Chapter 8
While keeping vigil at the hospital, Alexander felt a sudden void in his chest.
He frowned tightly, as if something vital had silently slipped from his life.
Alexander clutched his phone, instinctively dialing Olivia.
But just as the call connected, Victoria crashed into him.
She yelped in pain, accidentally shattering Alexander’s phone underfoot.
That call never went through.
Victoria hugged him affectionately: “Alexander, who were you calling?”
“Nobody.”
Purchase completed
Alexander covered hastily, “Just remembered unfinished company
business.”
Even he was startled by his own words.
Like a cheating husband caught red–handed, guilt washed over him.
Victoria didn’t probe, gazing at him through lowered lashes: “Alexander, come to my family for dinner tonight?”
He patted her head tenderly: “Sure.”
That evening, James and Elizabeth Beaumont appeared at the Beaumont’s House, along with William.
Alexander felt uneasy, sensing something significant brewing.
10 103
Chapter 8
1288 Vouchers
James seized the moment: “Since you’re engaged to Victoria, let’s set a wedding date!”
Elizabeth chimed in: “Exactly! If not for that homewrecker stealing you, you’d have married years ago!”
Alexander froze.
Homewrecker?
Meaning Olivia?
Why did that sting so much?
Noticing his distraction, James snapped: “Alexander, you do intend to marry our Victoria?”
The air turned icy.
Victoria smoothed things over: “Dad, Mom, no rush. Alexander won’t disappoint me.”
Turning to Alexander, she smiled sweetly: “Right?”
Seeing Victoria’s flushed face, Alexander unexpectedly remembered
Olivia.
Olivia had once gazed at him just as adoringly, whispering: “Alexander, will you marry me?”
Back then, though he cared, her mother’s shadow made him glower: “Olivia, don’t fantasize.”
Now he told Victoria: “Yes.”
Throughout dinner, Alexander remained distracted.
He agreed to every Beaumont family demand.
Chapter 8
Even their wedding date got finalized.
17288 Wouchers
Leaving, Victoria kissed him breathlessly: “Thank you for marrying me.”
He should’ve been elated marrying his longtime crush, but Alexander felt only suffocating gloom.
He pulled out his phone to call Olivia, but hung up mid–dial.
Rain lashed the endless night, mingling with memories.
Truth was, he’d once cared for Olivia and her mother.
When kidnappers took them both, her mother rescued them single- handedly, landing in ICU for a month.
That month left Alexander deeply conflicted.
That was when things started to thaw between Alexander and Olivia.
He stopped waking up an hour early, instead casually timing his departure to match hers.
He no longer ignored the bullying she faced at school, fiercely pulling her into his circle of protection.
He even began accepting her invitations–exploring haunted houses together, wandering through flower fields…
Life finally held promise.
Alexander found himself increasingly drawn to Olivia.
Yet his harsh words often masked a soft heart, constantly ruffling her feathers.
Once, he shattered her favorite mug but stubbornly refused to apologize.
091900
Chapter 8
1269 Vouchers
Tears unexpectedly welled in Olivia’s eyes: “This was the only gift my father ever gave me.”
She cried like a teary–eyed kitten–utterly adorable and heartbreakingly
vulnerable.
In that moment, Alexander felt his heart thumping faster and faster.
For the first time in his life, he felt utterly flustered and helpless.
At the thought, Alexander couldn’t help but smile.
09 10
Chapter 0
