Chapter 17
In the past tese dres, Handmyself buty zjeving my freeman ti watanumer ted comprise, a far cry from what that initially imagined. Alec had a way of making even the moar
mat newfound connection, Ireldn’t shake the feeling that Alex was keeping big secrets. was that phone call that had set of my internal alarms. There was something about it that didn’t sit right with me, and it left me with a gnawing coelosity. Alec had been careful, nor Tetregam Informatioulip through, and I hadis adnit he was a master at dietzing my in pileles. med he was deadly series about whatever he was hiding and I was determined to
Deri the paid few days. Thafted subtle tatis to dig deepes, but Alec armained steadfast. Not a single slip–up or hint it left frustrated and more intrigued than ever. This man was up
mtiething, and torkin‘ afford to be caught in the middle of it
short Once again, I
werut our trips
We had me and a ball days left of out honeymoon, Alec approached me other news that he had a business meeting in New York and repasted th mied to pry information from him, best he skillfully sidestepped my que sien. Eventually, Frelented, realizing that he wouldn’t reunal anyth pespite harring my business matters to attend to, Frelictantly agreed to trimis home. Alor pimised to make it up to me, though I harbored no illusions about holding him to that promise Helelt in a hurry, packing a suitcase and rushing out the front do
~ The back besoj e you know it, I’ll call you once I get thein,” he promised and leaned over, planting a soft kiss on my cheek before running off to the car
Alone in the house, 1 locked the doors behind me and allowed my sity to get the best of me. I couldn’t help it, I was only human. I made my way to Alec’s room, the one I had avoided until now. The difference between his room and mine was stark. His space was neat and organized, a striking contrast to the chaps that bad taken over my own. Considering we had spent the same whount of time in the house, it didn’t bode well don my reputation as a tidy person
Trookhil sesist the temptation to explore Alec’s room further. The bookshelf caught my eye, though it held only a few books. Upon closer inspection, it became evident that Alec had a love for scatter fiction and mystery novels. My eyes shifted to a large box beside the bookshelf, and curiosity got the better of me. Inside, I discovered more sci–fi and mystery books, as well as a collection of comacy. It was an interesting revelation, hinting at a side of him that I hadn’t expected. Maybe he was more of a weis do than I thought. Okay, perhaps comic books weren’t weird budd need mach to look down on Alec He was too pridect so any sh low jabs I could take, I’d take
Nearby, another boy, beckoned, and I couldn’t resist the urge to peek inside. There, I found a photograph of Alec, much younger, sporting a college shirt. He was standing next to a girl his
her beaming smile kaduting happiness as she embraced him. She wore a “Brown‘ university sweater. The name “Ryan” was scrawled on the back of the picture. Ryan was the girl from the foori hitte where Aler had grown up, I realized I made me wonder if he still maintained contact with her. Another photo is the box showed a group of children, varying in ages, along with a younger version of Aler and Phy and three middle–aged women. It was likely a picture from the foster home days I gently placed the photos back in the box and moved on Treskich resist the urge to explore further, so I ventured into Alec’s down. Some clothes were still packed in botes, while others were neatly hung. My eyes widened as i examined the band Tom Ford, Armani, and other prestigious Italian label. The air inside his closet carried his into eating, masculine scent, leaving me momentarily lost in thought. Even his casual. clothes leaned toward the expense tide. It was a stark contrast to the image of the poor orphan he had portrayed Questions flooded my mind. Where did he acquire all this wealth, and what weartly was his profession
As I surveyed his room, my gaze landed on his night. A slightly open drawer beckoned me, and I couldn’t resist taking a peek inside, I discovered and notebook Eager to uncover more, 1 opened it, but to my surprise, the pages were filled with cryptictims like ‘Borg,” “Vulcan,‘ andothers that made no sense to me. It seemed like some sort of code language, desimed to keep prying eyes lilor mine at bay Mec was clearly keeping secrets, and I had to admire his cheers in couling them
My ratiosity had its limits for the day, and I decided to and my snooping session, I snapped a quick photo of a few pages in the book for further investigation and then returned everything to its original place. Back in my room, 1 delta strange mix of satisfaction and unease.
time together in the backyard, sipping iced coffee and sharing cookies. We admired the
After tidying up my own space, I called my mom. It didn’t take long for her to agree to visit. We spent time ligge garden as we charted, enjoying the simple pleasures of a quiet afternoon
saw your postsonline, you guys seen in low,” my mum commented, savoring a berry–filled doughnut.
“Well then we’re definitely playing our codes well,” I replied curtly
You know, Alana, Alee seems like a great guy I understand you just went through a beakup with Daniel, but maybe you should considering Alec a chance.” He expression struck meas
she bad never unded like this when discussing Daniel
I sighed, trying to navigate this conversation carefully. “You don’t kung him the way I do. Trust me, he’s not as wonderful as he seem
seems I have a gut feeling that he’s up to something
“My sweet daughter, you’ve always had a competider streak. Are you sure your hesitation isn’t influenced by the fact that Alec almost always came first place?” she gently rubbed my back, hei eyes soli and understanding
“Mom,” I said, narrowing my eyes at h
“Sweetie, we both know how competitive you can be just code ghing the man a fair chance.“
“Good things ne cone from forced situations, “I argued,
That’s not entirely true. After all, you’re the result of a red shtuation, and you’re your dad’s and my greatest achievement,” my mom revealed, frown deepened
“W_FLP” | summered. “What do you
mean come from a forced situation
” thick it’s time I told you that the first time I spoke to your father was on our wedding day” My mom cleared her throat and set down her coller se, kunud by hai nevelation. My entite priception of love and relationships, Imilt on my parents‘ example, had just crumbled before me
