As the sun began to set, the streets started to quiet, the vibrant energy of the day giving way to a calmer, more subdued atmosphere.
Selena slowed her steps, her gaze wandering over the warm light spilling across the road. She glanced over at Alex, who walked beside her with the same calm expression he always wore.
"You did not have to come with me, you know," she said, her tone softer than before. "I would've been fine on my own." Her steps were faltering. She almost tripped. He would have believed her if not for her physical state.
Alex shook his head, he did not take her seriously. She kept saying she would celebrate and ended up drinking again. This reminded him of the first time they met. So unguarded and absolutely drunk!
"I came because I had nowhere else to be." He lied. Among the things he carried, there was stuff for him too. She bought gifts mostly for herself, but some of them were for him. Wasn't she a considerate little villainess, he thought.
Each time she had to pay she had a slightly pained expression on her face. She couldn't help it, she was a miser in her past life. She had to be one to survive in that terrible economy.
"Well," she said, straightening her shoulders, "Thank you. For everything." She tried to look stern but her blushing face did not help.
Alex gave her a small nod, his gaze lingering on her for a moment before turning back to the path ahead. "Anytime." He had to hold himself back from laughing. She was as red as a tomato.
Her legs were wobbly and she was struggling to walk straight. They both drank the same amount but it seemed like she was a lightweight. Was she sad to have broken her engagement? Was that why she was drinking?
Were there lingering feelings for the Northern Duke?
The thought irritated him, though he wasn't sure why. He had watched the man during the banquet, smug and unbothered, arriving with his new partner as if flaunting his disregard for the consequences. His lack of concern for how his actions might affect Selena had been glaringly obvious.
Not that Selena seemed to care much, at least on the surface. But Alex knew better. She hid her emotions well—too well, at times.
He... He cared for her, she was his business partner after all.
He shook his head, she could do far better.
Selena stumbled again, and Alex's instincts kicked in. Without a word, he shifted the weight of the shopping bags to one arm and reached out with the other, steadying her by the waist. Her body leaned into his, soft and warm.
She smelled of fruity grapes and lavender. Her hot breath kept hitting the base of his neck. He could not see it but his ears were tinged red. "Damn it." He murmured. He thought of adding a no-drinking clause to the contract.
She fully complied with his movements, a little too much. She hugged him with both her hands and held him tight. Her eyes were closed, and she completely gave up. It was as if it was not worth it to try to stay conscious.
He had to take small steps hoping that they would reach the carriage soon.
Selena murmured something incoherent, her voice muffled against his shoulder. She shifted slightly, pressing closer to him as if seeking warmth.
Alex's jaw tightened. He wasn't used to this—being this close to someone, especially someone like her. She was frustrating, unpredictable, and far too good at getting under his skin.
Yet, as much as he wanted to remain detached, he could not deny the flicker of concern that had taken root in his chest. She looked so vulnerable now, so different from the fiery, sharp-tongued woman who had declared her independence at the banquet just hours earlier.
He sighed again, adjusting his hold on her as he continued walking. His pace was slower now, each step deliberate as he tried to keep her steady.
The bags in his other hand swung slightly with the motion, but they were a minor inconvenience compared to the challenge of managing a drunk Selena.
"You're lucky I'm patient," he murmured, though he doubted she could hear him.
Selena shifted again, her grip on him tightening as if she were afraid of falling. Her breath was steady now, her body relaxed against his. Alex glanced down at her, his expression softening for just a moment.
"She's impossible," he muttered to himself, though there was no real bite to his words.
Finally, the carriage came into view, its dark silhouette illuminated by the warm glow of nearby lanterns. Alex quickened his pace slightly, relieved to have reached their destination. He helped Selena into the carriage, carefully lowering her onto the cushioned seat.
She mumbled something unintelligible as he adjusted her position, ensuring she was comfortable.
She, however, refused to let go of him! She clung onto him like she was drowning and he was a floating device.
The carriage driver dare not interfere. He stayed in the front and waited patiently for the signal. Whatever his madame did in her own private time was none of his business!
He could not believe that he was unable to shake her off. Just how strong was she?! Eventually, she pulled him harder and he stumbled. He fell on her but was able to break the fall with his hands.
Their faces were only a few millimetres apart. Her silver hair was splayed on the carriage seat cushions, her red lips were slightly parted and she was completely unconscious.
"You really are a villainess..." He whispered. Somehow he was able to escape her grasp. He was thankful that the door was closed. He didn't want her reputation to be ruined even further. He got up and got seated.
He didn't realise his heart was racing. He quickly signalled the driver to move as he sat down next to her.