Sofia was the first to notice Alexander's arrival. "Alex, when did you get here?" she greeted him with a smile.
"Mom, I just got back," he replied, his eyes falling upon Coral, who was also looking at him. Their eyes met, Coral's bright blue eyes crashing with his dark black ones, sending a shudder through his body. Strange feelings began to stir in his mind, and try as he might, he couldn't control them.
"Hi," Coral waved at him, her smile lighting up her face.
"Mom, I'm taking Coral with me," Alexander announced, and Sofia reluctantly nodded. She really enjoyed spending time with Coral.
"Go on, go and play," Sofia smiled. "But, Coral, you need to take a few things with you." She took Coral upstairs, while Alexander walked towards the living room and sat on the sofa.
Upstairs, Sofia asked Coral to change her clothes. Alexander was taking her to play with his friends, so Sofia gave her some cute clothes—a pair of baggy pants and a light blue shirt.
While Coral was getting ready, Sofia packed a bag for her with a water bottle, some money, tissue paper, and pads. She also prepared another bag with extra clothes.
She couldn't help it; she was worried about Coral.
Wait! Coral didn't have a phone to communicate with.
Now Sofia started feeling more worried, but she pushed away the thoughts, trusting that Alexander would take care of her.
Besides, they would be back by night.
When Coral walked out wearing the new clothes, Sofia's eyes lit up.
In those clothes, Coral looked taller and more gorgeous, especially with her curvy figure.
Then Sofia tied Coral's hair in a ponytail.
Even without any makeup, the high ponytail on her wavy strawberry blonde hair made her facial features stand out. Her big blue eyes, small button nose, and plump pink lips were highlighted even more.
"OMG! Now I'm hesitant to let you go outside. Who knows, some boy might steal you away," Sofia exclaimed.
Coral blushed, feeling shy. "Aunty..."
"Awww," Sofia smirked, enjoying her cute reaction. "Let's go downstairs. Alexander might be waiting for us."
With that, both of them walked downstairs.
Alexander, who had his legs crossed, was attentively doing something on his phone. When he heard the sound, he put his phone down and raised his head to see.
His eyes flashed with surprise as he looked at Coral.
She looked stunning and youthful.
He was afraid that Coral would look good in every outfit she wore.
"Let's go," he couldn't take his eyes off her. Coral nodded and walked ahead with Sofia, who wanted to see them off.
However, Alexander's attention was fixated on Coral's figure.
Her waist was so slim, and
Her hair was long enough to reach below her waist.
And her...
He stopped his thoughts, taking a deep breath.
She was young, only sixteen years old, Alexander reminded himself.
"Okay, pay attention to safety, Alex. And if you guys drink, don't drink too much, or else I will spank you... and take care of Coral," Sofia started lecturing them on what to do and what not to do.
"Mom, I'm not a child," Alexander helplessly replied.
"No matter what, you're a child in my eyes," Sofia rolled her eyes, and finally, she hugged them both one by one and bid them farewell.
**
Sitting in the back seat of the car with Alexander, Coral peered out the window, watching the passing scenery. She closed her eyes, feeling the wind brushing against her face as buildings and cars whizzed by. The sound of the car engine mixed with the buzzing of Super Bee, who seemed to be explaining everything she saw.
Alexander, who had been engrossed in his phone, noticed her enjoying the solitude and put his phone down. He glanced at her face and called out, "Coral." She didn't hear him as Super Bee was still busy chattering away about cars.
"Coral," he said again, and this time she noticed and looked at him, a smile lighting up her face.
"Alexander~~" she replied. It was the first time Alexander had taken the initiative to speak to her, and of course, she was happy.
"How does my mom know your parents?" he suddenly asked. He remembered his mom mentioning that Coral was her goddaughter and the daughter of her best friend, but he had never known the details.
Caught off guard by his sudden question, Coral felt nervous. She knew Sofia had told a lie to protect her, but she didn't know how to respond.
Ring~
Alexander's phone rang, and he answered it. "Mr. Fu, the documents are already..." He continued speaking, engrossed in the conversation.
Coral let out a sigh of relief.
"He's a very cunning man, Coral. Don't get caught by him," Super Bee whispered to Coral, who widened her eyes and nodded. No wonder Alexander had taken his reputation to new heights. He was simply too smart. Tsk... tsk... a truly high-quality product of a hero and heroine.
Throughout the rest of the journey, Alexander remained on the phone, discussing things that Coral didn't understand, so she didn't pay much attention.
Finally, Alexander ended the call when they reached their destination. It was a secluded area with huge coconut trees and an ocean view.
Ocean?
Coral's big blue eyes sparkled with excitement.
As they stepped out of the car, Coral felt a wave of freshness wash over her, and her eyes became more vibrant and energetic.
"Super Bee, ocean..." Coral whispered, but before she could finish her sentence, Super Bee started buzzing worriedly.
"Coral, you fool! You can't control your legs and tail. If you want to go into the water, I'm afraid..." Super Bee looked extremely concerned, causing Coral to feel stressed.
"I-I..." Coral's eyes filled with tears. She didn't realize they were going to the ocean, and the thought of not being able to go into the water made her feel unhappy and sad. She even had the urge to kick Super Bee and jump into the water, never to return.
Coral herself was shocked by her own thoughts.
"Coral," she suddenly heard her name being called, and she startled when she found Alexander's face close to hers.
His eyes held no expression as they looked into her blue eyes, and she subconsciously nodded her head.
"Let's go," he said, and he began walking with long strides. Coral, who had only recently started learning to walk, followed him at a slower pace, being careful with each step.
Noticing that no one was following him, Alexander turned back. The strong wind from the ocean blew along with the crashing waves on the beach. He waited for Coral to walk towards him, her gaze focused on the ground.
The silence was broken by a sudden sound of cheers. "Hurray! We've reached, guys!" It was Mason, who arrived with others in a jeep.