Alia rushed downstairs, stepping out of the elevator only to see that imposing and powerful vehicle—President Lincoln One.
It was parked in the dimly lit underground garage, the car’s body reflecting the lights, like a beast lurking in the dark night.
As Alia approached, the car door opened, and Benny Palr stepped out.
"Young Master Palr?" She hadn’t expected him to be accompanying Christopher; Alia was slightly surprised.
Benny nodded slightly, "You two talk. I’ll go find a restroom."
Seeing Benny reminded Alia of that villa, and she quickly said, "Young Master Palr, about that house... I’m deeply sorry. Once things settle down, I’ll buy it."
She thought of how such a beautiful villa had turned into a place associated with death. It truly was unlucky.
Even if it were sold second-hand, the price would surely be slashed.
Though she didn’t have much money, if she opted for installnt paynts, she might just be able to afford it.
Benny chuckled, "At a ti like this, and you’re still worrying about the house? Don’t worry, you don’t need to bother with it."
Inside the car, Christopher was utterly exhausted, his legs freezing cold, and even his lower back was aching and stinging from the chill.
Seeing the person he missed deeply standing by the car door, the two of them silently exchanged glances. Their hearts were filled with indescribable and complex emotions.
After a brief mont of staring, he reached out to her, his voice hoarse and low, "What’s wrong? Waiting for to get out?"
She snapped back to reality, bent down, and got into the car.
The next second, she fell into the man’s arms and was held tightly.
His chapped lips brushed against her ear, and he eventually buried his face in the crook of her neck, as if drawing strength from her, his breath coming ragged and trembling.
After a long mont, he spoke in a low voice, "That house—I’ll handle the transfer procedures in a few days. Rest assured, I won’t let Lucas King lose out."
As it turned out, what Alia had been worrying about was sothing Christopher had already anticipated.
Though he often teased and gave his good buddies a hard ti, when it ca to true matters of interest, he would never mistreat them.
"Alright..." Hearing his assurance, Alia responded softly on his shoulder.
"Alia... thank you."
"Thank ?" Slightly turning her head, she wanted to look at him, but his embrace was so tight, his face buried so deeply, that she couldn’t see his expression.
But why was he thanking her?
"Yes... Thank you for being willing to stay, for still agreeing to see even after all the hurt my family caused you." Christopher stayed nestled against her shoulder as he spoke, his voice heavy and seemingly coming from the depths of his heart.
Alia’s heart skipped a beat, an unexpected wave of sourness rising in her nose.
If, back then, when she had been frad by the Hart Family, he had shown such an attitude—then their story might never have had so many twists and hardships.
But nonetheless, having his trust now—it wasn’t too late.
After the waves of emotion settled montarily, she quickly cald herself and gently pushed him away, looking into his eyes as she asked in a low voice, "Do you not bla ? Actually... it was because I accidentally bumped into her—the fall down the stairs happened so suddenly, and then she just..."
Recalling those monts, Alia still felt her entire body tense in fear, her skin tingling uncontrollably.
Christopher shook his head, "It’s not your fault. She intended to die anyway. Even if you hadn’t touched her, she would have found another way."
Christopher even thought of saying it aloud: Perhaps that tumble was intentional on Wendy’s part.
Alia held the sa belief in her heart but hearing it from Christopher directly still caught her off guard.
To stand on the side of reason rather than family—it was never an easy thing to do.
After a mont of silence, her voice softened with a hint of relief, "I’m glad you understand."
"I understand—I completely understand. That’s why I don’t bla you, and you shouldn’t overthink it either. For the next few days, if you’re in a bad mood, don’t go to work. Stay at the hotel and spend ti with the kids."
"I know—you don’t need to worry."
"I’ll be heading to the funeral parlor later. My mom isn’t in good shape; my dad is staying with her. As for Wendy’s arrangents, I’ll take care of everything myself. These days, I probably won’t have ti to visit you and the kids."
She lowered her gaze, staying silent.
Christopher looked at her obedient and delicate deanor, unable to shake the feeling that she hadn’t yet moved past the horrifying scene of her sister’s death. His heart ached so much that his eyes reddened. Unable to resist, he hugged her tightly again.
"Alia... I’m sorry. I know I don’t deserve you, but I simply can’t let go. Being with has brought you so much suffering."
Already choking on her emotions, Alia finally couldn’t hold back her tears as he spoke those words while holding her close.
"Christopher... it’s good that you know! If it weren’t for the kids, I..."
If it hadn’t been for those three innocent, adorable little ones, she would have walked away without hesitation and vowed never to see him again for the rest of her life.
"Do you know... Noah is worried that I might take them away from you. He asked before bed last night... When I saw the cautious look in his eyes, I felt so guilty... I’m not a good mother; I haven’t given them enough security. Even though Noah outwardly clashes with you, deep down, he admires you. He really doesn’t want to lose you..."
Christopher’s heart shattered into pieces with her strained lant, pieces so scattered that they couldn’t be pieced back together.
"I know... It’s my fault. I failed to protect you all, failed to give you the sense of security you deserve. And on top of it, I selfishly kept holding on to you... But luckily, we have a lifeti ahead of us—I’ll treat you well, treat the children well, forever... I’m sorry——"
The woman was so choked with sobs that she couldn’t speak anymore, quietly crying in his arms.
The two of them clung tightly to each other, neither showing any intention of letting go for a long ti.
Outside, Benny had excused himself under the pretense of finding a restroom. But in truth, where would an underground parking garage have a restroom?
He wandered around for a bit and ca back, witnessing the two of them still wrapped in their intimate display. He couldn’t help but sigh.
The cold bit into him; he wasn’t dressed warmly enough and was shivering from the chill.
After waiting outside for a while, seeing no sign that the two intended to part, he had to rap the car’s body and cough lightly, "Hey... it’s late. Go get so rest already—it’s not like you’re saying goodbye forever."
The knock startled the two from their trance-like embrace.
Christopher loosened his arms and gently wiped the tears from her face with his thumb, his touch tender and loving, "Alright, go on up now. Don’t think too much. Get a good night’s sleep."
"Mm, you too. Take care of yourself."
"Alright."
Alia took a deep breath, composed herself, and stepped out of the car.
Benny glanced at her with an encouraging look and offered a sympathetic word, "Try to let things go. Don’t punish yourself for the mistakes of others."
Alia forced out a strained smile, "Thank you, Young Master Palr. I need to look after the kids, so I can’t be there for him. In the anti... I hope you can keep an eye on him."
"Don’t worry, I’ll look out for him. I promise to return him to you in one piece."
As Benny was about to close the door, Christopher stopped him.
"What’s wrong?" Benny asked, puzzled.
Christopher didn’t look at him, his gaze fixed on the woman outside the car, his voice soft, "I’ll watch you leave."
Benny’s inner monologue: I shouldn’t be in this car—I should be underneath it.
If not for the inappropriate timing, he’d have loved to mock Christopher—middle of the night, and here you are acting all lovey-dovey. Are we slaughtering single souls now? Is this even fair? Are you even human?
Alia waved to him and turned toward the elevator.
Christopher didn’t close his eyes until her silhouette disappeared from view. Leaning back against the seat, he finally said, "Let’s go."
Benny, noticing Christopher’s pale and weary face, hesitated and suggested, "Shouldn’t you rest for a bit? You’re pushing your body too hard."
"I’ll be fine. I won’t collapse."
Behind him were the woman he deeply loved and the children he adored.
He couldn’t allow himself to fall.
Not only could he not fall, but he had to stand tall as soon as possible.
Only by standing tall as a normal, functional man could he truly protect the ones he held dear.
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