The moment her eyes landed on me, a small frown appeared on her face.
“Alice…” She studied me carefully.
“Are you feeling sick again?” I quickly shook my head.
Did I really look that terrible?
She gently patted the empty seat beside her.
Without arguing, I walked over and sat down.
“I told you to rest for a few more days before returning to work.” She sighed, brushing a strand of hair behind my ear.
“Now look at you.” “You look completely worn out.” There was nothing but concern in both her voice and her eyes.
I couldn’t help smiling.
“I’m alright, Aunt.” “I’m just tired.” “It was my first day back at work.” She reached over and gently squeezed my hand.
“How was it?” The concern in her expression hadn’t faded in the slightest as she patiently waited for my answer.
“It was…
fine,” I replied with a small smile.
“For a very anxious CEO.” Aunt Rose chuckled softly.
“Don’t overwhelm yourself, dear.” “If you ever need help, you can always talk to your uncle…
or Alexander.” She paused for a moment before something seemed to occur to her.
“Come to think of it…” “Have you two spoken since the engagement?” I quietly shook my head.
To be honest, I wasn’t even sure Alexander had my contact.
Aunt Rose had made sure I had his number, but nothing had happened that required either of us to call the other.
The moment I saw her reaching for her phone, I immediately guessed what she intended to do.
“I’ll go freshen up, Aunty.” I quickly stood.
“I’m really tired.” Without waiting for her reply, I hurried toward the staircase.
I could almost imagine her calling after me, but I didn’t dare look back.
After walking through the long hallway, I finally reached my room.
The moment I closed the door behind me, it felt as though a heavy weight had lifted from my shoulders.
I let out a quiet breath and glanced around.
The spacious bedroom was decorated in soft shades of pink, elegant without being overwhelming.
No matter how many days passed…
Staying here always filled me with a strange sense of guilt.
The Livingstons had never had a daughter.
Yet this room had clearly been designed with one in mind.
Every shade of pink.
Every elegant piece of furniture.
Every carefully chosen decoration.
It felt less like a guest room…
and more like a room that had patiently waited for a daughter to fill it.
And somehow…
I had become that person.
Sometimes I couldn’t help wondering whether I truly deserved all the love they had given me.
The room was nearly twice the size of the bedroom I’d had at my parents’ villa.
Yet instead of making me feel fortunate…
The extra space only seemed to magnify the loneliness lingering inside me.
Letting out another quiet sigh, I walked into the bathroom.
After changing out of my suit, I filled the bathtub with warm water before slowly lowering myself into it.
The comforting warmth immediately wrapped around my body.
The gentle scent of my body wash mixed with the rising steam, gradually easing the tension that had settled into my muscles throughout the day.
It was always like this.
No matter how exhausting or overwhelming the day had been, soaking quietly in the bathtub somehow made everything feel lighter.
Sometimes…
It relaxed me so much that I’d nearly fallen asleep.
Today, however, I didn’t have that luxury.
A few minutes later, a knock sounded on the bedroom door.
“Miss Alice,” one of the staff called politely from outside.
“Mrs.
Rose asked me to let you know dinner is ready.” “Alright.” “I’ll be there soon.” I listened as the footsteps gradually faded away.
After finishing my bath, I dried myself and stepped into the walk-in closet.
I changed into a simple shirt and a pair of comfortable trousers before quietly making my way downstairs to the dining room.
As I descended the staircase, cheerful voices and laughter drifted through the villa.
Uncle Shedrak and Aunt Rose had always been lively people, and their presence alone was enough to make the house feel warm and full of life.
As I drew closer to the dining room, however, I couldn’t help feeling anxious.
I unconsciously placed a hand over my chest, trying to steady the nervous beat of my heart.
The voices grew clearer with every step.
Then I realized…
There was another voice among theirs.
Curious, I stepped into the dining room.
Only to stop abruptly at the entrance.
Alexander was already there.
He sat in his usual seat across from Aunt Rose…
directly opposite the chair reserved for me.
For a brief moment, I simply stood there.
“Alice.” Aunt Rose noticed me first.
“What took you so long?” She smiled warmly.
“Come and sit down.
Alexander’s here too.” I quietly walked over and took my seat.
Aunt Rose looked between the two of us with obvious satisfaction.
“Look.” “I invited your brother over for dinner, and he actually came.” Her smile widened.
Since Alexander no longer lived at the villa, Aunt Rose was always delighted whenever he came over, which, unfortunately, wasn’t very often.
“…Brother.” I greeted softly.
Alexander simply nodded in acknowledgment before returning his attention to his meal.
He looked so calm…
So indifferent…
You’d never guess he was the same person whose expression had darkened so frighteningly during my birthday celebration a week ago.
Just as I lowered my head to eat, Aunt Rose spoke again.
“Alice…” “I don’t think it’s appropriate for you to keep calling him ‘Brother’ anymore.” My hand froze.
She looked between the two of us as though stating the most obvious thing in the world.
“Since the two of you are getting married, you should start calling him by his name.” I almost choked on the first bite of food I’d taken…