Chapter 25
Ember was consumed by nerves, her body tense with anticipation. Alex leaned closer, his nostrils filled with the charged atmosphere between them. Without hesitation, he reached out and assisted her in fastening her seatbelt, his actions swift and sure.
“Lead the way to the drugstore,” he instructed, his voice laced with determination.
Ember turned around, meeting Alexander’s gaze as he requested her guidance. However, she couldn’t shake the feeling that his demeanor clashed with the car they were in. There was an indefinable dissonance that she couldn’t quite put her finger on.
“Go straight ahead and turn left at the end of the road,” she directed, her voice steady.
Unintentionally turning her head to look at Alexander as the car started to move, Ember was met with his intense driving. His seriousness had an attraction that drew her in and made it impossible for her to look away.
Alex felt her intense gaze and turned to face her, with a grin plastered on his lips. The play of light and shadow outside the car window accentuated the charm of his smile, stirring a whirlwind of emotions within Ember.
Never before had she encountered a man so breathtakingly beautiful. In his presence, her face flushed and her heart quickened its pace. It puzzled her why each interaction with him provoked such reactions.
Ember awkwardly averted her gaze, her eyes fixated on the passing lights and shadows outside the window. She couldn’t help but question herself, wondering why she couldn’t control her own reactions whenever he was near.
The pharmacy appeared before them sooner than expected. As they entered, the striking presence of Alexander immediately drew the attention of the store employees. Taking advantage of their initiative, Ember swiftly located and purchased the medicine for her mother.
As they approached the cashier to pay, Alexander preempted her, asserting, “I’ll pay.”
She moved forward to intervene, but before she could speak, he leaned in close to her ear, his voice audible only to her. “A few days ago, I was yours, and everything in my wallet belongs to you. Since it’s all yours, why not let me pay?”
To her surprise, his words carried beyond her ears and reached the cashier and a nearby customer, who chimed in with a mischievous smile, “That’s right! You shouldn’t save money for a man. If you don’t spend it, someone else will!”
Ember’s embarrassment deepened, her face ablaze with heat. She desperately wished for the ground to
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Chapter 25
open up and swallow her whole. The combination of Alexander’s words and the teasing from the stranger only intensified her discomfort.
Seeing that the payment was settled, Ember quickly retrieved the medicine from the cashier and hurriedly exited the pharmacy. Once outside, she couldn’t help but notice Alexander saying something to the stranger, “I apologize on behalf of my wife.”
Her face flushed even hotter, as if her blush could rival the heat of a burning boiler. Being around him had a profound effect on her, causing her cheeks to redden and her heart to race. This man was undeniably potent.
“Ember,” he called out to her, and she turned to face him. Against the backdrop of the brightly lit drugstore, he stood at a distance, his figure tall and commanding. Wrapped in a black trench coat, his silhouette exuded both charm and nobility.
After a moment, he closed the distance between them, striding towards her in his black trench coat. As he neared, he caught sight of her flushed face and couldn’t resist teasing, “Are you feeling shy?”
“Who said I’m shy?” Ember retorted, though her face betrayed her true emotions.
“You’re blushing,” he pointed out, inching closer, his dark eyes fixed on her face. He studied her intently for a moment before calmly stating, “I don’t mind.”
Ember turned her face away, seeking solace in the play of light and shadows. She refused to admit the effect he had on her, despite her face feeling as though it could boil an egg.
“Wife, there’s no need to come up with excuses. We can be shy together, and it’s perfectly normal,” he remarked, his words laced with amusement.
His teasing only deepened her embarrassment. she decided it was best to leave as soon as possible.
“It’s getting late. I should go back,” she said, her grip tightening on the medicine in her hand. She lowered her head, casting her gaze on her own shadow, hoping to hide her burning cheeks.
“I’ll walk you,” he offered.
“No, it’s not necessary.” She raised her head quickly, meeting his gaze, hoping he would understand her unspoken desire to be alone.
Alexander seemed to comprehend her reluctance and didn’t insist. “Alright then. I’ll stay here and watch you go,” he replied, his tall frame towering as he stood against the wind. His hands were tucked into the pockets of his black trench coat, and he spoke softly, his words carried by the breeze.
With a final glance at Alexander, his silhouette etched against the bright lights of the drugstore, Ember
stood.
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