Chapter 13
Alexander gently supported Braelynn as they returned to the apartment.
Henry and Maria, still shaken, hurried to meet them. Seeing their daughter’s pale face and the red marks on her wrist, they were both heartbroken and terrified.
“Braelynn, are you alright? That Zachary, he…” Maria’s voice choked before she could finish her sentence.
“Mom, I’m fine.” Braelynn shook her head and tried to force a reassuring smile. “I’m just a little tired.”
Alexander stood to the side, his expression calm as he spoke: “Uncle, Auntie, let her rest for a while. It’s safe here.”
His voice carried a steady strength that inspired trust. Henry and Maria quickly nodded and helped Braelynn sit down on the sofa.
Alexander turned and went to the kitchen, poured a glass of warm water. and handed it to her. “Have some water.”
His actions were natural, without any hint of trying to curry favor, yet they conveyed a simple, genuine care.
Braelynn took the cup, her fingertips touching the warm surface, and felt a bit of warmth in her heart as well. She said softly, “Thank you. Just now… I really owe it to you.”
“I just happened to be there.” Alexander replied concisely, without explaining why he was downstairs at the apartment building at that exact moment. He glanced at the still–shaken Henry and Maria and added, “You talk, I’ll step out for a bit.”
He turned and left the apartment, considerately leaving the space for the family.
Henry and Maria watched Alexander’s departing figure and breathed a slight sigh of relief. Maria took Braelynn’s hand and lowered her voice to ask, “Braclynn, this man… is he Alexander? He seems tough, not like at bad person, but he…”
“Mom, Dad,” Braelynn interrupted her mother, her tone firm. “He’s someone you can trust. At least, he’s more reliable than some people who only pretend to be decent.”
She recalled how Alexander had unhesitatingly stood in front of her earlier, protecting her without any ulterior motive–a kind of support she hadn’t felt in a long time.
Seeing their daughter speak this way, and remembering that it was indeed Alexander who had resolved the crisis earlier, Henry and Maria said nothing more, though they still worried about their daughter’s future.
After a while, Alexander returned, carrying several grocery bags from the supermarket.
“I wasn’t sure what you liked to eat, so I just picked up some groceries.” He put the bags in the kitchen, his tone still calm. “You all rest, I’ll cook.”
Maria quickly stood up. “Oh, I couldn’t possibly let you let me do it…”
“No need to be polite.” Alexander had already rolled up his sleeves, revealing his strong forearms. “You’re guests, just sit and relax.”
With that, he went into the kitchen, and soon the sounds of washing, chopping, and stir–frying could be heard.
Braelynn watched the tall, busy figure in the kitchen, her feelings complicated. She hadn’t expected her first proper meeting with Alexander to be like this, nor that he would become involved in her chaotic life in
Chapter 13
such a way.
The meal was soon ready–three simple home–style dishes and a soup, but the aroma was mouthwatering.
“I’m not much of a cook
his tone flat.
but I hope it’s edible.” Alexander served the rice,
Henry and Maria quickly thanked him. During the meal, Alexander spoke little, quietly eating, but occasionally reaching across the table to serve Braelynn some dishes that were farther from her, his movements so
natural it was as if he’d done it countless times.
Braelynn noticed that the dishes he served her were exactly the light flavors she preferred. Was it just a coincidence?
After the meal, Henry and Maria hurried to wash the dishes, and
Alexander did not insist.
He walked to a corner of the living room, opened an old–looking metal file cabinet, took out a thick manila envelope, and placed it on the coffee. table in front of Braelynn.
“This is the prenuptial agreement,” he said, looking at Braelynn with sharp, honest eyes. “It details my assets, debts, and the property
arrangements during marriage. Take a look–if there’s anything you’re not satisfied with, let me know.”
Braelynn didn’t immediately open the file. Instead, she met his gaze. “Do I look like someone who cares about these things?”
Alexander stared at her for a few seconds, as if assessing her resolve, then gave a barely noticeable nod. “Alright.”
He then pulled out a simple agreement from the bottom of the envelope. “This is the paperwork needed for marriage registration. Take a look. If you think it’s fine, sign it. If not, you can leave at any time.”
Chapter 13
His approach was direct and straightforward, even a bit rough, yet it strangely made people feel at ease. It was a confidence built on strength and honesty.
Braelynn picked up the document and read it carefully. The terms were clear, and in some respects, even quite favorable to her–nothing like the conditions someone in a weaker position would propose.
“Why?” She looked up, puzzled. “You don’t seem like someone who needs to gain anything from marriage, so why are the terms so… generous?”
Alexander’s gaze swept over the red marks still fading on her wrist, his voice low. “What I need isn’t a transactional marriage, but a partner who can stand by my side and be trusted. I care about the long term, not just immediate gains.”
He paused, then added, “Besides, when dealing with wolves, having a smart ally is always better than having a foolish enemy.
His words were blunt, even a bit harsh, yet somehow reignited a fighting spirit in Braelynn that she hadn’t felt in a long time.
She picked up the pen and, with hardly any hesitation, signed her name on the document.
“Shall we register tomorrow?” Alexander put away the documents, his tone as calm as if discussing the weather.
“Alright.” Braelynn nodded.
At that moment, Henry and Maria finished tidying up the kitchen and came out. Seeing that the two seemed to have reached an agreement, they felt both relieved and a little worried.
After sitting for a while longer, Henry and Maria, being older and exhausted from the day’s events, showed signs of fatigue on their faces.
Chapter 13
Alexander glanced at the darkening sky outside and said, “Uncle, Auntie, you must be tired. I’ve booked a hotel room nearby for you to rest. Here,” he looked at Braelynn, “is safe for now.”
His arrangements were thoughtful and left no room for objection. Henry and Maria did indeed need rest, so they didn’t refuse.
After seeing Henry and Maria off, only Braelynn and Alexander remained in the apartment.
For a moment, the atmosphere was a bit quiet.
“You’re tired too. Get some rest early.” Alexander was the first to break the silence. “I’m in the room next door. If there’s an emergency, you can knock or call this number.” He handed her a simple card with only a phone number printed on it.
With that, he turned and left decisively, without any unnecessary lingering or pleasantries.
Braelynn closed the door, leaned against it, and let out a long sigh.
So much had happened in a single day–Zachary’s madness, Carolina’s farce, her parents‘ worries, and… Alexander, this unexpected man who seemed to bring a glimmer of hope.
She walked to the window and watched as Alexander’s tall figure disappeared into the night outside the apartment building, her heart filled with mixed emotions.
In this lifetime, could her choices really lead to a different outcome?
