Recalling her past life, Alex couldn't help but shudder at the memory of being captured by human traffickers, powerless to resist. Determined to prevent such an occurrence from happening again, she resolved to learn self-defense, even in a world where the mastery of magical arts was non-existent.
In this realm, she would have to rely on more mundane forms of protection, such as martial arts. Tae Kwon Do, in particular, seemed like a practical choice, and she decided to enroll in classes whenever she had the time. Fortunately, the Andra family possessed a well-equipped home gym, facilitating her fitness regimen.
With this thought, she rose from bed and descended the stairs.
After breakfast, she accompanied Alex's Grandfather and Father to the office to commence preparations for the press conference announcing the termination of her engagement to Ethan.
As the afternoon wore on, Mrs. Keller contacted Alex, inviting her for a meeting. Anticipating her intentions, Alex politely declined, citing a busy schedule.
Three days flew by in the blink of an eye, and Ethan found himself stunned by the reality of his severed engagement to Alex. Initially, he had dismissed the rumors as mere speculation, yet here he stood, confronted with the irrevocable truth.
Though he had initiated the request for the engagement's dissolution, achieving his goal brought him no joy. Years of intimate involvement had taught him of Alex's deep affection for him; her readiness to relinquish their bond perplexed him. Her sudden acquiescence to his wishes clashed starkly with her previous declarations of never letting him go, leaving him bewildered.
Could it be that she had truly grown disillusioned with their relationship over his involvement with Tian Tian, opting to step aside gracefully? Yet, her recent vows of relentless pursuit rang fresh in his ears, her sudden change of heart difficult to fathom.
Yet, he swiftly dismissed such notions, knowing Alex too well to believe she would abandon their union so effortlessly. He surmised that she sought to captivate his attention through this maneuver, a game he refused to play.
Despite his convictions, his gaze inevitably drifted towards Alex, standing by Andra's Grandfather side. Adorned in a porcelain-blue dress adorned with delicate snowflake patterns on a white backdrop, her slender waist accented by a deep blue ribbon, her long, lustrous hair cascading gracefully over her shoulders, she exuded an undeniable elegance.
Her porcelain complexion, framed by a heart-shaped face and luminous eyes, imbued her with an air of aristocratic charm that captivated all who beheld her. Ethan found himself momentarily entranced, only snapping back to reality when a journalist addressed him.
"Mr. Keller, may I inquire as to the reason behind your and Miss Andra's decision to end your engagement? Was there a third party involved?"
"Certainly not," he replied, a hint of embarrassment creeping into his voice. "We simply realized that we were better suited as friends rather than life partners."
"It is said that you and Miss Andra have been together for six years. Could it be that the passage of time diminished your initial affection, leading to this decision?"
"No," he said, glancing briefly at Alex, who handled the media with aplomb. Irritation welled up within him at the relentless barrage of questions.
Standing for over two hours in twelve-centimeter heels, Alex's legs trembled with exhaustion. The shoes, in her opinion, were nothing short of torture devices, their popularity in this world baffling.
Moreover, her fragile constitution left her aching after merely half an hour of jogging each night. Her bones felt as if they were on the verge of disintegration.
During a bathroom break, she encountered Ethan, lingering outside the press conference venue. Their eyes met briefly before Alex averted her gaze, ignoring him completely. As she passed, Ethan couldn't help but call out, "Alex, what are you trying to accomplish?"
Raising an eyebrow, Alex turned to face him. "Mr. Keller, I'm afraid I'm unclear as to your meaning."
"Don't play coy with me. You know exactly what I'm talking about," Ethan pressed, his gaze piercing.
"I'm sorry, Mr. Keller, but I'm afraid I don't understand. Perhaps you could elucidate?" Alex tilted her chin up, meeting his gaze unflinchingly. When did she incur this man's ire?
"You were adamantly opposed to ending our engagement. Why the sudden change of heart? What game are you playing?" Ethan demanded, his voice low and menacing.
Comprehending Ethan's suspicions, Alex smoothed her hair with a nonchalant gesture. "Mr. Keller, rest assured, my decision to terminate our engagement is sincere. My interest in you has waned. As for games, I'm afraid I'm far too occupied to indulge in such frivolities."
Ethan's expression hardened, his eyes darkening. "Excuse me?"
With a sly smile, Alex enunciated each word clearly, "I said, my ladyship has lost all interest in you. I have neither the time nor the inclination to engage in petty maneuvers."
Ethan's composure faltered, yet he persisted, "Alex, I must warn you, your attempts at playing hard to get are futile. I suggest you abandon this futile pursuit, for no matter your antics, I shall never reciprocate your feelings, nor will I ever marry you."
"Mr. Keller, I am deeply grateful for your refusal to marry me," Alex replied, her brows arching in mock appreciation.
Silence descended, broken only by Ethan's stony silence. "Furthermore, Mr. Keller, while narcissism is not a sin, excessive indulgence therein verges on pathology. I strongly recommend a thorough medical evaluation. Don't neglect your treatment."
"Alex, how dare you—!" Ethan sputtered, at a loss for words.
"What? Was my well-intentioned advice unwelcome?" Alex inquired innocently.
"I never knew you possessed such a sharp tongue," Ethan growled, his teeth clenched.
"Thank you for the compliment," Alex replied, a hint of amusement in her smile.
"..."
"Mr. Keller, I've lingered here long enough. If there's nothing further, I shall take my leave." Her gaze piercing, it only served to agitate him further. "Leave!" he snarled.
Alex shrugged indifferently, turning on her heel with poise, leaving Ethan fuming in her wake.
Over two more hours passed before the press conference concluded. Andra's grandfather advised Alex to accompany Andra's mother home, urging her to rest and regroup before returning to work.