Chapter 2
I awoke to a gentle rocking motion.
Opening my eyes, Xander Ross's gaze met mine, filled with warmth and longing. Noticing I was awake, he continued his gentle attentions, leaning down to plant a soft kiss on my eyelids.
Today felt different—he seemed more intense, as if trying to envelop me completely. As my mind cleared, memories from last night returned. Why was he so eager? It must have been because he saw Adelina Bishop. He was channeling all the passion that he couldn't express with her onto me. That's all I've been good for during these past four years. Easy, uncomplicated, beautiful, and hopelessly infatuated with him—what man wouldn't relish such simplicity?
Anger rose within me.
I suddenly pushed him aside, rolling over to free myself from his hold while he was caught off guard. Yet, Xander didn't get angry; he even chuckled a bit, low and derisive.
"Mad? Because I didn't return to take you to the doctor last night?"
"I'm not that delicate," I replied coolly.
The smile on Xander's face waned briefly before he said, "Ariah, don't be upset. A friend from college returned last night. I'll take you to the doctor as soon as I can."
Just as he finished speaking, his phone rang. A soft voice chimed through, "Xander, my stomach hurts. Can you come help me?"
He took the call with one hand while getting dressed with the other. "Hang on, I'll be right there," he said.
After hanging up, he noticed my sarcastic look.
With a hint of irritation, he added, "She's a neighbor's younger sister. She's on her own here now; I have to check on her. Don't be so petty."
Alone. Who isn't alone in this city?
Four years ago, during my senior year of college, I'd already accepted a job offer with a company back in my hometown. Out of the blue, Xander, whom I'd secretly admired for three years, asked if I'd be his girlfriend. To be with him, I gave up the chance to stay close to my family and remained here with him.
In this chilly northern city, I'm truly on my own.
I'd been so busy preparing Xander's birthday gift that I'd neglected my own well-being. Today, I suddenly felt a sore throat and general malaise.
After Xander left, I took a cab to the doctor by myself.
While picking up my medication, I ran into Xander supporting a young woman. That was the first time I saw Adelina Bishop. She was petite, no taller than five-foot-three, with fair skin and delicate features, leaning against Xander, seeming as fragile as a sparrow.
With a slight pout, she asked Xander weakly, "Xander, the doctor said once I have a boyfriend and a baby, I won't have cramps anymore. Is that true? Does your girlfriend not deal with them?"
Xander hesitated for a moment, "I don't think she's ever mentioned it."
"I'm so envious of her, having such a wonderful boyfriend like you. Since I left you, I haven't cared for anyone else," Adelina said, looking intently into Xander's eyes.
A wave of resentment hit me; I couldn't stand to watch any longer. I collected my things and headed for the exit.
As I walked out, a message appeared on my phone: "Ariah, are you feeling any better? Should I bring some medicine home for you?"