Chapter 2

I stayed silent.

Suddenly, a picture popped up on my Facebook.

Alexander raised an eyebrow.

"Give me your phone," he said.

I clenched my hand around it, refusing to let go.

Alexander leaned over, his tall frame looming as he smoothly took the phone from my hand.

Alexander opened the picture, his deep eyes narrowing.

Alexander gave a cold chuckle. He said, "Winona, you're really half-hearted with me, aren't you? Why have I never seen you wear something like this for me?"

On the screen was a side-by-side comparison of three Victoria's Secret lingerie sets, with a caption full of personal tips and cheeky reviews.

[Bottom line, the third one is the best. You can unhook it with one hand. You know what I mean.]

My face was burning up, hot and red, as if I'd just been roasted alive.

I'd thought about wearing something like that for Alexander before.

But deep down, I always had this secret hope that even without dressing up like that, Alexander would still love me and stick to me.

It felt like, if I didn't have to try so hard, it would mean what we had was just a regular, down-to-earth romance.

Alexander fixed me with a deep, intense look, his fingers idly playing with my earlobe as he called his secretary.

"Get me one just like this," he said.

That night, Alexander was wilder than ever.

He always took charge in bed, wearing that maddeningly restrained look while dropping filthy lines that made my cheeks burn and had me curling up against him.

But tonight, I suddenly let go of all my inhibitions.

When he teased me, I couldn't help but smile.

When he touched me, I stopped holding back and responded to him willingly.

As dawn was breaking, Alexander pulled me into his arms, letting out a satisfied sigh.

He guided my hand to rest on his lean waist.

"I wasn't trying to blow you off. I've just been buried in this huge project lately, and honestly, I didn't have the energy to handle your moods," he said suddenly.

I nodded, trying to be considerate. "I understand. After you criticized me last time, I reflected on myself. I shouldn't have kept calling you and interrupting your work. I promise I won't do that anymore," I said.

Alexander's lips curled into a smile.

"Why are you being so good today?" he teased.

Yeah, I finally started behaving because I finally understood my place with him.

He paused for a moment, then said, "That photo, it's not what it looks like. Lily was tipsy and couldn't walk straight, so I just gave her a hand, that's all."

Back then, I used to run after him, begging for an explanation like this, clinging to every word, hoping he'd say something to ease my mind.

But now, when he finally gave it to me without me asking, it didn't even stir anything inside me.

I was so exhausted I could barely keep my eyes open, just mumbling a sleepy okay in reply.

Alexander's voice softened.

"Are you still upset?" he asked.

I shook my head gently.

"I'm not upset, really. Let's just sleep. I'm tired," I said.

I gently patted his back.

After a long while, just as I was about to drift off, Alexander suddenly pulled me closer into his arms.

"Winona, you seem different tonight. You're not fussing or acting up, and honestly, it makes me feel a little unsettled," he said.

I was so tired I couldn't even respond.

Suddenly, I felt something cold slide onto my finger.

I blinked awake, looking at Alexander, totally stunned.

Honestly, when I saw that strange-looking ring on my finger, my heart was racing again, embarrassingly so.

To my dismay, I realized that I still hadn't let go of hope for Alexander. I still wanted to marry him, even now.

Somewhere deep inside, I kept clinging to the idea that we were just a normal couple, and that sooner or later, we'd end up getting married like everyone else.

I was convinced he cared about me too; he just hadn't noticed it himself yet.

My eyes went red before I even realized it. I turned around, looking up at Alexander with tears threatening to spill, biting my lip, feeling a little wronged.

Alexander ruffled my hair, looking amused.

"So happy, huh?" he chuckled.

I nodded, eyes still a little red.

He said slowly, "This is one of Lily's award-winning designs. I'm just supporting her; every woman in my office got one, too."

My smile froze on my lips.

My heart had just floated up to the clouds, only to burst and plummet straight down, crashing so hard it shattered into pieces.

All that was left was hurt, nothing but pain.

What was I even waiting for?

Alexander's attitude lately had already made everything clear.

Winona, you're really pathetic, aren't you?

Alexander locked eyes with me and asked, "Do you like it?"

Flashing my best smile, I nodded.

"Thank you, I really like it," I said.