Ariana huffed as Alexander walked toward us.
“So you finally decided to show up.” “It’s been a while, Ariana.” “Sorry I’m late, Mum….” Before he could finish speaking, Ariana cut him off.
“You’re getting married soon.
You should start prioritizing your family even more now.” She sounded unusually serious, making me glance at her in surprise.
Alexander looked at her for a moment before the corners of his lips lifted slightly.
“Talking like such a mature adult now, huh?” She rolled her eyes.
“Whatever.
I have to get going.” After saying goodbye to all of us, Ariana finally got into her car and drove away.
Aunt Rose turned to Alexander.
“I thought you said you wouldn’t make it.” “I finished earlier than expected, so I came to meet you,” he replied simply.
“Well, it’s a good thing we hadn’t left yet.” Her gaze shifted between the two of us before she frowned slightly.
“You two didn’t even greet each other.” She sounded genuinely dissatisfied.
“Is that how a couple who’s about to get married should behave?” An awkward smile appeared on my face as I looked up at Alexander.
Before either of us could say anything, Aunt Rose spoke again.
“Alexander, you should spend more time with Alice.” At those words, he finally looked at me.
Our eyes met beneath the glow of the city lights.
For the briefest moment…
I thought I saw something flicker across his usually unreadable expression.
It disappeared almost as quickly as it came.
But my heart had already interpreted it.
Disgust.
It was as though he couldn’t even bear the thought of being with me.
Before I could react, his expression returned to its usual calm indifference, making me wonder if I’d imagined it altogether.
“Should we leave now?” he asked, turning to Aunt Rose.
She let out a small sigh before nodding.
“Alright.
You’re coming back to the villa with us, aren’t you?” Alexander hesitated for a second before giving a small nod.
Aunt Rose looked at me.
“Alice, you should ride with Alexander.
I’ll take my own car.” “Aunt, I can just—” “Let’s go.” Alexander’s deep voice cut me off before I could finish.
Aunt Rose gently brushed my arm and gave me an encouraging smile before walking toward her car.
She didn’t leave immediately.
Instead, she stood there watching until I had climbed into Alexander’s car.
Only then did she get into her own vehicle and drive away.
Alexander started the engine, and soon we were driving through the evening traffic of B City.
Silence settled comfortably inside the car.
I stared out of the window, but my thoughts were far away.
No matter how hard I tried, my mind kept drifting back to the look in Alexander’s eyes earlier.
Why had he looked at me like that?
Why had I thought I saw disgust?
This marriage had been just as unexpected for me as it had been for anyone else.
If anything…
Shouldn’t I have been the one feeling resentful?
At least he had probably known about the arrangement long before I did.
I stole a glance at him.
His hands rested steadily on the steering wheel, his expression as calm and unreadable as ever.
I wanted to say something.
We couldn’t possibly remain like this forever.
Sooner or later, we’d be living under the same roof as husband and wife—even if it was only in name.
Lost in thought, I didn’t realize I had been staring.
“You know it’s rude to stare.” His deep voice pulled me back to reality.
“I’m sorry.” I quickly looked away, my cheeks warming with embarrassment.
I lowered my gaze to my lap, absentmindedly smoothing the fabric of my dress while searching for the right words.
“If you have something to say,” he said without looking at me, “then say it.” I took a quiet breath.
“I heard about the Livingston Charity Gala.” The words escaped before I had planned them.
Perhaps…
Work was the only subject that felt natural between us.
“I understand Johnson Culinary Group will be responsible for the catering, and that this will also be the first official project using produce supplied by Blackwood Agriculture.” He remained silent, allowing me to continue.
“I’d like to conduct a pre-production inspection of the raw materials before processing begins.” For the first time, he glanced at me.
“Our farms don’t allow external inspections,” he replied evenly.
“Quality assessments are conducted internally by authorized personnel.
What makes you think you’d be an exception?” I had expected that answer.
“I understand your policy,” I said calmly.
“But this project marks the beginning of the partnership between our companies.
As the new CEO of Johnson Culinary Group, I believe it’s my responsibility to understand the quality standards of the products we’ll be using.” I paused before adding, “I’m not questioning your inspection process.
I simply want firsthand knowledge of the ingredients my company will be working with.” The car fell silent once again.
Several moments passed before Alexander finally spoke.
“I’ll have my office make the necessary arrangements.” I looked at him.
“You’ll be granted access tomorrow.
Representatives from our Agricultural Division will accompany you throughout the inspection.” Without realizing it, I let out the breath I’d been holding.
“Thank you.” He gave a small nod and returned his attention to the road.
The silence that followed no longer felt awkward.
Instead…
It felt strangely comfortable.
It was, after all, the longest conversation we had ever shared.
By the time we arrived at the villa, the sky had already darkened.
Alexander parked the car, and we both stepped out.
I had barely taken a few steps toward the entrance when his voice stopped me.
“Alice.” I turned around.
“The next time you have a business request…” His expression remained calm.
“…submit it through my office.” I blinked before giving a small nod.
“Alright.” Then I quietly walked inside.