LIGHTNOVELWORLD Chapter 20: A night of reflection and a shadow of doubt
Chapter 20: A Night of Reflection and a Shadow of Doubt
The drive back to the city was a somber one. Lila sat beside Alexander, the events of the afternoon replaying in her mind. The humiliation, the anger, the unexpected violence – it all felt surreal. She felt a deep sense of betrayal, not only from Eleanor but from the entire family, who had so quickly turned against her.
Alexander, his jaw clenched, drove in silence, his mind reeling from the events of the afternoon. He had never seen his family behave so cruelly, so callously. He felt a surge of protectiveness towards Lila, a fierce determination to shield her from the venomous tongues and judgmental eyes of his relatives.
As they pulled into the driveway of their mansion, Lila felt a wave of relief wash over her. The familiar surroundings offered a sense of comfort, a haven from the chaos of the afternoon.
Alexander helped her out of the car, his touch gentle and reassuring. "Come on," he said, his voice soft. "Let's get you inside."
He led her to the living room, where a roaring fire crackled in the hearth. He poured them both a glass of brandy, his hands steady despite the turmoil he had witnessed.
"Here," he said, handing her the glass. "This might help."
Lila took a sip, the warmth of the brandy a comforting sensation in her throat. She looked at Alexander, her eyes filled with gratitude. "Thank you," she whispered.
"Don't worry," he said, his voice gentle. "You don't deserve any of this."
He pulled her close, his arms encircling her waist. "You're strong, Lila," he whispered. "You'll get through this."
Lila leaned into him, her heart aching. He was right. She was strong. She would get through this. But the events of the afternoon had left a deep scar, a wound that would take time to heal.
As they sat by the fire, the silence between them was not awkward, but rather a comfortable companion. They held hands, their gazes occasionally meeting, a silent understanding passing between them.
Later that evening, as they prepared for bed, Alexander pulled Lila close. "I'm so sorry you had to go through that," he whispered, his voice filled with regret.
Lila, nestled in his arms, shook her head. "It's not your fault, Alexander."
"I should have stopped them," he insisted. "I should have protected you."
"You did," she whispered, her voice soft. "You were there for me."
He kissed her forehead gently. "I'll always be there for you," he promised. "I'll never let anyone hurt you again."
Lila closed her eyes, feeling a sense of peace wash over her. In his arms, she felt safe, protected from the storm that had erupted that afternoon.
As they drifted off to sleep, a faint sound penetrated the stillness of the night. It was the ringing of Alexander's phone, the melodic chime cutting through the silence.
Alexander stirred, his eyes fluttering open. He reached for his phone, which was resting on the nightstand. "Hello?" he answered, his voice groggy.
"Mr. Hart?" a voice answered, a crisp, professional tone. "This is Paul. I have an urgent matter to discuss."
Alexander sat up, his drowsiness vanishing. "Paul? What is it?"
"It's about the Japanese contract," Paul replied. "We've received a counter-offer. It's… significant."
Alexander frowned. "Significant? In what way?"
"It's… unexpected," Paul replied, his voice hesitant. "They're offering a substantial increase in the initial investment."
Alexander felt a surge of adrenaline. This was unexpected. This deal could be a game-changer for his company.
"I'll be down in a moment," he said, his voice firm. "Get me the details."
He hung up the phone, his mind already racing. This was a major development. He had to discuss this with his team immediately.
He looked at Lila, who was still asleep, her breathing soft and even. He felt a pang of guilt, knowing he had to leave her alone.
He leaned down and kissed her forehead gently. "I have to go," he whispered. "Something urgent has come up."
Lila stirred, her eyes fluttering open. "What is it?" she asked, her voice groggy.
"It's about work," he replied. "A very important call."
"Go," she murmured, her eyes closing again. "I understand."
He kissed her forehead again, his heart heavy. He hated to leave her alone, especially after the events of the day. But this was an opportunity he couldn't afford to miss.
He slipped out of bed, dressed quickly, and headed to his study. He knew this would be a long night. The unexpected turn of events had thrown his plans into disarray, but he was determined to seize this opportunity, to prove to himself and to the world that he was a man of action, a man who could overcome any obstacle.
As he settled into his chair, his mind racing with thoughts of the deal, he couldn't help but think of Lila. He hoped she would sleep soundly, undisturbed by the events of the day. He promised himself that he would make it up to her.