Chapter 262: Her Cuddle Pillow

Alexander lay on the large double bed in Isabella's room, gradually relaxing. He leaned against the pillow, gently cradling Isabella in his arms. Isabella lounged comfortably on his abs, one hand wrapped tightly around his waist, the other swiping across her phone screen. Alexander's scent enveloped her, providing an indescribable sense of security.

Interestingly, neither felt awkward or uncomfortable. Instead, a warmth and harmony settled between them, as if they were naturally meant to be close. Their proximity seemed to have a healing effect. Alexander felt an indescribable happiness. The past year felt like two lifetimes. Isabella, transformed, had become a vibrant and profound presence in his heart, someone he could never let go of.

"Alexander," Isabella suddenly looked up, her eyes meeting his. A fleeting scene surfaced in Alexander's mind: a petite Isabella, from the same perspective, smiling sweetly. “From now on, you're my cuddle pillow, Alex. If I'm not asleep, you're not allowed to move,” she seemed to say.

Meanwhile, in their room, David and Selena lay peacefully on their bed. Selena burst into laughter.

"That joyful, are we?" David chuckled. "Even sleeping together, it doesn't seem Bella meant it that way. The one who just came to his senses is also quite timid. It's uncertain whether it'll work out." He didn't look down on his son; Alexander had a past of impotence, even while using drugs. His slow nature made it unlikely he'd take the initiative to consummate the marriage. They'd have to rely on Isabella's impulsive nature, David reckoned.

Selena chuckled. "No, I was reminiscing about that time at the mansion. Bella couldn't sleep without her hug pillow. She accidentally dirtied it, and her mother took it away to clean. Even for a nap, she couldn't sleep, insisting on using Alex as a substitute. He stayed so still that when she woke up, his blood circulation had been cut off, and"

Selena continued, "profusely, scaring Bella to tears. She thought she'd crushed him. She even begged him not to die and swore she wouldn't use him as a pillow again. He just watched her cry, probably panicking inside but unable to express himself."

David added, "Indeed. After the pillow's return, she stopped, but he'd silently stand by her whenever she was about to sleep, ready to become her pillow at any moment."

Selena laughed. "It's a shame she was so afraid of hurting him again that she refused to let him be her pillow. Even coaxing didn't work. The poor boy must have been down. Who would have thought they'd end up back where they started?"

David and Selena were overjoyed.

Isabella looked at Alexander strangely. Seeing his blank stare, she waved her hand in front of his eyes. He regained his composure, wanting to ask something but unsure how to start.

"Are you tired?" Isabella asked. "Or is it uncomfortable with me lying on top of you? You don't need to keep holding me."

Without hesitation, Alexander blurted out, "I'm very comfortable. You can hold me forever."

Isabella was startled. "What?" she wondered. Wasn't he numb? Were his muscles really that resilient?

Before she could speak, Alexander pulled her closer. "Since we've started cuddling, there's no way it can stop."

"What did you want me to see?" he asked.

Regaining her composure, Isabella gossiped, phone in hand. "This time, it really stirred up a buzz, even more exaggerated than previous incidents."

Alexander glanced at the screen. The internet was in chaos. The Decker family's son hired a rebound, narcissistically believing both women loved him, planning to kill two birds with one stone. Little did he know they were sisters. The information was explosive, sparking unprecedented discussion.

Isabella thought the trending topics would be quickly taken down, but they persisted. She was curious.

"It's a three-way power struggle," Alexander said, "the Decker, Hayes, and Graham families. Each has their own goals. It's not easy to take down the topics."

"The Decker family wouldn't want humiliation, but do the others want to blow things out of proportion?" Isabella asked.

"Everyone has priorities," Alexander explained. "When everything's mixed up in a fight, no one backs down. They'll need time to negotiate privately before the topics are withdrawn."

Isabella pondered. "I'm more curious about the Graham couple's reaction to Elaine exposing Zendaya." She couldn't indulge in their gossip from afar, only Elaine and Zendaya's.

"They dote on Elaine immensely," Alexander said. "The truth can't be concealed forever. They prefer a low profile. It isn't as if they are trying to hide this matter forever. Mam was fine with it, but Mr. Graham"

Isabella thought, That's true. It's a child from his ex-wife's betrayal and the man who cuckolded him. Any man would find it hard to bear. Elaine really put her father in a difficult position. Her decision to publicly acknowledge their identities must have been made under tremendous pressure. I wonder how they're doing now? I'll check on them later. Her hand subconsciously traced circles on Alexander's abs.

His muscles twitched. Isabella snapped back to reality but continued her action, pretending to ponder. Ah, as expected, my hand has a mind of its own, seizing the opportunity to take advantage of him before I even realized it. When did I shift my hand from his collar down to his waist? Ah, such a delightful touch. To enjoy the physique of a top-notch handsome man while indulging in gossip is truly the essence of a wonderful life. Who among my fellow gossip-partaking enthusiasts could possibly be having a more enjoyable time than me?

She felt lecherous. She should stop, but Alexander's silent endurance and trembling stirred her perverse desires. She wanted to continue, without responsibility.

Little did she know, he'd reached his limit. Suddenly, her wrist was seized, pulled closer. They listened to each other's breathing.