Chapter 916

Lily was startled, then relaxed, gently stroking his back to comfort him. Olivia, at the corner, was equally surprised and, realizing her presence was inappropriate, quickly gathered her belongings, signaled Lily, and tiptoed away.

The couple were left alone. Lily remained silent, letting him hold her. After a while, Alexander’s breathing calmed, and his distress subsided. He released her, looking down. "Did I hurt you?"

He hadn't, but the pressure on her shoulders was slightly sore. "No," Lily replied, smiling and shrugging.

"Why are you back? Didn't I tell you not to worry? I wouldn't open the door for her, nor would I go out. Olivia's here. What's to worry about?"

"You don't understand," he said. "You don't know how despicable they are."

Lily didn't reply, unsure who he meant. Only Celine was outside. Could he mean the entire Russell family?

"No matter how despicable they are, they're outsiders unless we let them in. I believe you're strong enough to handle them," Lily said warmly, taking his hand. Her small hand offered him strength and warmth; he was used to struggling alone, but now he had her. He sighed, pulling her back into his embrace. "I'm sorry. I lost control."

Lily buried her face in his chest, wrapping her arms around him. "You don't have to be sorry, or control your emotions. You don't have to hide how you feel from me. You can say whatever you want, curse whoever you want, and if you feel like crying, cry!"

"Who said I'm crying? You're the one crying!" Alexander pinched her nose, amused. His mood improved. He lifted her onto the sofa, settling her on his lap. He noticed she seemed lighter.

"Have you not been eating well? Lost weight?" His hands rested on her petite waist.

"Of course not! I have nothing to do, and the cook makes delicious food. I've gained weight! Look! Look at the meat on my stomach!" Lily pinched her stomach.

Alexander touched the soft flesh, nodding solemnly. "You're right. You did gain weight."

"How dare you! Are you saying I'm fat?!" Lily grabbed a pillow, feigning anger, and pressed it to his face. He pulled her down with him, laughing.

"You said it first! I just agreed!"

"Don't agree! Only I can say it!"

Like all wives, Lily had her unreasonable moments. Usually calm and rational, she still had lapses. "All right, all right. You're not fat! You're the prettiest, leanest, most perfect woman in my eyes." His fingers slipped into her clothes. "However, it's been a while since I've measured your body. Let me check if there are any changes!"