Chapter 856

The driver's seat was empty, and Alexander was nowhere in sight. Lily felt a sudden flutter of anxiety and sat up straight, looking around. Relief washed over her as she spotted him a short distance away. He stood tall and slender, his profile captivating as he spoke intently on the phone. His presence had, unbeknownst to her, gradually captured her heart. After her experience with Nathaniel, she'd believed love was impossible; she couldn't fathom deep love again. She was profoundly wrong. Not only had she fallen in love, but she loved Alexander unconditionally; he was worth it.

Alexander felt her gaze and turned. His usually cool eyes softened as they met hers. Lily smiled and got out of the car. He'd ended the call by the time she reached him. She didn't know who he'd been speaking with, but suspected it was unpleasant—though it hardly mattered; they'd endured a barrage of such calls recently. She linked her arm through his, asking, "Why didn't you wake me? Did I sleep long?"

"Were you planning on staying awake if I hadn't picked you up from the studio? Go wash your face. I've ordered food; it should arrive soon. Eat before you go back to sleep," he said, his words a gentle reprimand, his eyes tender.

"Okay," Lily replied obediently.

She washed her face and returned to find the food already delivered. Alexander had ordered from her favorite restaurant, his thoughtfulness evident in catering to her fatigue. They sat facing each other, several dishes spread between them. Lily picked up her cutlery. "You ordered so much! We'll never finish it all!"

"Then you should eat more," he replied, "and it won't be wasted."

"Are you kidding? This is enough food for a whole day! I'm not a pig!" she exclaimed, cheeks puffed in mock indignation.

She certainly wasn't a pig, but more like a little hamster, stashing food in her cheeks. Alexander smiled. "Perhaps there are other ways to finish it."

"What way?" she asked casually, though she couldn't deny the deliciousness of the food. "Consider having a child to share it with?"

"Pfft..." Lily nearly choked on her soup, coughing repeatedly. "He wants a child just to finish the food?! What a lame excuse!" she muttered, rolling her eyes. Since their previous misunderstanding about her pregnancy, Alexander hadn't stopped thinking about it. "It's a difficult time now. Are you sure having a baby is appropriate?" she asked slowly.

Alexander set down his cutlery and wiped his mouth deliberately. "Difficult times aren't limited to the present. Whether it's suitable or not isn't about the timing; it's about… you."

Lily blushed, his direct words and intense gaze making her heart race.

"I..." She started to reply, but the phone rang.