My CEO Ex: Let Me Go.-Chapter 22

"Except for resigning."

"Not that."

"Then say it."

"What I want is, just like before, to be in charge of public relations for Valmonté & Roussier International. How does that sound?"

I gently set down my chopsticks, waiting for Alexander’s response. Seeing his silence, I couldn’t help but smile lightly, continuing to eat. "Forget I said anything."

I had already anticipated this outcome. He was still cautious around me, using Olivia to balance things out. He didn’t trust me, didn’t believe I wouldn’t go after Isabella.

"You can ask for something else."

"No need."

I said softly, already knowing that what Alexander could offer was clear—nothing I truly wanted.

Alexander looked into my eyes, his brow furrowed, but he stayed silent.

As dinner was winding down, Alexander suddenly spoke. "Tonight, Pop-Pop and Nana want us to go to Ashford Manor for dinner."

I nodded. "I know."

It was probably because Alexander and Isabella had been making headlines, and Grandpa had learned about Alexander’s movements. He’d waited for Alexander to return from his business trip before inviting us to Ashford Manor.

After finishing my meal, I set my chopsticks down and stood up. "Thank you for the meal, CEO Hawthorne. I’m done."

Alexander glanced at his watch. "It’s still a while before work starts. Why don’t you take a nap in my lounge?"

I thought for a moment and nodded. "Alright."

My legs were always more comfortable when lying down than sitting. 𝙧𝙚𝙚𝔀𝒆𝓫𝓷𝙤𝓿𝒆𝙡.𝒄𝙤𝓶

I walked into the lounge.

The lounge was similar to the master bedroom—well-equipped, spacious, and comfortable. I kicked off my shoes, lay down on the bed, and pulled up the covers, intending to take a short nap. But before I knew it, I had fallen into a deep sleep.

When I woke up, I reached for my phone by the pillow. I was shocked to see that it was already past three in the afternoon.

I sat up, yawning and stretching my back, then got out of bed, slipped on my shoes, and walked out of the lounge. "Why didn’t you wake me up..."

As I stepped out, I noticed Jane was there too.

When Jane saw me come out of Alexander’s lounge, he pretended not to notice, keeping his eyes straight ahead.

At the company, no one knew about Alexander and my relationship—except for him. Most of the bosses had wives at home and mistresses on the side, indulging in the company of pretty little celebrities. Jane had originally thought Alexander was different, but now it seemed he was just like everyone else.

But as an employee, he couldn’t say anything.

"I didn’t wake you because you looked so peaceful," Alexander said casually.

"I’ll go back to work now."

"Remember to wait for me in the garage after work tonight."

"I know."

That evening, Alexander and I went to Ashford Manor.

Pop-Pop was sitting in the living room. When he saw us enter, he greeted us and gestured for us to sit. "Vivienne, I heard you hurt your foot a few days ago. How is it? Better now?"

I smiled and replied, "Pop-Pop, it’s all better. Look..."

I lifted my leg.

Grandpa chuckled. "Good to hear that. No problem, no problem."

"What’s Nana doing?" I asked.

Grandpa pointed toward the kitchen. "Your Nana’s in there making soup for you. She’s always trying something new to cook, so just let her do her thing."

"Come, Vivienne, play me a couple of rounds of chess."

I helped Grandpa set up the chessboard, and we both sat down, leaving Alexander by the side.

As the game went on, Grandpa and I got completely absorbed, and before I knew it, quite some time had passed.

When I snapped out of it, I realized it was already past eight o’clock.

My stomach rumbled loudly. "Pop-Pop, why is dinner so late today?"

"You’ll have to ask Nana. She’s responsible for dinner tonight. She’s making some special soup, but it’s still not done."

Just then, Evelyn came out of the kitchen with a pot of soup. "Here, it’s ready now. You can eat."

The servants brought out the rest of the dishes.

Evelyn eagerly served soup to me and Alexander. "Vivienne, Alexander, you two should drink more. I specially made this for you. Hurry, try it."

"Nana, please sit down and eat," I said.

I lowered my head, about to take a sip of the soup, but suddenly a greasy smell hit me. I couldn’t help but rush to the bathroom, gagging.

"Vivienne, what’s wrong?" Evelyn seemed startled by my reaction and asked excitedly, "Oh no, Vivienne, could you be pregnant?"

Alexander calmly shook his head. "No, she’s had digestive issues recently. She’s been on a special diet and taking medicine."

"Ah? I see. Have you been to the hospital for a check-up?" Evelyn asked, still concerned.

"Vivienne has been," Alexander replied.

Upon hearing this, Evelyn finally stopped pressing the issue.

She shot Alexander a frustrated glare. "You... three years of marriage and still no children?"

Alexander: "..."

I finished rinsing my mouth and came out of the bathroom, pushing the soup aside. "Nana, I’m so sorry, my stomach’s been upset lately, and the smell makes me want to vomit. I’m afraid I’ll have to disappoint you."

Evelyn hurriedly said, "No, no, it’s fine. Your health is what matters, your health is what matters."

After that, she looked at Alexander and pushed the bowl of soup toward him. "Alexander, since Vivienne can’t drink it, you should finish it all."

"Nana, that’s a lot. I’m afraid I won’t be able to finish it," Alexander hesitated, looking at the two bowls of soup.

"How is that a lot? How could you not finish it?" Evelyn said, insisting.

"You’re a grown man. Why can’t you handle something so small? No wonder you’re not useful."

Alexander: "..."

After dinner, it was almost nine o’clock, creeping toward ten.

Grandpa spoke up, "It’s getting late. Why don’t you stay the night here and head back tomorrow?"

"Alright."

I stayed downstairs with Grandpa and Grandma, watching Call Me Kat for a while before heading upstairs to wash up.

Alexander was working late in Grandpa’s library.

Not long after, however, he started feeling dizzy. He closed his laptop and headed back to the room.

The room was empty, and the sound of running water from the bathroom could be heard.

I was taking a shower.

Alexander’s heart began to race, and images flashed quickly in his mind.

His brow furrowed as an unusual warmth spread through his body.

He knew exactly what was happening.

He walked over to the wardrobe, grabbed his pajamas, and went to the bathroom to wash up.

But when he tried the door handle, he found it was locked.

He tried again, but the door wouldn’t budge. Suddenly, it hit him—the door had been locked from the outside.

He said nothing, simply stood there quietly, listening to the sound of water running from the bathroom, feeling increasingly restless.

It had been over a month since his business trip, and there had been no progress since then.

The sound of water slowly stopped.

Then came the sound of a blow dryer.

After a while, the blow dryer stopped as well.

I walked out of the bathroom in my pajamas and froze when I saw Alexander sitting at the edge of the bed.

"What are you doing sitting here? Why haven’t you washed up?"

Alexander’s gaze was dark, intense, fixed on me. His voice was low as he replied, "The door was locked from the outside by Pop-Pop and Nana."