Chapter 84 We’re Family Now
We lie naked, cuddling each other in silence, savouring the moment. She draws circles on my chest, and I can feel her breath on my skin.
She raises her head from my chest and looks up at me with gratitude. “Thank you so much, Alexander. I don’t know what I would do without you. You give me strength when I feel weak.”
“You don’t have to thank me, love. Being here for you is what matters most to me.” I reply, stroking her hair. “Facing these memories won’t be easy, but I believe in your resilience. You’ve come a long way, and I’m proud of the progress you’ve made.”
“I love you.” As she whispers, her voice trembles with emotion.
“I love you too, Alice. And I’ll always love and support you, no matter what challenges we face.” I assure her, planting a soft kiss on her lips.
We pull apart as her phone rings up.
She grabs the phone from the side table and glances at its screen. “It’s aunt call.” She tells me before putting the phone on speaker.
“Hello.” She answers the call.
“Alice, meet me now. I want to know everything.” She orders in a stern tone.
“I’m just coming, and I’ll explain everything.”
“I’m waiting.” As her aunt disconnects the call, she stares at me with helplessness.
“Don’t worry, Alice. She will understand our relationship.” I reassure, placing my hand on her face.
“I just hope so.” She pouts at me before rising from the bed.
“I have to explain to her now.” She tells me, picking up her clothes.
I jump out of bed and put on my trousers before helping her in donning the dress.
“Let’s go.” I utter, clasping her hand.
“You’re coming with me?” She asks, surprised.
“Yup. I’ll keep standing outside the room because I know you’re not fine to roam around the house alone.” She stares at me in disbelief upon listening to my words.
“You understand me so well, Alexander. I’m fortunate to have you in my life.” She brings my hand close to her lips and places a soft kiss on it, and I just beam at her.
***
Alice’s P. O. V.
“What is going on between you both, Alice?” Aunt asks, standing up from the sofa as I enter her room.
“What Alexander told you is the truth. We’re in love with each other.” I tell her.
“I can see the love in your and Alexander’s eyes for each other, but why did you hide it from me, Alice?” She asks in a disappointed tone before adding, “And I can see the pain in your eyes. You’re still hiding something from me.”
She knows me so well.
I look down; I can’t tell her what I have suffered and about my pain. She will blame herself for not protecting me and breaking the promise she made to my mother to keep me safe.
I control my emotions, taking a deep breath.
“No, Aunt. I’m not hiding anything from you.” I lie to her, and she gives me a wary look and nods.
“Why did you hide about your relationship with Alexander?” Her next question comes up.
“I was scared that you might be against it, so I didn’t tell you about it. I’m sorry for hiding this from you.” I apologize, embracing her as tears well up in my eyes.
“I missed you, Aunt.” I whisper, shedding silent tears while holding her close. The weight of my emotions became too much to bear in that moment.
She notices the marks on my back and pulls away from me, her eyes widening in shock and fear.
“What happened to your back, Alice? Why do you have bruises?” She asks, her voice filled with worry.
I try to avoid her gaze, my heart racing with anxiety. “It’s nothing, Aunt. Just a minor accident.” I mumble, trying to downplay the situation.
But Aunt is not easily convinced. Her instincts tell her that something is amiss, and she insists, “Alice, don’t lie to me. Tell me the truth. Are you in any trouble? Has someone hurt you?”
The concern in her voice breaks down the walls I had tried to build and tears well up in my eyes once again. I feel torn between protecting her and opening up about my pain. But as her gaze meets mine, I know I can’t keep it hidden any longer.
“It’s… It’s not an accident, Aunt. It’s a painful reminder of the torture I endured.” I confess, my voice shaking slightly. A gasp escapes Aunt’s lips, and her eyes well up with tears.
“Did Alexander hurt you?” As she asks, I immediately shake my head.
“No, it’s not him. It’s Edward who tortured me.” I hiccup.
She pulls me into another tight embrace. “Oh, my dear, I’m so sorry you had to endure such pain.” She speaks, her voice quivering with sadness and anger. “No one should ever have to go through that. You didn’t deserve any of it.”
As I feel her arms around me, I finally let go of the weight I had been carrying on my shoulders.
“It was a month ago, and I’ve been trying to heal from it. Alexander has been my backbone through it all, supporting me and helping me find the strength to face my past.” I break down and sob, telling her about the pain and struggles I had endured. She listens, her heart breaking with every word.
She breaks the hug and apologises, clasping my face. “I’m so sorry, Alice, that you had to go through this. I couldn’t keep the promise of your mother.” She utters, her voice shaking with emotion and tears trickling down her cheeks.
“It wasn’t your fault, Aunt. Please don’t blame yourself. This was the only reason I wasn’t telling you about this.” I explain to her, wiping her tears.
“Yes, Aunt. Alice is right. It wasn’t your fault.” Alexander enters the room.
Aunt approaches him, staring at him with gratitude. “Thank you for being there for her when she needed it most.”
“I love Alice, and I’ll always be there for her, no matter what. She’s the most important person in my life.” He replies with honesty.
She smiles through her tears, relieved that I have someone like Alexander to support me. “You’ve been a blessing to her.” She remarks before looking back at me. “I’m glad you have someone like Alexander Sir by your side, who put his brother behind bars for you.”
I nod, my eyes filled with affection for both Alexander and Aunt. “Yes, Aunt. Alexander has been my strength, helping me face my past and heal from the pain.”
As she shifts her eyes to Alexander, he requests, “Please, don’t call me sir. Just call me Alexander, like Alice does. I don’t want any formalities between us. We’re family now.”Exclusive content from NôvelDrama.Org.
Aunt gives him a warm smile. “Alright, Alexander.” She pulls both of us into a heartfelt embrace. “You both deserve happiness and love. I may have initially been worried, but seeing the love and strength between you two, I know that you’re meant to be together.”
Tears of relief and joy well up in my eyes as I hug her firmly. “Thank you, Aunt. Your acceptance means everything to me. I thought it would be so difficult to convince you.”