Third person POV

Alicia eagerly unwrapped the package and began enjoying the delicious treat.

As she ate, Alexander watched the smile on her face, his lips unconsciously curving upward. Sitting beside her, he said softly, "Eat slowly."

She looked up at him, suddenly remembering that he didn’t like sweets.

"Do you want to try some?" she asked.

Alexander nodded, his gaze gentle.

Alicia paused for a moment, slightly surprised, before picking up a piece and bringing it to his lips.

He ate it without hesitation.

Seeing their interaction, Grandma Roseline’s face lit up with delight, while Grace, who sat nearby, teased, "Brother Alexander, why didn’t you bring something for me too?" she pouted.

Alexander and Alicia both chuckled.

"Not only did he forget to bring you anything," Roseline added with a knowing smile, "but I remember your brother used to hate cookies. He wouldn’t even touch them when you tried to feed him. But now..." Her voice trailed off meaningfully as she exchanged a glance with Steve.

Since Roseline fell ill, Alexander had been staying with Alicia at the hospital, spending every day and night by her side, as if they had returned to the past.

There was no Isabella. No talk of divorce.

They were simply a peaceful, ordinary couple.

Noticing the faint blush on Alicia’s cheeks, Alexander’s eyes softened with amusement.

"Enough, Mom. Alicia is getting embarrassed," Steve said with a chuckle.

Alicia’s life had been filled with hardships. Perhaps because of all the bitterness she had endured, she had grown to crave sweetness. Over the years, it had become a quiet habit.

After finishing the cookies, Alicia stood to throw away the wrapper. But since her vision was still blurry, she misjudged her step. Her foot caught on something, and she stumbled forward.

Before she could fall, Alexander quickly caught her, his arm wrapping firmly around her waist.

Their eyes met.

"How careless can you be?" he said, though his voice carried more concern than reproach.

Leaning against his shoulder to steady herself, Alicia replied awkwardly, "Sorry... I think I got dizzy for a second."

Alexander helped her back onto the sofa. "Did you hurt yourself?"

"I bumped my knee on the corner of the table."

Without hesitation, he knelt in front of her. "Which side?"

"The right."

He carefully lifted her dress slightly and saw a bruise forming on her pale knee.

As his fingers gently pressed against it, Alicia winced. "Don’t press it—it hurts."

He immediately stopped and stood up. "Stay here. Don’t move. I’ll get some medicine."

"It’s fine, it’s not that bad—"

"That doesn’t matter."

With that, he left the room.

Alicia glanced at Roseline and Steve, who exchanged a knowing look that made her cheeks warm. She was grateful Grace was distracted with her phone—otherwise, she would have teased her endlessly.

Roseline cleared her throat. "Looks like this boy finally understands. Alicia, don’t be shy. You can ask him for anything."

Blushing, Alicia nodded.

A few moments later, Alexander returned with ointment. He knelt before her again, carefully cleaning her knee with an alcohol swab before gently applying the medicine.

Alicia watched him, her chest tightening with emotion.

His focus was unwavering, as though he were handling something incredibly precious.

After finishing, he placed a small bandage over the bruise and lowered her dress. "All done."

"Ahem," Steve spoke up. "Alicia, Alexander, you two can go now. We’ll stay here with Mom."

"Yes, yes," Roseline added. "There’s nothing to worry about. Alicia has been stuck in the hospital for days. Alexander, take her out—get something to eat, maybe a walk."

They were clearly trying to give the couple some time alone.

"Uncle, I’m fine—" Alicia began.

"Alicia," Roseline interrupted gently, "you’re a good granddaughter, but don’t forget to take care of yourself too."

Alicia glanced at Alexander.

He nodded. "We’ll take a short trip out. Call me if you need anything."

Roseline waved them off. "I’m already in the hospital—what else could happen? Go and enjoy yourselves."

"Let’s go," Alexander said, extending his hand.

Alicia hesitated briefly before placing her hand in his. "Goodbye, Nana. We’ll be back later."

Hand in hand, they walked out of the room.

But once they stepped outside, Alicia suddenly let go of his hand.

Alexander felt the loss instantly. His fingers curled slightly, as if holding onto something that was no longer there.

After a moment, he asked, "What do you want to eat?"

"How about that new restaurant on Silverwood Street? I’ve heard it’s really good," she suggested.

"Sounds perfect," he replied, forcing a small smile.

They made their way to the garage, and Alicia got into the passenger seat while Alexander drove toward Silverwood Street.

As they drove, Alicia’s phone suddenly rang.

She glanced at the screen—

It was the police.

Her fingers hesitated for a brief second before she answered. "Hello?"

"Miss Alicia, this is the police department. We’re calling regarding your recent accident."

Alicia’s expression tightened slightly. "Yes... is there any update?"

"We’ve apprehended a suspect," the officer said. "He confessed to targeting you intentionally. The suspect claimed he acted because of a recent online controversy involving you."

Alicia frowned. "Online controversy...?"

"Yes. He mentioned something about defending Miss Lilian Summer," the officer continued. "He also stated that he didn’t know the driver of the white car personally. According to him, they met online and discovered they were both fans of Miss Summer."

Alicia’s brows knitted together.

"The owner of the white car claims to be a mechanic at an authorized dealership," the officer added. "He said you had your car repaired there and that he provided your whereabouts to the black sedan driver—David."

Alicia’s grip on the phone tightened slightly.

"We’ve apprehended David," the officer went on, "but he insists he doesn’t know anything beyond what he told us. He claims he doesn’t even know the other person’s real name. We’re still verifying the details."

There was a brief pause before the officer asked, "May I ask if you’ve had any disagreements with Miss Summer?"

Alicia hesitated.

"Ah... that," she said softly. "It’s probably about the makeup incident. Miss Summer and I did have a misunderstanding, but it wasn’t anything serious."

"I see," the officer replied. "We’ll inform you once we locate the other individual."

"Alright. Thank you, officer."

After ending the call, Alicia lowered her phone and looked at Alexander.

"They said the person is just a fan of Lilian," she said. "Probably overreacting because of that makeup issue."

Alexander didn’t respond immediately.

His grip on the steering wheel tightened slightly.

"...People can be extreme," he said calmly.

Alicia didn’t notice the brief pause.

"Still, it feels a bit scary," she admitted softly.

Alexander glanced at her, his expression unreadable.

"You don’t need to worry about it," he said. "The police have already caught him. I’ve asked Mathew Blackwell to handle this. They’ll pay for their actions."

Mathew Blackwell was a senior lawyer in the legal department of Blackwood Dominion Enterprises—highly capable and known for his efficiency.

"Thank you," Alicia said.

"No need to thank me."

He didn’t elaborate further.

And Alicia... didn’t ask.

The interior of the restaurant was elegantly decorated, with soft piano music floating through the air. We sat at a more secluded table, and the waiter handed us each a menu.

Alexander opened his and began scanning from the top. After a few items, I interrupted him. "Will we be able to finish all of this tonight?"

"I’m reading it to you," Alexander said with a slight smile, narrowing his eyes. "Can you see clearly now?"

I realized what he meant and smiled back. "I’m not blind. It’s just a bit blurry, but I can still read."

The waiter seized the opportunity to enthusiastically introduce the restaurant’s most popular couple’s set. "It’s very affordable, and many people choose it. You might want to give it a try."

I paused, then nodded. "We’ll have that."

Alexander’s lips curled into a faint smile. "How’s your vision improving?"

"It’s getting better. I can see much more clearly now."

"How about the font on your phone?"...