Chapter 474

Lydia Laurent propped her chin in her hands, staring unblinkingly at Alexander Hamilton. "Alexander, after all these years, your heart still belongs to her."

Alexander rubbed his temples. "It ended long ago. There's no future between us. I've told you this many times."

"But you call her name in your sleep." Lydia tilted her head. "Though Annabelle is truly remarkable—it's understandable you can't forget her. Maybe... you should stop forcing yourself?"

"What?"

Lydia spoke earnestly. "If you really can't let go of Annabelle, why not reconcile with her? As long as it doesn't affect your partnership with my father."

Alexander's frown deepened.

"Lydia, didn't we agree on this?"

"We did—pretending to be engaged to make Annabelle give up. But now..." She pouted. "I can't tell if you're trying to push her away or get her attention."

"You're mistaken."

"Alexander, when you two were dating, I was still watching cartoons." Lydia counted on her fingers. "At the birthday banquet, Annabelle was clearly furious but still forced herself to smile while introducing me to everyone. The more she did that, the more I felt..."

The eight-year age gap between them felt like an insurmountable chasm.

Lydia had been sheltered her whole life. Attending an all-girls school abroad, she'd rarely interacted with boys. Naive as a blank sheet of paper, her mental age was even younger than her years.

Alexander took a deep breath. "Let's end our agreement here. After returning home, I'll explain everything to your father myself. You won't need to pretend to be my fiancée anymore."

"Alexander..." Lydia bit her lip. "I understand you less and less."

"Just treat this as a vacation." His tone softened. "There are many historical sites in the capital. I'll arrange for someone to show you around."

"Alexander."

"Yes?"

"You're in love with someone." Lydia suddenly leaned closer. "But it's not Annabelle, is it?"

Alexander paused, then smiled. "Correct."

"I knew it!" Her eyes lit up. "You had me pretend to be your fiancée—partly to make Annabelle back off, but also..." She winked mischievously. "To make someone jealous?"

"The first part is right." Alexander shook his head. "The second... she wouldn't care enough to be jealous."

"Have I met her?" Lydia pressed eagerly. "Was she at the birthday banquet? With so many people there..."

Alexander chuckled. "So curious?"

"Of course! Anyone who could make you give up Annabelle—I'd love to meet her!"

"I'll introduce you someday."

"When? I'm returning to England next month."

He ruffled her hair. "Don't ask so many questions, kid."

Lydia huffed, protecting her hairstyle. "I'm an adult!"

"To your father, you'll always be his little princess." Alexander smiled. "He's debating whether to assign you bodyguards—worried it might interfere with your dating life."

"Alexander!" She stomped her foot. "You still haven't answered me!"

Playfully, she poked his chest. "When do I get to meet the woman who stole your heart?"

Alexander caught her mischievous finger. "After I win her over."

"Wow—you haven't even succeeded yet?" Lydia drawled. "Alexander, you're slacking..."

He feigned sternness. "Watch your words."

"What did I say?" She blinked innocently.

Alexander was speechless.

This girl had no idea how provocative her words sounded.

"Get some rest. I'm leaving."

"Where are you going? Didn't you give your room to Annabelle?"

"Never mind."

———

Evelyn Carter had never been particular about beds.

She could sleep in her office during night shifts.

But tonight, she tossed and turned, unable to drift off.

Half-asleep, her phone suddenly vibrated.

Who would call at this hour?

Evelyn grabbed her phone—and her temper flared.

She declined the call immediately.

The caller persisted.

She powered off the phone and tossed it aside.

Finally, silence.

But sleep had fled entirely.

Frustrated, she punched her pillow.

Ring—

The bedside phone jolted her.

Eyes closed, she answered. "Hello?"

"Evelyn, it's me."

Him again?

When the phone failed, he switched to the landline?

Evelyn seethed. "I already gave your girlfriend the sanitary pads!"

"Feeling better?"

"It's 2 AM!"

"Open the door. Let me check on you."

"Not necessary."

"Your voice is still hoarse. Did you take medicine?"

"Yes. Goodbye."

"I'm almost there."

Evelyn hung up.

After a pause, she lifted the receiver and left it off the hook.

That should stop him.

Pulling the covers over her head, she willed herself to sleep.

Five minutes later, the doorbell rang.

Evelyn didn't move.

Let's see who caves first.