Chapter 381

After Alexander completed his task and started the car, he saw his wife give him a meaningful look. He felt instantly uneasy. "Brittany's family and mine are family friends. She's like a sister to me."

When Lily saw his discomfort, she laughed. "Sister?"

He found the word "sister" unsettling. Coughing lightly, he said, "Sister, of course. I don't have that kind of relationship with her."

"What kind of relationship?" she asked quickly.

Alexander was stunned. Lily didn't intend to tease him, but this was the first time she'd seen him act this way. She found it fascinating. The more uncomfortable he became, the more she felt like teasing him. He didn't need to explain himself; given his status, women would pursue him regardless of his actions. He was handsome, after all.

"Lily," Alexander said helplessly, sighing. He started to speak again, but Lily waved him off. "It's okay. No need to be nervous. Who doesn't have a past? I understand. I understand."

Her dismissive wave frustrated him.

"What past?"

"Just drive. Don't dwell on it."

Lily's gracious demeanor—implying she wasn't petty—only made Alexander more unhappy.

"You're not jealous at all?"

"You said she's like a sister. Why would I be jealous?" She blinked innocently.

Her words were true, but did she feel no discomfort? Alexander nodded, focusing on driving. Something bothered him, a nagging unease. Lily, in the passenger seat, leaned her head against the window and drifted into a restless sleep.

Lily genuinely wasn't jealous. Hearing the woman's voice earlier had upset her slightly, but Alexander's immediate, nervous explanation had convinced her it was nothing. If there were something significant, he could easily divorce her. He had no need to hide anything.

Lily slept soundly, unaware of her husband's bad mood. They reached their destination, and Lily awoke as they pulled into the hotel parking lot.

"You're a good driver. I didn't feel a thing," she praised, unbuckling her seatbelt.

Alexander didn't reply. She has no heart, he thought. She doesn't seem bothered at all. Sighing, he wasn't sure whether to commend her grace or accuse her of heartlessness.

Only upon reaching their room did Lily sense something was amiss. Why is Alexander in such a bad mood? Was it the phone call? Was it me being in the car? He ruined things with that girl to avoid a misunderstanding. He'd said their families were friends and she was like a sister. Did Alex end things with her?

This thought prompted Lily to reassure him of her understanding nature. "There was no need to end things with her. She might have needed to talk to you urgently. Now it'll be awkward to see her again, won't it?"

Lily carefully took out the Southbank soap, ready to examine its components before innovating.