Lester approached Henry and smacked him across the cheek. "You scoundrel!" he eximed. "How many times have I warned you to change your yboy behavior?"


    Henry looked at me before responding, "I-I honestly didn''t know she was Mr. Hastings'' sister. But since he''s marrying my sister, why don''t I marry Ms. Ashford?"


    Henry''s imagination was boundless, like a never-ending wormhole, and his words were filled with such intensity that they left people feeling utterly helpless.


    They wanted tosh out at him, but even if they did, it wouldn''t ease their frustrations. It would only result in unnecessary arguments, making the whole situation not worth the trouble.


    All four of them shouted in unison, "Absolutely not!"


    "What skills do you possess?" Lester''s brows creased. "You actually want to marry Mr. Hastings'' sister? Are you even on the same level as your own sister?"


    "Henry, why can''t you just think before you speak?" Xena was clearly annoyed with him.


    "Even though Serena isn''t my biological sister, she means a lot to me." Alex stepped closer to me. "I only want her to be happy and with someone she truly cares about."


    The ride back to the hotel after the dinner was quiet, as if we had all silently agreed to keep to ourselves.


    During the drive there, I had been engaged in conversation with Oliver the whole time. But now, I didn''t feel like talking to him, and he seemed focused on driving as well.


    "Mr. Hastings, we''ve reached the hotel," Oliver announced as he parked the car. "You may get out first. I''ll go park the car."


    After stepping out of the car, I paused to assist Alex, as was my duty as his assistant. However, he managed to exit the vehicle on his own. As I stepped back


    to make room for him, Alex seemed unsteady on his feet.


    It dawned on me then that Alex had consumed quite a bit of wine and was most


    likely drunk. Without thinking, I reached out to steady him. But instead of epting my help, he pulled me into his embrace.


    He towered over me. My cheek


    rested against his broad chest, and I could just barely see over his


    shoulder. The unmistakable scent of tobo mingled with the fruity aroma of expensive red wine emanated from him. Perhaps due to the alcohol, Alex''s body was shockingly flushed.


    As I inhaled his scent, my eyes began to water. It was at that moment that I became fully aware of my feelings for him. I couldn''t pinpoint when it had happened, but I had developed feelings for him.


    Back in junior high, Alex was a popr and aplished student among the seniors. He stood out among us while I was just another face in the crowd.


    Back then, every girl in school was infatuated with Alex. His academic achievements, appearance, and family background all met the standards of a perfect fantasy boyfriend.


    I knew that Alex held a dislike toward me and Mom, so I made sure to keep my distance from him at all times. However, despite trying to stayaway, there were moments when my heart couldn''t help but be troubled by thoughts of him.


    When I went away to university, I rarely returned home. Yet every month, without fail, Alex would find a way to visit me at the university for various reasons. Each time he showed up, I couldn''t help but try to avoid him.