Meanwhile, Alexander was interrupted from his work by his phone ringing.
Checking the caller ID, he answered gently, "Melissa..."
"Alex, when are you coming to pick me up? You promised to take me to your villa today!" Melissa whined. Alexander had said he would take her to his villa, but it was already late, and he hadn't shown up.
"..." Alexander fell silent.
He was reluctant to have Melissa stay at his place, especially since Phoebe was there. Concerns began to creep in.
"Don't you want me to go?" Melissa's voice trembled, as if she might cry, and Alexander felt a wave of guilt.
"Melissa, how could I not want you? I'm in a meeting right now, but I'll come to get you as soon as I'm done, okay?" he reassured her softly, maintaining his usual tenderness.
"You better not be lying to
