Chapter 126: Chapter 127

Chapter 0127 I leaned forward, inviting him to close the distance between us, but just then, someone nearby cleared their throat. I jumped, turning to find my mother staring at me.

“I thought you two might like some tea,” she said, holding up a tray with steaming mugs and a selection of pastries. “I diddn’t mean to interrupt.”

“You didn’t,” I said quickly, pulling my hand away from Alexander’s.

Alexander looked at me, amusement clear in his eyes. “It’s very thoughtful of you to bring us tea,” he said to my mother, “but I’ll have to head back to the capital soon. I need to meet with my investigator and make sure things are progressing.‘

“Of course,” my father said as he entered the room, stopping behind my mother. “We appreciate the effort you’re putting into this.”

“Naturally,” Alexander replied as he stood up. “I can’t just sit by while my fiancée’s attacker goes free.”

I stood beside him, feeling slightly awkward under the watchful gaze of both my parents. Alexander turned to me and leaned down, brushing a light kiss on my cheek that made me blush, causing him to smirk.

“Please let me know how your doctor’s appointment goes, he murmured, his voice warm. “I want to be sure you’re in perfect health.”

I nodded. “I’ll call you afterward, I promise.”

“Well, since you can’t stay tonight,” my mother said, walking across the room and setting the tray on the coffee table, “you’ll have to come back for dinner sometime. We haven’t even been able to properly celebrate your engagement, and I’d like to get to know you better.” Her eyes held a critical glint as she sized him up.

Alexander, sensing the intensity of her gaze, smiled charmingly. “I’d be honored to join you for dinner,” he replied.

My mother continued to study Alexander critically, while my father placed a calming hand on her shoulder. She managed a polite smile, though it was clear her protective instincts hadn’t relaxed. “That’s good,” she said. “I have quite a few questions I’d like to ask you.”

Alexander returned her look evenly, a subtle, confident smile on his lips. “I look forward to answering them.”

I stifled a wave of embarrassment. My mother’s mistrust wasn’t surprising, given her worries about Alexander’s reputation, but I hadn’t quite expected her to be so openly wary. Alexander seemed unfazed, though, as if he had- dealt with his fair share of suspicious parents.

“Let’s plan on Friday,” he said, pulling out his phone and typing quickly. “I’ll rearrange my schedule to make it work.”

My mother nodded, casting a final look of scrutiny his way. “Good,” she said. “We’ll see you then.”

“Well,” I said, taking Alexander’s hand in mine, “I’ll walk Alexander out.” The look my father sent us as I led him to the door held a mix of amusement and relief, When we stepped outside, I let out a breath, catching a smirk on Alexander’s face. He raised a brow, glancing back toward the house. “Your mother doesn’t seem like a woman to be taken lightly.”

I sighed, rolling my eyes. “I’m sorry about her. She’s... cautious.”

“That’s a good thing,” he replied, stopping at the edge of the path. “Not everyone deserves, trust.” There was something in his voice–a hint of an old hurt–that softened his gaze as he looked at me, almost tenderly.

1/2 +25 BONUS Chapter 0127 “You sound like you speak from experience,” I said softly.

He looked at me; the intensity in his eyes pulled me in, filling the space between us with a tension that was hard to ignore. I felt a surge of warmth.

Without warning, he leaned in and kissed me lightly. His lips brushed against mine, bringing memories of last night flooding through my mind.

“We’ll talk soon,” he whispered, his voice low as he pulled away from me.

With one last lingering look, he turned and stepped away, walking swiftly to his car.