Entangled With My Rival CEO

Chapter 64

As the sun began its descent, casting its golden hues through the half-opened curtains, the room transformed into a haven of gentle radiance.

Alessia sat on the cozy bed, her fingertips tracing gentle circles on Camilla's back as she lay sprawled beside her, nestled in peaceful slumber with her head resting on Alessia's lap.

Ever since her and Alexander's return from the honeymoon in Santorini, Camilla had refused to leave Alessia's side.

Their bond was unbreakable, and Alessia's touch expressed deep affection as she stroked Camilla's back.

Each caress carried love and tenderness, creating a sense of protection and comfort.

Their connection spoke volumes without the need for words.

It was a silent language between them, understood and cherished.

Leaning against the wall, Alexander observed the scene before him, a mingling of amusement and adoration dancing in his eyes.

His arms folded across his chest, as he gazed upon Camilla's vulnerable state, her usual strength and independence momentarily set aside, brought forth a childlike innocence that he never thought to see.

"Perhaps you should take a break and rest if you're feeling tired," Alexander suggested gently, his voice laced with genuine concern.

"You've been by her side since we returned last night, and throughout today. You must need some rest. I can stay with her while you do that." He offered.

Alessia's face lit up with a grateful smile, appreciating his concern for her.

"Thank you, love," she replied warmly.

"But I'm fine...being here with her brings me comfort too." She said as she continued to stroke Camilla's back gently, her touch a soothing melody.

Understanding her perspective, Alexander nodded, his eyes reflecting admiration for the bond between mother and daughter.

"The connection between you two is truly remarkable," he whispered, his voice filled with awe. "It's a beautiful sight to witness."

Alessia chuckled softly, her gaze fixed lovingly on Camilla. "We've always shared a special bond," she whispered affectionately.

"But she can be quite stubborn at times, except when she's unwell...then she tends to seek comfort and closeness. I suppose the pregnancy adds to it as well." Alessia confessed, pausing as she noticed a slight movement from Camilla, a furrow forming on her forehead as if objecting to her words.

"Well, it seems she doesn't want me spilling her secrets," she whispered teasingly.

"I never thought I'd get to witness this side of her, but then even the strongest souls need moments of vulnerability."

"It's in those moments that the true beauty of their spirit shines through," he remarked, his voice filled with pride and admiration.

Alessia smiled, feeling a deep sense of happiness knowing that she had chosen well in arranging their relationship, with Alexander's evident care and love for her daughter shining through his eyes.

Just as they settled into the peacefulness, Alexander's phone rang, momentarily breaking up the serene atmosphere.

He swiftly retrieved the device from his pocket and quickly lowered the volume, being careful not to disturb Camilla's slumber.

Turning to Alessia, he gestured for her understanding.

"Sorry, please excuse me," he whispered, his voice filled with consideration and Alessia nodded in acknowledgment, her eyes conveying understanding.

He then stepped out of the room, gently closing the door behind him.

With a subtle motion, he increased the volume on his phone back, preparing to take the call.

Upon identifying the caller he pressed it to his ear, and uttered a single word, granting Isabel permission to speak.

"Isabel..." he said, his voice carrying a tone of readiness and attentiveness.

"What is it?" he asked.

"Are you at home?" she asked instead, her voice tinged with worry.

"Yes," he murmured, confused. "Why do you ask?" as he could discern a faint sound of sobbing in the background.

"Where are you?" he asked again, his brow furrowing with concern.

Silence hung in the air until suddenly, her voice broke through once more, "At the hospital... Violet has had a relapse." Her voice quivered slightly, and Alexander's body tensed up involuntarily.

He inhaled sharply, his mind reeling from the unexpected news.

"Oh God," he mumbled, leaning heavily against the wall. "How serious is it?"

"It's really bad...like really bad...worse than last time," Isabel weakly croaked.

He momentarily took his phone away from his ear, letting out a tired sigh before placing it back.

"Who are you with?" he asked.

There was a brief pause before she responded, "... it's just me and Clara."

He exhaled slowly, trying to calm himself before speaking again.

"Okay... I'll be there soon," he said before swiftly ending the call.

Slipping his phone back into his pocket, he ran a hand over his face, taking a deep breath.

He then opened the door to find Alessia already looking at him knowingly.

"Do you have somewhere you need to be?" she asked, and a faint smile appeared on Alexander's lips.

He sighed and replied, "Yes... I just wanted to confirm if you'll be okay staying with her for..." He didn't finish his sentence as Alessia interrupted him.

"Don't worry... go. I'm here," she said reassuringly.

He nodded gratefully, saying, "Thank you," before quietly closing the door and making his way through the hallway, down the stairs, and out of the house.

•~•~•~•~•~•

Alexander stood outside the hospital room, his eyes locked onto the scene unfolding before him.

Through the transparent door, he could see his cousin, Violet lying in the bed, hooked up to various IV monitors.

Her frail form stood in stark contrast to the vibrant energy she once radiated.

Beside her, Clara sat with a face marked by worry and exhaustion, tightly holding Violet's clammy hand, tears welling in her eyes.

While Isabel stood outside next to Alexander, casting a concerned glance his way, mirroring his apprehension.

"Do you think he had a hand in this?" he whispered, his focus still fixated on Violet's motionless figure.

Isabel raised an eyebrow, understanding the reference. "Red Saint?" she inquired as if seeking confirmation of the person they were discussing, and when he didn't respond she simply continued.

"No... she overdosed on her own," she added, her voice tinged with hesitation and silence hung in the air for a while before she cautiously continued.

Isabel's voice carried a mixture of concern and resignation as she spoke.

"You know, you really didn't have to come," she said softly, her words laced with a touch of guilt.

She understood the immense responsibilities that weighed on Alexander, the numerous other matters that demanded his attention.

Yet, no matter what, he always made time for their family.

Regardless of who it was, he was always ready to be there for them.

Without turning to face Isabel, Alexander's gaze remained fixed on Violet and Clara.

His voice was composed, yet a hint of underlying emotion seeped through. "Then why did you call me?"

Isabel took a deep breath, gathering her thoughts before continuing, her voice revealing a touch of vulnerability. "I... I don't know."

"Clara was inconsolable, and she refused to let me inform their parents about this... at least not yet."

"She believed it would shatter their hearts to learn that Violet hadn't truly managed to stay clean after she promised to do so the last time this happened."

"But seeing her break like this..." Her voice trailed off, her eyes lingering on a weeping Clara.

"I couldn't help but reach out to you at least," she confessed, her gaze now fixed on Violet.

Alexander remained silent for a moment, taking in Isabel's words.

Finally, he responded his tone devoid of reproach but infused with understanding.

"We are a family, Isabel. When one of us is in need, we show up. It's what we do," he said, his voice carrying a sense of duty and unwavering loyalty.

"We've been through so much together, faced challenges that most people can't even comprehend."

"And in those moments, we have leaned on each other. So, it was only natural for me to come when you called. I will always be there for my family."

Isabel's eyes softened, her shoulders easing as his words resonated within her.

She nodded slowly, turning to face Alexander.

"I'm sorry you had to cut your honeymoon short... How is Camilla doing now?" she asked, a touch of concern in her voice and Alexander let out a small sigh.

"She's doing much better than when we arrived... I left her at home with her mom," he replied.

Isabel nodded once more before hesitating, her expression revealing the inner turmoil and uncertainty reflected in her eyes and she visibly swallowed before voicing her concerns.

"When are you going to tell her about Red Saint?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

Alexander met her gaze, uncertainty brimming in his own eyes at her question.

He let out a deep exhale, running a hand through his hair unable to give an answer.