Chapter 296: A Kiss (Finished)
Isabella, drawn to Alexander's vulnerability in women's clothing, lunged onto the bed, landing on top of him. Caught off guard, Alexander grunted, but soon relaxed, holding her affectionately.
"What did you call me?" Alexander asked, raising a quizzical eyebrow.
Isabella, lying on his abdomen, felt the silk of his nightgown. Amusing herself with the contrast, she laughed, then rose, looking down at him. With a playful grin, she declared, "Such beauty! You must be my wife!" She added, "Who else could be so fortunate to have the most handsome husband and the most beautiful wife?" It was, of course, her.
Overwhelmed by his beauty, Isabella almost lost herself. Alexander's eyes deepened, filled with profound mystery. Isabella's demeanor touched him deeply, evoking a powerful memory of a similar, beautiful scene. His heart pounded, the vibrations felt through his thin nightgown by Isabella.
Startled, Isabella met his gaze. His eyes, no longer indifferent, held a tender look that left her speechless. The scene subtly resembled photos Selena had shown her. An uncontrollable urge aroseโto hold and kiss himโas if this weren't the first time.
When Alexander registered what was happening, it felt like the world had spun. Isabella's face loomed, and her lips, cool with balm, met his. Their breaths mingled; it felt as though even her soul was lifted. Alexander felt a surge of heat, a primal energy, but he remained still, fearing this was an illusion and that any sudden movement might shatter the moment.
The kiss ended. Instinctively, Alexander lifted his head, wanting more.
[The following text is largely unintelligible and appears to be a jumbled collection of unrelated sentences and fragments. It has been omitted from this cleaned-up version. Please provide a clearer version if you would like it included.]
Alexander's eyes sparkled; his Adam's apple bobbed. "Is that so? I was somewhat worried" The final note vanished between their lips.
Isabella's eyes widened. Her shock was profound; her previous actions had been impulsive, and she had been interacting with, in a sense, a half-illusion. Now, she faced the real Alexander, and in her clarity, she was drawn to him. It was a simple kiss, yet felt like fireworks in their hearts.
When Isabella regained her composure, she heard Alexander's voice, deep and magnetic, suppressing laughter, yet nonchalantly saying, "Now, I'm not worried anymore."
Isabella fell asleep, unaware of how. The next morning, the usual forehead kiss was instead a feather-light touch on her lips. She instinctively licked his lips, hearing a soft swallow.
During the night, Isabella sensed danger and curled under the covers, continuing to dream peacefully. Alexander, however, needed to use the bathroom before they left.
Their progress was slow. The Burke family wedding approached. Even though Ralph couldn't have children, the ceremony would proceed.
That evening, the family discussed wedding plans. Isabella was distracted by incessant messages from Elaine. Initially, Isabella thought it was an emergency, but the messages were from Elaine, asking about Aiden and Ines.
Elaine and Deborah had recently contacted Ines about wedding gifts, but Ines, usually cheerful, was unresponsive, her tone weak and listless.
Isabella wanted to say, "You've known them for years. If you don't know, how would I?" Before she could, Elaine texted: "Gossip Queen, tell me, any gossip?"
Isabella tossed her phone to Alexander. He commented, "Aiden hasn't been very active recently. Seems busy." This sparked family curiosity.
[The following text is largely unintelligible and appears to be a jumbled collection of unrelated sentences and fragments. It has been omitted from this cleaned-up version. Please provide a clearer version if you would like it included.]