Chapter 264: Fascinated By Her Beauty

Isabella awoke in a warm embrace, her nose nestled against a firm chest, the air filled with a pleasant scent. A tickle in her nose led her to rub against the chest, but she sensed a slight withdrawal. Grogily opening her eyes, she found herself against a man's chest. Looking up, she was startled by a stunningly handsome face.

Recalling her audacious demands from the previous night, Isabella mentally congratulated herself on her boldness. While she rarely suffered from insomnia, the quality of her sleep varied; she'd never experienced such high-quality sleep in her two lifetimes. Alexander was like a personal aromatherapist.

"Good morning," Alexander murmured softly, his voice possessing the unique languid rasp of early morning. They shifted, and Isabella extricated herself from his embrace. Seeing his almost green complexion, she felt embarrassed.

"Not used to this? Sleep well?" he asked, appearing uneasy. "Not at all. I slept comfortably, better than… sleeping alone."

Isabella wondered about his usual sleep quality. Was this complexion indicative of a well-rested person? In truth, Alexander hadn't slept well. Thankfully, Isabella couldn't use the system to check on him; otherwise, he couldn't have maintained the facade. It wasn't the closeness itself, but Isabella's restless sleep. She tossed and turned, and her clinginess, while initially sweet, had become burdensome. She was unaware he'd gotten up during the night. He'd never felt so embarrassed while calming himself. Upon returning to bed, Isabella immediately wrapped herself around him again, making it nearly impossible to move. He'd barely managed to control his morning reactions when her awakening nearly caused him to lose control again. He couldn't blame his wife; it was his lack of self-control.

"Ah!" Isabella cried out in surprise.

"What's wrong?" Alexander, already out of bed, was instantly anxious. He feared he'd accidentally sucked on her neck the night before, leaving a mark. He'd checked; there was nothing. He hadn't dared to apply any force; it was a momentary lapse.

"It's already half past nine!" Isabella exclaimed. "You're late for work!" Alexander was usually already in his office when she woke. Their morning routines differed drastically.

"It's okay," Alexander said. He'd been awake for a while but had made a promise. He'd let her hold him until she awoke naturally; he couldn't disturb her sleep.

Isabella stared blankly. Were those words really coming from the workaholic Alexander? He'd fallen off the wagon! Beauty truly led men astray. He thought, "So, money is important, isn't it?" Feeling helpless, he tapped her forehead.

"Since you're awake, let's have breakfast. I'll go to work afterward; I won't be late."

Isabella chuckled dryly. His toiletries and clothes were on the other side of the room. Before leaving, he couldn't resist asking, "Did you sleep well?"

Isabella, also getting up, nodded. "Fantastically."

Standing elegantly by the door, his fingers on the doorknob, he dared not look at her as he suggested, "So… how about I come back tomorrow to be your cuddle pillow?"

Isabella hesitated. Last night had been a perk, but his proposal was tempting. After a moment, she agreed, "All right, sure." Alexander finally exhaled. Seeing her struggle, he didn't insist on moving his belongings; it was enough to come over nightly. He believed she'd gradually accept him.

Descending the stairs, they faced the Quirk family's intense scrutiny. Even Evian, who was supposed to be at work, stayed to witness this miracle. Alexander's unusual lateness fueled speculation. However, Isabella's unperturbed demeanor and the knowledge Elaine and Zendaya had, convinced them nothing untoward had happened. David, Selena, and Evian's condemning gazes fell on Alexander, causing him to falter. Left with no choice, the trio vented their frustrations in a group chat. They then happily joined Isabella and Alexander for a meal.

Isabella’s usual late nights had always resulted in family members joining her, even for just tea, ensuring she never felt alone. They discussed gossip, Isabella's inner thoughts revealing subsequent events: Elaine and Zendaya found closure, even sharing a bed. Only Clifford’s misfortune had come to pass. Astonishingly, Millie’s family caused a scene, demanding Clifford marry Millie, claiming he'd deceived her feelings, believing a marriage alliance was best given his tarnished reputation. The Quirks questioned the likelihood of Millie accepting. Alexander believed Clifford wouldn't agree.

The Decker family, aware Clifford's actions had offended the Grahams, making them a laughingstock, realized he couldn't marry respectably, so chose Millie, smitten and unquestioningly supportive. The Quirks pondered whether Clifford deserved pity.

The Deckers planned to arrange a meeting, but Clifford escaped through a window, leaving a message stating he'd rather die than marry someone he didn't love, unfortunately breaking his leg in the process, ending the marriage discussion. The Quirks found it tragic, yet funny.

Alexander felt a headache coming on, knowing he'd have to deal with this. He'd already received a message from Roland; they’d heard and wanted him to visit Clifford. Isabella declined, recalling Clifford's teasing; she feared he might blame her for his misfortune.

Before work, Alexander made a quick visit, offered comfort, then diligently returned to work. The news spread quickly due to Alexander's rarity of lateness, and the genuine reason – oversleeping. His employees doubted he'd be late simply from oversleeping alone, believing it must be due to his wife.

Rumors of their increasingly sweet relationship circulated, with bets placed on their wedding. Unbeknownst to them, this was only the beginning. After the incident, Alexander was never late again. Isabella declared herself a heavy sleeper, allowing him to wake whenever he wished. He was reluctant to leave her embrace but knew his greatest advantage in her eyes.

Days later, Isabella returned to Quirk Group to meet Alexander to prepare Deborah's engagement gift. The second-floor balcony was a location for frequent incidents. While Alexander was in a meeting, Isabella enjoyed coffee, noticing a group of people talking and laughing.

"Mr. Oliver, Ms. Willis is our first choice for the lead." "Don't bother prioritizing her. I know Mr. Alexander; this minor issue isn't worth mentioning."

Isabella was puzzled. Turning, she saw a man resembling Damien, acting sleazy with a provocatively dressed woman, intelligent and easily identifiable. It was, she realized, gossip; although Deborah had once mentioned this wasn't gossip, it was too blatant to ignore.