Chapter 11
Lily was nervous. Her hands, clenched unconsciously, gripped the sheets on either side of her body. She'd seen it on TV and in novels, but apprehension remained. Alexander noticed her anxiety, his gaze falling on her tightly closed eyes. "If you're not ready, we can wait," he said gently.
Lily, trembling slightly, opened her eyes. She saw sincerity and respect in his gaze. A wave of warmth, a feeling of being cherished, washed over her. She shook her head, releasing his hand, then raised her arms to wrap them around his neck. "I can do this! P-Please continue."
A familiar feeling shocked her; a realization dawned, though it seemed too coincidental. It was too late. Lily curled her legs, grabbed a nearby pillow, and covered her face. She wanted to disappear.
Alexander reacted instantly to her sudden withdrawal. The intensity in his eyes softened as he straightened. He attempted a sigh, but it broke into a laugh. After a moment of silence, he bent down and picked her up again.
"W-What?!"
Lily's body lifted abruptly, panic seizing her. The pillow fell from her face as she could no longer avoid her husband's gaze. She felt like a deer caught in headlights.
"Don't worry. I won't touch you unnecessarily," Alexander said, his expression unchanged. He entered the shower, gently setting her down. He adjusted the showerhead's temperature, then handed it to her. "I'll wait outside for you."
The shock gradually subsided, replaced by a sense of relaxation as the perfectly tempered water flowed over her skin. Alexander's thoughtfulness surprised her. It was hard to reconcile this considerate man with the ruthless businessman she knew.
She rinsed herself, a conflicted mood deepening when an embarrassing realization struck: she'd forgotten her sanitary pads. Preoccupied with "First Love," she'd completely missed her period, which had arrived a little early.
'Should I ask the hotel for pads, or call a shopping service? But my phone's outside, and it would be so embarrassing if Alex found out!'
Lily's internal struggle was interrupted by Alexander opening the door. He entered, placing a bag in the dry area. "Here, use this," he said before exiting the shower again.
Lily approached the bag, revealing clean pajamas, brand-new underwear, and, most importantly, sanitary pads. Alexander had anticipated everything, providing top-quality supplies for at least three months. Her surprise was palpable as she quickly changed.
Though her cheeks still burned, the embarrassment had faded as she stepped from the shower.
A brand-new mattress lay ready. Alexander, in silk pajamas, sat on a nearby chair, a laptop open on his lap, a cup of hot coffee beside it. The rich aroma filled the room. He drank coffee at night? Wasn't he planning to sleep? "Come here," he said, looking at Lily.