Reading Juicy Gossip in Her Mind: Chapter 261 – Sleep Together Tonight
Damien's expression shifted. "What are you talking about? I was just looking for Alexander to discuss business. You're imagining things. Do you think you have superpowers or something? Hahaha." Isabella joined in the awkward laughter, diffusing the tension momentarily.
Alexander twitched a corner of his mouth, remembering Damien's own secret: a long-held, unrequited love for Deborah, who was about to marry Oliver. Damien wasn't lacking in courage, so Alexander wondered why he'd never pursued her. He figured Isabella's teasing stemmed from this, suspecting Damien might be using metaphysics out of desperation. However, Damien quickly steered the conversation away, suggesting his ill intentions were fleeting.
Isabella agreed; it was a minor incident, and they soon left. During the car ride, Isabella excitedly recounted the events, and Alexander listened patiently.
"That's right, I have to share this!" Isabella exclaimed, messaging The Quirks Chat.
Sensational headlines always captivated the Quirks, despite Christopher and Hayden having recently left for overseas work, and Rosalie having departed for arts academy. Their gossip group remained vibrant, although the absence of in-person interaction left them feeling a little lonely. Even Christopher, overseas, chimed in: "Bella, you really do seem to have some sort of metaphysics about you. You always manage to run into these situations." Evian replied: "There should be. Otherwise, who knows who you might be with right now?" Christopher agreed.
(Message snippets indicating time and date are removed for clarity.)
Back home, the family was already discussing the news. Callahan, looking up from his tablet, announced, "Bella, you're trending online!" Isabella was amused; the human love for gossip was undeniable.
Before she could check online, Danielle called, already possessing the latest information. Isabella was bewildered: "We're all gossiping, why are they blaming me?" Danielle teased, saying Isabella's legend lived on, her following growing steadily—a die-hard fanbase even. Isabella was, in a way, the industry's first "Gossip Goddess," repeatedly defying expectations despite her public image blunders.
Naturally, some dissenting voices emerged, accusing Isabella of leveraging information from her investigations into wealthy families to orchestrate her comeback and manipulate her public image. Isabella remained unconcerned, happily scrolling through her timeline.
After showering, she settled into bed, still engrossed in gossip, when there was a knock. Recognizing Alexander, she rushed to the door. He stood there, in pajamas, his usual gentle gaze softening further. Her heart pounded. His was even more unsettled. Instead of his usual "goodnight," he asked, "Didn't you want a hug?" and spread his arms wide.
Isabella was stunned. Alexander, a hint of despair in his voice, asked, "Don't you want to hold me anymore?" She remembered his earlier promise at the pool. She looked up, noticing his slightly open robe revealing his muscular physique. He was as captivating in his robe as he was shirtless.
The Quirks, just about to sleep, sensed something was happening.
Isabella, after admiring Alexander's body, felt desire stir. She reasoned: He's here, I shouldn't miss this chance. Perhaps I can be bolder. Alexander, outwardly calm, inwardly wondered if she meant a kiss.
Isabella said, "In that case, I want to sleep holding you." Alexander's body temperature surged, his voice hoarse: "What?" Isabella clarified, "Just holding, for sleeping." She recalled the comfort of his embrace at the pool, and the desire to experience sleeping with someone else. It wasn't lust, not about a pretty morning face or free skinship; it was part of exploring their potential relationship. Sharing a bed seemed inevitable; it wouldn't "tarnish" his pure love, she reasoned.
Alexander watched her, a mixture of eagerness and helplessness. He wanted to give her everything, yet her boldness was tempered with caution. Her recklessness with actions contrasted with her hesitancy when feelings were involved.
Alexander stepped forward, and Isabella, lost in thought, retreated slightly. He followed, closing the door behind him.
The Quirk family, eavesdropping, exploded in excitement: "They're sharing a bed tonight!" Christopher and Rosalie were shocked.