Chapter 351
I never expected to be attending a prestigiosis inedical conference, but here I was, thanks to Alexander. He’d sometime secured me a ticket to thit per hohe plent, where on the Industry’s elite were invited.
Kince the conference wasn’t being held in New York but in Denver instead, I had to travel. After dropping Billy off with Betty, I Boarded the hight to Colorade with Alexander by my side.
The truth was, the organises had invited Alexander as their esteemed guest; I was just tagging along. He was the star of this medical research conference.
I knew my place. I sat quietly beside Alexander, maintaining a respectful distance.
Alexander hadn’t brought an assistant on this trip. It was just the two of us the entire time.
He was incredibly attentive–carrying my luggage, checking me in, making sure I had everything I needed. As I watched him striding ahead of me, suitcase in hand, I couldn’t help feeling a wave of melancholy.
III didn’t have Billy, if I’d never married Henry, if I’d met Alexander earlier…
Would I have fallen for this kind, thoughtful man?
Life is cruel that way. Meeting the right person at the wrong time.
Despite being single now, despite having every right to pursue happiness, despite knowing Alexander’s feelings for me…
My failed marriage had obliterated my ability to love again.
I’ll admit, there was a moment when I considered leaning on Alexander, staying with him, settling for companionship over passion.
But adults know better–love isn’t just a thought in your head.
Alexander and I weren’t just separated by Billy; we were separated by the Harding family.
More importantly, I didn’t feel that electric spark with him–that inexplicable chemistry that draws a woman to a man.
No matter how good he was to me, I couldn’t fully give myself to him.
Lost in these thoughts, I barely noticed Alexander approaching until he was beside me, leaning close to my ear.
“Staring at my reflection in the elevator–does that mean you’re interested in me?” His voice was teasing, but I could sense the nervous tension beneath it.
He tried to make it sound like a casual joke, but it was clearly a gentle probe.
My cheeks instantly flushed red.
“What? No, not at all!‘ 1 quickly averted my gaze, embarrassed. I caught a glimpse of hurt flashing across Alexander’s eyes before he masked it.
Before I could say anything else, the elevator chimed, announcing our arrival at our floor.
The doors slid open, and we stepped out into the hallway. Alexander pulled out the key cards, swiping one to open a door.
“This is your room,” he said, smiling. “I’m right next door. Let me know if you need anything.” He wheeled my suitcase inside, gave me a small wave, and closed the door behind him.
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Chapter 351
As the door clicked shut, I felt a pang of guilt.
I knew I was hurting him by keeping him at arm’s length, but I couldn’t offer what I didn’t have.
On the other side of the door, Alexander closed his eyes, a wave of loneliness washing over him.
In that moment, he wanted to ask Sophia a simple question: what does it feel like to truly love someone?
Despite her smiles, despite their easy conversations about life’s little amusements, she kept him firmly outside the walls of her heart.
No matter what he did, he couldn’t find his way in. It frustrated him to no end, but what could he do?
You can’t force feelings. He could have confessed outright, but he feared losing even the friendship they had, losing the privilege of being near her at all. So he buried his feelings deep.
So this was what unrequited love tasted like–bitter and sour.
After settling into my hotel room and taking a shower, I immediately video–called Billy.
As his face appeared on my screen, something felt off.
“Sweetie, are you at Betty’s place?” I frowned slightly. I’d stayed at Betty’s apartment long enough to recognize her décor, and this definitely wasn’t it.
Billy’s chubby little face filled the screen. He’d clearly just finished eating something sweet–there was a smudge of white cream at the corner
of his mouth.
His pudgy hand waved excitedly at me. “Mommy! You figured it out! I’m not at Godmother’s house. Since you’re so smart, guess where I am
now!”
I squinted at the background, my stomach dropping as recognition hit. “Is that… Maple Grove?”
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