Chapter 24 Im Particular About Women
Alexander turned while still holding Serena, his eyes fixed on Elsa's retreating figure.
For days, Elsa had been angry because of Serena. She had fought with him, screamed at him, and demanded a divorce.
But he had never imagined she could calmly tell another person that he and Serena were husband and wife.
Serena secretly watched Alexander's reaction.
His face remained composed, but she could feel the tension in his body.
"Alexander?"
She called his name several times before he finally came back to himself.
After taking Serena to her room, Alexander was pulled away by Lucas.
They went to the small park behind the hospital.
Alexander stood beside the narrow river and lit a cigarette. "What do you want to say?"
He and Lucas had grown up together. Lucas wouldn't have gone out of his way to bring him here unless he had something important to say.
Lucas lifted a hand. "I'm stating facts. I'm not taking anyone's side."
Alexander tapped ash from his cigarette. "Go ahead."
Lucas became serious. "That night, Serena said herself that she came back because of you. And her housekeeper was even more arrogant than Violet. She threatened to call you and have Violet driven out of Saintville."
Alexander glanced back at him, his eyes darkening.
Lucas continued, "Violet is your biological sister. Don't throw away your own family to defend someone who isn't."
Alexander's expression turned complicated. "If the older generation hadn't interfered, I would have married Serena six years ago."
Lucas laughed. "Six years can completely change a person. Violet, on the other hand, grew up right in front of you. Are you seriously telling me your own sister is less trustworthy than Serena?"
Alexander said nothing.
Lucas pressed on. "Six years ago, Serena sent you one breakup message and left the country. Do you actually know why she broke up with you?"
Alexander's face darkened.
"She says she lived well for six years and did everything because of you," Lucas said. "Have you ever asked your grandfather whether any of the things Serena told you are true?"
"I know my grandfather," Alexander replied. "He's capable of it."
Serena was terrified of the old man.
If Alexander confronted his grandfather and the man secretly did something to Serena and her son afterward, Alexander knew he would regret it forever.
Lucas looked helpless. "Fine. But can you at least admit Serena came back for you?"
Alexander corrected him. "Stop making her sound calculating. Whatever existed between Serena and me ended years ago."
Lucas stared at him as though he had lost his mind. "You know it's over, yet you're keeping her and her son beside you, paying for everything, and practically acting as that kid's stepfather?"
Alexander's expression went cold.
Lucas grinned. "What? Didn't get enough of her six years ago, so now you're trying to make up for lost time?"
Alexander shot him a warning look. "I'm particular about women."
Emotionally and physically.
No matter how much affection he still had for Serena, no matter how much he felt he owed her, he would not sleep with her.
Lucas clicked his tongue. "Violet told me Elsa threatened to kill herself and you still wouldn't stay. And you expect me to believe Serena is ancient history?"
Alexander's head began to ache.
His sister really did tell everyone everything.
Lucas lowered his voice. "You always say Elsa is dramatic and spoiled. Haven't you noticed she's not the arrogant Winters heiress she used to be?"
Alexander remained silent.
Elsa had changed after marrying him.
She had become clingier in some ways, but also gentler.
Still, he didn't believe the stubborn, spoiled streak buried inside her had simply disappeared.
When Alexander returned to Serena's room, the housekeeper was helping her eat.
He took out his phone and told the woman to show him her payment code. After transferring the rest of her salary for the month, he said, "You don't need to come back tomorrow."
The housekeeper froze.
"Mr. Horton, Miss Whitmore, if I've done something wrong, please tell me. I'll change."
Alexander lowered his eyes. "You're not suitable for this job. Pack your things and leave."
The woman looked desperately at Serena.
Serena kept her head down.
Alexander had hired and paid the housekeeper. If he wanted to fire her, Serena didn't dare interfere.
In truth, Serena had been very satisfied with the woman. She had even mentioned her to Alexander yesterday, and he had said he would increase her salary next month.
Why fire her now without warning?
Then Serena remembered Violet.
That night, when Violet had come to cause trouble, the housekeeper had indeed said something excessive while trying to protect Serena.
Violet must have complained to Alexander.
So he had fired the woman for insulting his sister.
Apparently, Alexander protected his family more fiercely than Serena had realized.
She would have to find a way to improve her relationship with Violet.
Serena wisely asked nothing, and Alexander offered no explanation.
After the housekeeper left, silence settled over the room.
Seeing that Alexander was distracted, Serena cautiously asked, "Alexander, your wife is already so upset with you. She even told her coworker that you and I are married. Are you sure you don't want me to apologize to her properly?"
"No."
"She works in this hospital. If she keeps seeing you here taking care of me, she'll probably fight with you again. Starting tomorrow, don't come. Just hire a caregiver for me."
This time, Alexander didn't insist.
"Serena, I apologize on behalf of my sister and my wife for what happened. I'll have your house repaired. Stay in the hospital for a few days until it's ready."
Then his tone changed.
"I know you've been wronged, but I'm saying this again. Without my permission, do not meet my wife privately."
Serena hurried to explain. "Alexander, I only wanted to apologize. I didn't think it through."
"Not even to apologize."
As far as Alexander was concerned, if the two women didn't meet, unnecessary conflict could be avoided.
Elsa was proud. Unless someone pushed her too far, she normally wouldn't lower herself to fight with Serena.
And in his mind, Serena was quiet and uncomplicated. As long as she didn't approach Elsa, Elsa wouldn't have a reason to hurt her.
Alexander's tone left no room for argument.
Serena immediately agreed. "All right. I'll listen to you. I won't appear in front of your wife again."
By the time Alexander returned home, it was after eight.
The house was completely dark.
No lights. No sound.
It felt as though no one lived there anymore.
He went upstairs, exhausted, and found the master bedroom door locked from the inside.