Alexander’s frown deepened as Carla’s grip tightened on his arm. He couldn’t believe how things had turned from a simple, friendly request by Alyssa to this confrontation. Carla’s voice was raw, her frustration spilling out with every word.
"Let go, Carla," he said firmly, brushing her hand off his arm. But Carla only stepped closer, her gaze intense.
"No! I can’t let go!" she cried. "How could you do this to ? We were together for years, Xander! How could you just let all of that go so easily? That woman, Rain, how long have you even known her? Just a few months?"
Alexander’s patience was wearing thin. He took a steady breath, his expression hardening as he looked her straight in the eye. "Don’t degrade yourself like this, Carla. I have a lot of respect for the years we spent together, but that relationship ended five years ago. I’m now happily married, and I don’t want to do anything to jeopardize that."
"But I saved your life!" Carla’s voice trembled, a mix of anger and pain. "I stood by you! And now you’re just... throwing it all away?"
Alexander shook his head, his voice now colder. "I’ve always been grateful for what you did, Carla, but gratitude and love aren’t the sa. We both moved on, and you know that."
Carla’s face fell, her desperation turning to defeat. He took a step back, putting space between them.
"Please, let’s not make this harder than it needs to be," he said, his voice softening just a bit. "I hope you find soone who truly deserves your love and who’ll make you as happy as Rain makes ." He turned and walked away, leaving Carla alone by the pavilion as he headed back to join the others.
On his way, Alexander spotted Alyssa, who was avoiding his gaze. "Today, you’ve disappointed , Alyssa. Don’t ever pull a stunt like that again. You disrespected both and my wife," he scolded.
Alyssa lowered her head. "I’m sorry, cousin... I just wanted to help Carla. She said she needed a final chance to talk, for closure."
Alexander’s eyes narrowed. "Closure? That was settled five years ago. Maybe we’ve spoiled you too much to expect better judgnt. Think about your actions, Alyssa. You’re supposed to be loyal to your family. Rain is family now. If you continue doing things to create conflict or misunderstanding, there will be consequences."
He paused, his voice hardening. "This is your last warning. If this continues, I won’t forgive you, and I won’t hesitate to cut ties."
His words were harsh, but Alyssa needed a wake-up call to understand the damage she had caused. Without another word, Alexander turned and walked away, leaving her to reflect.
****
Rain and Sanya overheard everything as they hid in the bushes, not far from where Alexander and Carla were talking.
"Your husband is really sothing! I’m so impressed with how he handled Carla," Sanya grunted in satisfaction.
Rain smiled, pride evident in her voice. "I told you, he’s soone I can trust."
"Yes, absolutely! He’s completely in love with you!" Sanya replied. "Honestly, you’re so much better than Carla. Sure, she has her family na, but you’re gorgeous, you’re kind, and you have character. Besides, if you ever wanted to, I’m sure you’d be more famous than her in the entertainnt industry!"
Rain chuckled, nudging Sanya playfully. "Stop it, you’re making blush! But yes... I’m proud of him. He handled it perfectly. Knowing Alexander chose is all the fa I need."
They began walking back together, keeping their voices low to avoid drawing attention.
On their way, Rain and Sanya crossed paths with Alyssa, who didn’t look their way as she hurried off toward Carla.
"I can’t believe she’s Carla’s lackey," Sanya muttered, her face twisted in annoyance.
Rain sighed. "You can’t entirely bla her. Alyssa is the only girl in her family, and from what I’ve heard, she’s always looked up to Carla like an older sister. Their bond runs deep."
"Even so, she should learn to show you so respect especially now that you’re Alexander’s wife!" Sanya pointed out firmly.
Rain didn’t respond, smiling instead as thoughts of Alexander filled her mind. She was already planning ways to make him feel even happier and more loved.
"Sothing feels off, though. Carla ntioned saving Xander. Do you know anything about that?" Sanya asked, frowning. "I can’t believe I ever liked that woman! Her character is so twisted. How could she hold onto Xander just because she claims she saved him? She’s unbelievable."
Rain sighed. "It was during the fire at Haven Orphanage. Apparently, Alexander was there, and Carla saved him when he was nearly unconscious."
"What? That Carla?" Sanya looked stunned. "That can’t be right! I was there, and I rember seeing no one but you risking yourself for the kids! There was even a girl—I rember her because she wore a beautiful dress and shoved out of her way. Wait..."
"What is it?" Rain asked, her curiosity piqued as Sanya halted, looking thoughtful.
Sanya’s eyes widened. "Now that I think about it... Yes! I rember that girl with braided blonde hair. No way!" She looked at Rain with a mixture of shock and outrage. "That girl who pushed everyone aside to save herself was Carla! There’s no way she saved Xander! I rember watching you go in and out, pulling all the kids to safety. And the last one..."
Her friend halted and gulped before she continued, "The big kid you practically dragged out... that was Xander! I even shouted for the dics to help you, and when they arrived, they took both him and that girl in the sa ambulance."
"I’ll be damned! That girl was Carla! She stole your credit!" Sanya exclaid, her face set in a frown.
Rain gave her a gentle smile. "Sanya, we were really young back then. Honestly, I barely rember the details... You could be mistaken."
Sanya shook her head, looking certain. "No, there are so mories from childhood that stick! Now that I think about it, that annoying girl was definitely Carla. None of us at the orphanage had clothes like that she was the only one wearing such a fancy dress!"
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