Chapter 9: Not Part of His World
659 Words
Brandon Pierce barged into Alexander Blackwood’s office without knocking, his usual bold grin in place.
“Hey, I heard you got hurt. Let me see.”
Alexander looked up from his paperwork, irritation flashing across his face, but he didn’t move. Brandon leaned in, eyes scanning the side of Alexander’s face.
A faint bruise. A streak of dried blood.
Brandon couldn’t contain himself. He laughed, loud and reckless.
“Hahaha—this is priceless.”
Alexander rolled his eyes. “Done laughing?”
Brandon’s grin widened. “Seriously, your wedding night must have been something else. I almost feel sorry for your poor wife.”
Alexander’s expression darkened immediately. “You’re imagining things. I had a little too much to drink. That’s all.”
“Oh?” Brandon raised an eyebrow, his tone teasing. “Disappointing.”
He leaned back, then softened slightly. “Still… your wife is attractive. Maybe consider loosening up a bit around Lydia.”
Alexander didn’t hesitate. His voice was flat, unwavering. “Focus on the one in front of you.”
Brandon laughed, shaking his head. “No way.”
“She’ll never measure up.”
“If it weren’t for my grandmother, I wouldn’t have married her,” Alexander added, eyes narrowing. There was a pause, almost imperceptible. “Even now… I won’t touch her. This marriage won’t last.”
Brandon let out a long, knowing sigh. “Stubborn as ever, Alex.”
—
Night had fallen. A soft breeze drifted through the city streets, carrying the faint hum of traffic. Lights flickered in high-rises and apartments, tiny stories of happiness, sorrow, and everything in between tucked behind every window.
Dinner that evening was quiet.
Lydia Harper fidgeted with her fork, glancing at Alexander across the table. “Mr. Blackwood… um…”
He didn’t look up. “If you have something to say, say it.”
She took a deep breath, steadying herself. “Would you… come with me to my parents’ place tomorrow?”
There was silence. Too long. She forced a small smile. “It’s fine if you’re busy.”
She added softly, “And… I’m thinking of moving back to the dorm tomorrow. Closer to school.”
Alexander paused mid-bite, his chopsticks suspended in midair. Then he spoke, his tone neutral, almost cold.
“Where a stranger chooses to live doesn’t concern me. Do whatever you want.”
“Stranger.” The word hit Lydia harder than she expected.
So this was all she was to him—someone who didn’t even belong in his world. From the very beginning, it had only been her feelings. One-sided, unshared.
Still… she clenched her fists under the table. She could handle it. She had to. One day… he would see her.
She lifted her head and smiled, letting warmth soften her features. “Then I’ll stay on campus. I won’t bother you.”
“If anything comes up, find me at school,” he added.
Her smile brightened, sincere. For a fleeting second, something shifted in Alexander—he froze, caught off guard by the warmth in her eyes. He didn’t understand why it affected him, but before he could stop himself, a small, almost boyish smile tugged at his lips.
“Tomorrow. I’ll have the driver take you,” he said, voice even, but the faint curve of his mouth betrayed him.
Lydia blinked, stunned, then laughed softly. “You’re… smiling.”
He raised one brow. “So?”
“I can smile wider if you want.”
For the first time that evening, Alexander grinned—playful, unexpectedly light. The tension between them eased, if only for a moment.
Lydia laughed out loud, the sound bright and free. “Wow. Now you look like a spoiled rich kid.”
Alexander chuckled under his breath, letting the rare moment of levity linger. For a brief instant, the distance between their worlds seemed to shrink, though neither dared to acknowledge it fully.
- Writer
