Alexander’s expression froze for a fraction of a second.

Then his jaw tightened.

"That’s not the same thing."

I said nothing, just held his gaze, steady and unwavering.

He exhaled deeply.

"Lilian is struggling mentally. Being alone... it’s dangerous for her," he explained.

A wave of helplessness washed over me.

How could I make him understand that I had no obligation to involve myself in Lilian’s problems?

This wasn’t my responsibility.

And yet, if I said what I really thought... he would call me heartless.

"Even if she’s not in immediate danger, you’re still going," I said coldly. "You care about her, so why make it sound like an obligation? And I don’t owe you any explanation."

He froze, as if surprised by my tone.

"I know you like Aiden," he said carefully, "but you shouldn’t have chosen this moment to meet him—especially not bringing him to see Nana..."

I lifted my chin. "Isn’t that what you did? You went to see Lilian at a crucial time and brought her to see Nana. I’m just following your lead."

His brow furrowed. "Lilian had an episode... I had to calm her down. She only wanted to check on Nana, so I brought her. Why are you upset now?"

I blinked. How could he defend this so confidently?

My husband had been called away by another woman, spent the night there, and then brought her to meet the family the next day—and now he was asking why I was upset?

Absurd.

"To you, Lilian’s well-being always comes first," I said, my voice steady but sharp. "When she has an episode, you soothe her. What about me? You never considered my feelings, yet you accuse me of lacking empathy."

"So... what am I supposed to do now?" I continued, my gaze unwavering. "Feel bad for Lilian? My husband gets called away in the middle of the night by another woman, leaves me alone, and you expect me to feel sorry for her?"

Alexander went silent. 𝙛𝓻𝒆𝓮𝒘𝙚𝙗𝒏𝙤𝙫𝓮𝒍.𝓬𝒐𝙢

"Well... Aiden was feeling down, too. So I brought him to see Nana. Since he wanted to, I helped ease his mind. I hope you understand—after all, CEO Blackwood should be able to show some empathy, right?"

At my words, Alexander’s face froze. He spoke through clenched teeth:

"Alicia!"

"What?" I raised an eyebrow. "Isn’t this normal? CEO Blackwood, I don’t understand why you’re angry."

"I’m not joking with you!" His brow furrowed deeply, eyes dark and intense.

"I’m not joking either," I replied evenly.

"Are you trying to provoke me on purpose?"

I smiled faintly. "Provoke you? Why would I want to provoke you?"

Alexander’s gaze sharpened. "Alicia... don’t forget what you promised Nana!"

I never expected Alexander to use Nana’s words against me.

It was laughable.

"I only promised Nana that I’d get along with you, but I didn’t make any other promises."

I curved my lips at the dark look on his face.

"CEO Blackwood, those were your exact words yesterday. You can go meet your lover and stay out all night. Why can’t I do the same? Before blaming me, maybe you should take a look at what you’ve done!"

Alexander fell silent for a moment.

"If you’re upset by that, I apologize," he said quietly. "Yesterday was unavoidable. I never meant to break my promise to Nana."

I laughed softly, mocking.

"Alexander, you don’t even understand what Nana meant! Nana wants us to genuinely get along and reconsider the divorce—not just pretend to please her!"

"I understand."

"You understand what?!" I shot back. "Tell me... have you ever seriously considered cutting ties with Lilian? Staying with me instead of divorcing me?"

He went silent.

I couldn’t help laughing at the stillness. "What’s wrong? Why aren’t you speaking now?"

"I’ve thought about it," he said, meeting my gaze, cutting me off.

My words caught in my throat. I searched his expression for guilt, for hesitation... but there was none.

I opened my mouth. "Alexander, there’s no need to lie to me."

"I didn’t lie."

He stepped forward slowly, stopping right in front of me.

"I really have thought about it—about separating from her and staying with you without getting a divorce."

For a fleeting moment, my heart fluttered at the honesty in his transparent eyes.

Then I shook it off, regaining my composure.

"Alright. Answer me this: the next time Lilian calls, saying she’s having an episode or is missing... will you go to her?"

Alexander paused, hesitation flickering in his eyes.

I sneered inwardly. "You’ve only thought about it. When you show me real action, then we’ll talk. Now go back. I need to rest."

If he’s still ready to drop everything the moment Lilian calls, his words mean nothing.

I won’t have a husband who can be called away by another woman at any moment.

Alexander was the best at playing games. I wouldn’t believe him anymore.

"It’s only nine. You’re going to sleep already?" he asked.

"I’m tired," I replied simply.

He looked like he had more to say... but then a knock on the door shattered the silence.

"Is the patient here? We need to check your condition. Is this a good time?"

I hadn’t been to the hospital last night or this morning, so the doctor must have come for a checkup.

"Yes, come in," I said.

Alexander frowned slightly. "Alright. Rest well."

He walked slowly toward the door as the nurse entered.

My eyesight had nearly returned to normal, so there was no longer any reason for me to stay in the hospital.

The next morning, after breakfast, I completed my discharge paperwork, called Jim to take my things home, and then headed to Grandma’s room.

The moment I stepped in, I paused.

The room was eerily quiet.

Uncle Steve stood by the window, his expression stiff, while Nana sat on the bed, her face tense. The air between them felt heavy—like they had just argued.

"Uncle... Nana... are you both alright?" I asked cautiously.

"Yes," they replied in unison.

I frowned. "Then why do you both look upset?"

"We’re not upset," Uncle said quickly. "Mum is just throwing a tantrum for no reason."

I turned to Nana. "Nana, what did you do to upset Uncle?"

"I didn’t upset him..." she muttered, but the guilt on her face said otherwise.

"Then what’s going on?"

Uncle let out an irritated sigh. "Alicia, your grandma wants to go home. Her body hasn’t fully recovered yet, and she’s already insisting on leaving. She doesn’t even care about her health."

Nana sighed helplessly. "Staying in the hospital is just lying around doing nothing. I can rest just as well at home."

She had mentioned this a few days ago—she really didn’t like being here.

I walked closer, trying to reason with her. "Nana, you’re not fully healed yet. Why don’t you stay a little longer?"

"I know my own body best," she said firmly. "I’m fine. What’s the point of staying here?"

"Nana, that’s not how it works. We need to check with the doctor."

"No need to check. I know," she insisted stubbornly.

"Nana..."

"What’s all this about?"

Alexander’s voice came from the doorway.

I turned to see him walking in, dressed in a sharp suit, a bag of food in his hand.

"Why aren’t you at the office?" Nana frowned.

"I thought I’d stop by to check on you first," he replied calmly, stepping inside. He placed the bag on the table before glancing at me. "I was worried you hadn’t eaten, so I brought something on my way."

He walked up to me and set the bag in front of me.....