, partly from choking.
"It's too hot."
Seeing her flushed face up close, Alex mistakenly thought his actions had made her heart race. His heart pounded, and he became bolder.
"My bad, I didn't think of that. Let me cool it down for you."
He scooped some soup, blew on it until it was cool, and brought it to her lips.
"Try it now, see if it's still too hot."
Ashley straightened her back, feeling very uncomfortable with this intimate gesture. She wanted to move but couldn't, otherwise, she would have run away.
Feeling very awkward, Ashley forced a smile and said, "Alright..."
She took a sip but couldn't taste anything, feeling extremely uneasy.
"Have some more..."
Alex scooped another spoonful, cooled it down, and brought it to her again.
Ashley drank mechanically, and Alex's gentle care reminded her of Ethan.
Thinking of Ethan, Ashley's tears suddenly started to fall.
"Ashley, why are you crying?"
Alex hurriedly tried to wipe her tears, but Ashley turned her face away to avoid him.
"Did the soup burn you?"
Alex looked at her with concern.
Ashley shook her head, forcing her tears back.
She asked seriously, "Alex, why are you so good to me?"
Seeing her serious expression, Alex's heart raced. He had rehearsed his confession many times but didn't know how to say it.
"...I... li..."
Before he could express his feelings, Olivia knocked on the door and said, "Ms. Wilson, the Yates family's butler is here. He says he has something urgent to discuss with you..."
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