Chapter 255: Will Not Let Me Hug

"That's more like it," Elaine said, holding a strand of hair. "You don't need to ask. I lost interest in him long ago. I'm a natural flirt; I fall in love with everyone I meet. It's not that I don't believe in good people; I just find everlasting love hard to believe in. Love, to me, is like a flower—best preserved in its prime. I want to be in love until the day I die. How can I settle for just one person?"

Zendaya was speechless. She'd never seen anyone so embody that philosophy. If all love were like Clifford's feelings for Elaine, she wouldn't care for love at all. Elaine's version sounded better, but… "I think Ms. Jeannet and her husband are really great together."

Elaine chuckled, lightly tapping Zendaya's nose. "I'm talking about normal people, which Alexander and Aiden aren't. They're perverts, and they don't fit the usual norms. Normal people's love is passionate and intense, but once it fades, only ugliness remains. If there's a way to live harmoniously, it could last longer."

Although slightly displeased by Elaine calling her idol's husband a pervert, Zendaya recognized it as a joke from a friend and didn't get angry. She was, however, puzzled by Elaine's sudden change of topic.

Elaine had become frantic. Previously, without any plans, she hadn't felt much. But once she started acting, she couldn't stop. "All right, enough said. Are you feeling better now? Has your allergy faded?"

"Yeah, I'm fine now," Zendaya replied.

Elaine suddenly asked, "Are you allergic to lemons?"

Zendaya's heart skipped a beat. "Uh, yes. It's quite a coincidence, isn't it?"

It was. In a television drama, they'd probably be sisters. However, Zendaya knew from Clifford that Elaine's family was harmonious. Furthermore, Zendaya had parents, and she strongly resembled her mother. They even shared the same lemon allergy, making such a scenario highly improbable.

Still, Zendaya optimistically considered a possible ancestral connection—a form of destiny.

Elaine's expression grew more complex. Without saying much, she added Zendaya's contact information and asked, "Do you still have to work?"

Zendaya nodded.

Elaine sighed. "If Clifford continues to bother you, seek help from Isabella. She's a good person and seems quite fond of you. Besides, Clifford wouldn't dare cross Alexander."

Zendaya blinked, enjoying the feeling of being protected. "Aren't you going?"

Elaine chuckled. "I'll catch up with you later. I have something to take care of now."

Zendaya, unsure, didn't probe further. After their conversation, they went downstairs. Elaine hailed a taxi and left, immediately contacting someone to arrange a DNA test.

She then called someone else to inquire about Zendaya's background. Those aware of Zendaya's circumstances were connected to Clifford, who had found her. Consequently, someone on Clifford's side leaked this to him.

That person even suggested Elaine still had feelings for Clifford because she actively inquired about Zendaya, implying worry about a potential threat.

For a moment, Clifford doubted. Zendaya had such a simple background that Elaine didn't need to investigate so thoroughly. Based on his knowledge of Elaine, she wouldn't make such a fuss over a "romantic rival." Elaine isn't investigating Zendaya because she's in love with her, is she? He quickly dismissed the thought.

However, seeing Zendaya's troubled expression upon her return, he was certain Elaine had acted.

Clifford felt restless, reluctant to let Zendaya go. Who should I choose?

Ultimately, he approached Zendaya.

When Zendaya saw him, she turned to leave, but he called to her. She grimaced when she turned around.

Clifford assumed she was upset. "Did she trouble you?"

"No."

"How stubborn."

(Zendaya cursed him mentally.)

"If you really feel aggrieved, tell me, and I'll speak to her on your behalf. Where is she?" Clifford asked, noting Elaine's absence.

"Elaine had to leave. My relationship with Elaine is very good. Please stop making assumptions," Zendaya said, wanting to shake some sense into him. Clifford stopped listening as soon as he heard Elaine had left. His expression changed, and he walked away.

Goodness. He can't let go of Zendaya, yet when he heard Elaine left, he regretted it and wanted to chase after her. Is he intent on tormenting himself over this foolish pursuit of love? I really want to tell him that while he thinks he's making a choice, neither is an option! Isabella sighed.

Alexander also found Clifford's indecisiveness abnormal.

Meanwhile, Clifford called Elaine, but she was too anxious awaiting the test results to answer.

Clifford believed Elaine was genuinely upset because she'd heard about his time with Zendaya. If so, he shouldn't have diverted his attention. After all, Elaine was his longtime love.

Clifford, dejected, sought solitude.

It seems both Clifford and Elaine are waiting for a result. I wonder if this matter will end today. Isabella was bored.

She was lounging on a swim ring when it capsized due to a diver. Alexander quickly rescued her.

Isabella felt dizzy but recovered quickly.

Just as Alexander leaned in to ask if she was okay, she spoke.

"The sensation of his embrace, his hidden strength, and the contours of his muscles as he hugs me is amazing! I was so focused on the gossip earlier that I forgot the main point/came here today!" Isabella grinned. Alexander was speechless.

Although tense, he tightened his hug. It was their closest moment yet. Only Isabella's swimsuit separated their bodies. Their warmth transferred between them.

Unbeknownst to them, they were at the pool's edge. Isabella basked in his embrace, feeling safe and comfortable, unwilling to move. Alexander couldn't bear to let go; she filled his empty heart. He wished the moment could last forever.

They held each other silently. No one dared to disturb them.

Then, Alexander abruptly pushed her away.

Isabella, startled from near sleep, grumbled, "What's the matter? Can't I get a hug? He says he likes me, yet he won't let me hug him."