Chapter 5 I Am Alexander's Family
Alexander let out a soft sigh and said, "My dad blames me for his disability. Over the years, he's taken out all his frustrations on me. Eventually, I just stopped going home."
Hearing this, Isabella felt a pang of sadness. She reached out and gently patted his chest, like she was comforting a hurt puppy.
"Alexander, don't be sad. I'll be here for you from now on. If you don't mind, I can be your family," she said, her voice full of sincerity.
Seeing her serious expression, warmth filled Alexander's heart. He looked at Isabella in his arms, his gaze tender.
"Alright, from now on, you're my family," There was a tenderness in his voice he hadn't allowed himself to show in a long time.
The morning sunlight streamed through the curtains, filling the room with warmth.
Isabella rubbed her sleepy eyes, feeling a lingering warmth on her cheek.
She suddenly sat up and looked around. The luxurious room was empty, with only a faint scent of men's cologne lingering in the air.
"Where's Alexander?" Isabella muttered softly, and suddenly scenes from the previous night flashed through her mind as she covered her face, feeling her cheeks burning. "Oh my God, I fell asleep in Alexander's arms last night. How embarrassing."
After a while, she lifted the blanket and quietly got out of bed, tiptoeing to the door. After confirming no one was around, she let out a long sigh of relief.
"Isabella, you're awake?" Aurora's kind voice came from outside the door, interrupting Isabella's thoughts.
"Aurora, good morning." Isabella quickly greeted, her voice as sweet as the first ray of morning sunshine.
"Breakfast is ready. Mr. Brown went to the office early and specifically asked me to take good care of you." Aurora said with a smile, her eyes full of affection.
"Alexander went to the office." Isabella repeated softly, feeling a bit lost while Aurora quickly led her to the dining table to enjoy breakfast.
As Isabella was immersed in the delicious breakfast, a sudden urgent knock on the door broke the villa's tranquility.
"Who on earth...?" Aurora put down her utensils and stood up to open the door.
As soon as the door opened, a well-dressed woman in high heels stormed in. She was Elara West. After entering the room, Elara took a glance at Aurora, her tone carrying a hint of disdain. "Isn't this Aurora? Have you forgotten your manners after serving the Brown family for so many years?"
Aurora frowned slightly. She knew Elara, Alexander's stepmother's niece, who always thought of herself as Alexander's fiancée, though Alexander had never given her that title.
"Ms. West, what brings you here?" Aurora suppressed her displeasure and aksed politely.
"Do I need to report to you when I'm visiting my fiancé?" As Elara said, her gaze fell on Isabella, who was sitting at the dining table.
Elara looked Isabella up and down, a hint of jealousy flashing in her eyes. Isabella was young, with delicate skin and features. Even in simple loungewear, Isabella's pure aura was undeniable.
"Who are you? Why are you here?" Elara snapped.
Isabella was caught off guard by the sudden interrogation. She looked at Elara timidly and started, "I am—"
Before she could finish, Aurora stepped in front of her, her tone firm. "She was brought here by Mr. Brown. You have no right to know the details."
"What do you mean I have no right? You better explain clearly where she came from," Elara sneered. "Aurora, I advise you not to meddle, or you'll get yourself into trouble."
Aurora trembled with anger. Elara was simply too much.
"You—" Aurora began, but Isabella gently tugged at her sleeve.
"Aurora, don't be angry. I'll talk to her," Isabella said, stepping out from behind Aurora. She looked at Elara, her tone polite but firm. "Hello, my name is Isabella. I'm Alexander's family. He's not home right now. If you have any business, you can wait until he returns."
"Family?" Elara laughed like she had heard the funniest joke. "Family? Do you know that I am Alexander's fiancée? What right do you, a woman of unknown origin, have to call yourself his family?"
Hearing the word "fiancée," Isabella paused, nervously clutching her clothes. "Are you really Alexander's fiancée?"
Seeing Isabella's reaction, Elara felt even more triumphant and sneered, "Of course it's true. We've known each other since we were kids, and our families arranged the engagement long ago. If he considered you family, how could you not know this?"
Isabella stared at Elara, her mind a complete blank. She didn't know how to respond or what to do.
Aurora, seeing Isabella being bullied, felt heartbroken and couldn't help but speak up. "Ms. West, don't forget, Mr. Brown has never acknowledged this engagement. Stop flaunting the title of fiancée."
"Do you think you have the right to talk to me?" Elara glared at Aurora, her gaze as sharp as knives. "No matter how loyal you are, you can't change your lowly status."
Aurora turned pale with anger, trembling all over.
"Aurora," Isabella quickly reached out to support her, looking at her with concern.
"I'm fine, Isabella," Aurora said, taking a deep breath to calm herself. She then turned to Elara and said firmly, "Ms. West, without Mr. Brown's permission, you can't just kick anyone out."
"Oh, protecting your new little friend?" Elara sneered. "Let me make this clear: I won't have her here. Mark my words, she won't last long."
Isabella was terrified. She didn't know what to do and could only cling to Aurora's sleeve, afraid of being kicked out.
Aurora wanted to say more, but Isabella stopped her.
"Aurora, don't say anything," Isabella shook her head, not wanting to see Aurora suffer any more.
Elara looked at Isabella, a malicious glint in her eyes. She deliberately raised her voice. "What, do you plan to freeload here? If so, then do some work. Go get me a cup of hot water."