After a satisfying lunch, Charles bid farewell and took a taxi, leaving Alex and Emma alone.
Noticing Emma's gaze fixed on him, Alex lightly touched his cheek, asking with a hint of suspicion, "Is there something on my face?"
"No," Emma quickly waved her hand, offering a slight smile. She expressed, "I'm glad to have met you today. It's reassuring to know that I'm not the only one in this world with special abilities. Thank you for enlightening me. Goodbye until tomorrow."
"See you tomorrow," Alex replied with a nod and a warm smile.
Emma conveyed her gratitude once more before hailing a taxi and departing.
As they headed back to the villa near the school, Raven appeared somewhat unhappy for a while. Alex couldn't ignore her mood and asked, "What's wrong? You've seemed off for a while now."
"Are you interested in Emma?" Raven's form shifted back to her original appearance, and she walked ahead, muttering to herself, "Emma is more beautiful than me. She doesn't have these disgusting scales and this ugly blue skin. She fits everyone's idea of beauty, and no one would find my appearance attractive."
Alex burst into laughter, realizing it was jealousy. He walked up to her and embraced her waist, whispering, "Are you jealous?"
Blushing, Raven retorted, "No! Go to your Emma!" She pushed Alex away and quickly headed upstairs.
"Oh, are you really jealous?" Alex teased, recognizing the playful banter. With more girls entering his life, would Raven succumb to jealousy?
It was a fact that Alex wasn't content with just a single romantic interest in this life. While not aiming for a full-fledged harem, he had a few Marvel characters he liked, and he intended to explore those connections. After all, this was his second chance at life, and who knew if he'd get a third.
...
After a refreshing shower, Alex donned his bathrobe and ascended the stairs quietly. Gently slipping into Raven's room, he found her standing before the mirror, delicately touching her skin.
"Raven, are you still upset?" Alex inquired, approaching her with concern.
Ignoring him, Raven felt a growing unease. In her childhood, she hadn't given much thought to her appearance. But now, with Alex's undeniable charm, she couldn't help but worry about his appeal to other women. Her scaled skin and distinctive blue complexion made her feel self-conscious.
The arrival of Emma only heightened these insecurities. Emma embodied conventional beauty standards with her enviable blonde hair, beautiful face, and blue eyes. In comparison, Raven couldn't help but feel inadequate.
"Sometimes, I really despise my own ability. I wish it would just vanish and let me return to my original self," Raven muttered, expressing her frustration.
"No, you're perfect just the way you are," Alex reassured, sitting next to Raven and offering comforting words.
Raven remained unconvinced, expressing, "I don't think so at all. Nobody sees it as beautiful!"
With warmth in his voice, Alex replied, "Actually, I do," offering a reassuring smile.
"Really?" Raven looked at Alex, a glimmer of hope in her eyes.
"Absolutely," Alex affirmed, his words intended to provide solace.
However, Raven couldn't shake the doubt as Alex fell silent. Was it genuine reassurance, or was it merely empty comfort?
Suddenly, a gentle hand lifted Raven's chin, bringing their faces close together. Soft lips met his, and the scent of cologne enveloped him. It was a moment that lingered in the air, leaving an indelible impression.
.....
The following day, Alex rendezvoused with Charles at the coffee shop. Charles, ever perceptive, inquired, "Where's Raven?"
"Oh, she's not feeling well. I gave her the day off," Alex replied with a faint smile, masking the events of the previous night.
Observing a change in Alex's demeanor, Charles couldn't help but comment, "You seem different today. Something on your mind?"
"Perhaps it's just your imagination," Alex responded cryptically, diverting the conversation.
Finishing their business at the coffee shop, the duo exited, unintentionally colliding with a mysterious figure in black. While Alex emerged unscathed, the individual on the receiving end took a tumble. As Alex attempted to check on the fallen person, it became apparent that the encounter was a ruse, and the mysterious figure hastily made an escape.
Alex soon realized his wallet was missing, prompting a swift pursuit. As he chased the pickpocket, a nagging familiarity struck him – a suspicion that this skilled thief might be more than meets the eye.
Recollections of Jessica Anderson, a girl absent from school for over ten days, flooded Alex's mind. Born into wealth, her life had taken a tragic turn with the mistaken identity of her parents, leading to their untimely demise.
"Damn it!" Alex's expression darkened, realizing the complexities surrounding Jessica.
Increasingly convinced that the pickpocket was Jessica, Alex knew he had to confront her. Driven by the need for justice and fueled by the tragic loss of Jessica's parents, he shouted, "Jessica Anderson, don't try to escape! I know it's you."
(End of this chapter)"
.....
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