Chapter 479

She didn't argue. Resting was wise; it was late. However, she couldn't close her eyes, fearing the return of the terrible sounds and dream scenes. Holding Alexander's hand to prevent him from leaving, she said, "Chat with me for a while."

"What do you want to talk about?" He sat beside her, looking at her tenderly.

"Anything! Tell me more about yourself," Lily suggested after a moment's thought. She'd known him a long time but never inquired about his life. She knew the Russell family was large, but she'd never met them.

He laughed. "About me? Nothing special!"

Oh my, she thought, he's too modest! Alexander's life could fill a biography. If his life is unremarkable, what about everyone else's? "Then tell me about your family," Lily said, settling more comfortably. "You've never told me about them. We're getting married soon; it's only right to meet them, isn't it?"

"You'll meet them soon, but it's not important. They're irrelevant. What matters is that you're with me!" His voice remained gentle, but his gaze deepened. His words sounded fine, but Lily sensed something amiss. Irrelevant? They were his family.

Alexander, guessing her thoughts, curled his lips. "Thinking they're my family?"

"Yeah," she nodded. Could they not be?

"Blood relatives, yes. But would you call them family if they'd sent assassins to kill you and framed you since childhood?" His tone was monotonous, yet Lily heard the coldness.

His words were like icy knives, silent even as they pierced. The chill spread, bringing bone-deep pain. Oh my God! What did he endure?

Everyone called the new head of the Russell family cruel and brutal. Who knew his past? How had he survived?

"Don't look at me like that. I'm not as great as you think," he said, lovingly scratching her nose. He chuckled. "Growing up in that environment, you adapt. Survival instinct is innate in the Russell family." He paused. "No need to be afraid. I'm the head now. No one dares touch you. Besides, we don't live in the family house. Everything's fine."

"Okay!" Lily nodded vigorously, placing his hand on her cheek. "I'm not afraid; I have you!"

Her unwavering trust warmed Alexander's heart. She was a lovely, obedient kitten—believing him, unafraid, and not a gold digger.

Lily was invaluable, his precious treasure, and he would protect her wholeheartedly.

"Go to sleep," he said, hooking a finger and tickling her cheek. Lily smiled, shrinking from his touch. Soon, her eyelids grew heavy, and she drifted off.

Alexander gazed at her sleeping face, his own smile fading. His eyes held conflict. Though her dream mumbling was vague, he heard her call for her father and mother. She was clearly dreaming of them.