Chapter 98

Years of living alone and being independent had made Lily more self-reliant. When she was with Nathaniel, he was always busy with work. Even during dinner, he would leave the table before she finished eating. Lily hadn't cared much then, but over time, she grew tired of it. Being with Alexander, however, was entirely different. She felt loved and cared for.

Alexander noticed Lily hadn't touched her food, so he asked, "What's wrong? Is the food not to your liking?" He'd made sure to order a variety of dishes so Lily could choose what she liked. "What kind of food do you prefer, then?"

"The choices don't matter; it's who I'm with," Lily replied, taking a deep breath and smiling. She began to eat. "These are delicious!" She speared a piece of food and offered it to Alexander. "Here, have some!"

Alexander was mildly surprised by her gesture, but he smiled and opened his mouth to take a bite. After a moment, Lily, while he was still elegantly eating, said, "I've been thinking about what you asked me earlier. To be honest, I don't think I can honestly say that I love you yet. That doesn't mean I don't like you, though. I just need more time."

Alexander hadn't expected Lily to take his question so seriously. It felt like they were critically discussing the very nature of love.

He murmured, "This girl is something else, huh?"

Lily, noticing his silence and seeing him staring, assumed he was unsatisfied with her answer.

"I don't want to lie to you," she said. "I think you deserve to know how I genuinely feel. That's why I'm telling you this."

"I know," Alexander replied, a gentle smile playing on his lips as he nodded. "I've told you I'm in no rush." Lily looked into his eyes and saw the sincerity in his words. Relieved, she decided to ask what was puzzling her. "A while ago, you said…"

She hesitated. "W-Why do you love me?"

A comfortable silence settled between them, as if the world outside ceased to exist. Lily's eyes were full of puzzlement, while Alexander's darker gaze seemed to hold a thousand stories. He gently caressed her face. In his deep, attractive voice, he confessed, "Everything."

Lily's heart pounded so rapidly she felt it might burst. Staring into his dark eyes, she knew his words sounded bizarre, but she never doubted him. Still, she felt a little lightheaded.

She placed her hand over his, giving it a light squeeze. "I promise I'll love you wholeheartedly, too." Alexander smiled reassuringly.

After dinner, Lily started to clear the table, but Alexander was faster. He quickly gathered the dishes, took them to the kitchen, loaded the dishwasher, and started it. Turning to her, he said, "I've told you I'm in charge of the kitchen."

"I've also told you I'm not a princess," Lily insisted. Alexander put his arms around her waist, whispering, "You're my princess, and the most valuable thing in my life." He kissed her forehead, then took her hand. "Let me show you something." He led her to the living room, telling her to wait on the sofa.

He retrieved some documents from his study and, after checking them, handed them to Lily. "Take a look at these."