Surprise Marriage to a Billionaire
Chapter 99: You’ve Changed

Chapter 99: You’ve Changed

Alexander felt like the air had been sucked from the room. Rain’s boldness left him completely speechless, overwhelmed by how unapologetically vocal she was about her feelings. She was fearlessly forward and impossible to ignore.

Struggling to hide his embarrassment, he frowned and managed to speak, "Stop messing with me, Rain!"

She blinked innocently, her wide eyes fixed on him. "But I’m not messing with you! I meant it. I want to keep you," she replied, her voice sincere.

Alexander’s heart was racing, pounding so hard he feared it might burst from his chest. This woman would be the death of him at this rate.

"If you say another word like that, I’ll have you kicked out next," he muttered, his tone serious, though he didn’t mean it. He was merely trying to calm his chaotic nerves, but Rain had a way of disarming him with every word.

Rain scoffed lightly and took a deep breath. "Fine, no more courting you... for now. Maybe later?" She grinned mischievously. "Come on, let’s enjoy the art."

Before he could protest, Rain grabbed his hand and pulled him along, her energy infectious as they moved from one piece of art to another. She pointed out details in the paintings with childlike enthusiasm, and Alexander found himself strangely captivated—not by the art, but by her. He stole glances at her, observing how her eyes sparkled as she spoke.

As they continued through the gallery, Rain suddenly paused in front of a particular painting. Her eyes lingered on it, her usual playful expression giving way to something more thoughtful.

The painting was striking. A lone tree standing tall amidst a violent storm. Dark clouds swirled around it, the wind bending its branches, but the tree remained rooted, resilient against the chaos. Lightning flashed in the background, illuminating the jagged edges of the storm.

"This one... it speaks to me," Rain said softly, her fingers lightly tracing the air in front of the painting, almost as if she wanted to touch it. "It’s like... even when everything around you is falling apart, you stand tall. You hold on."

She took a breath and continued, "The storm is fierce, but the tree doesn’t break. It’s weathered, yes, but it stands strong. There’s a quiet power in that, in not giving up—even when it feels like the world is trying to tear you down."

Her voice was calm, but there was an undercurrent of emotion, something personal and raw beneath her words.

Just as Alexander was about to respond, Vernice’s voice cut through the moment. "I see you’ve found one of my favourites."

Rain turned to see Vernice approaching, a knowing smile on her face. "That piece is called ’Endurance.’ It was inspired by a difficult time in my life." Vernice’s eyes flickered with emotion for a moment before she added, "I created it to remind myself—and others—that strength isn’t just about fighting back. Sometimes, it’s about standing your ground, even when everything around you feels impossible."

Rain smiled softly, feeling a connection with Vernice she hadn’t expected. She was doing that for the past years... standing on her ground.

"And it perfectly conveys the message you want others to see," Rain remarked with a satisfied smile, admiring the painting’s depth and meaning.

"Is this one for sale?" Alexander asked. Rain turned to Vernice, her curiosity piqued. She couldn’t help but hope she might be able to own it.

Vernice chuckled softly, glancing between the two. "This one? I’m afraid it’s not for sale," she said with a warm smile. "It holds too much personal significance for me. I like to keep it close, as a reminder of resilience. But I’m glad it resonates with you, Rain."

Rain’s face fell slightly with disappointment but she quickly composed herself, nodding in understanding. "I see. It’s truly a masterpiece, and I can understand why you’d want to hold onto it."

Vernice’s eyes softened. "But I could always commission something similar just for you. A version that speaks to your journey, if that interests you."

Rain’s eyes lit up with excitement. "Really? That would be incredible!"

Vernice smiled warmly. "Consider it my gift to you. Every home deserves a piece that reminds you of your own strength."

Alexander glanced at Rain, quietly observing how much this painting meant to her. It was rare to see her so moved, and he found himself drawn to her in a way that felt unfamiliar.

Alexander quietly observed as Rain and Vernice continued their lively conversation. It was as if the two had been friends for ages, despite having only met earlier. "Come, let me show you my new sculptures," Vernice said, smiling warmly at Rain.

To Alexander’s surprise, Rain quickly let go of his hand and linked arms with Vernice as she led her away to the sculptures. He frowned slightly, glancing down at his now-empty hand.

Before he could dwell on it, Eric suddenly appeared at his side. "What now? Don’t tell me you’re so possessive that you’re even jealous of Vernice?" Eric teased, smirking.

Alexander’s expression darkened. "Stop saying nonsense," he muttered, eager to change the subject. "What happened downstairs?"

Eric shrugged casually. "It was handled easily. Paul’s a lawyer, so he knew it was in his best interest to leave quietly. The CCTV captured everything. Dina approached Rain first and caused the whole scene. Paul’s father is running for Congress soon, so they’ll need to keep a low profile."

Alexander nodded, satisfied with the outcome, though his mind lingered on what had happened. He had seen Dina trying to humiliate Rain from the moment she approached her. He would have stepped in himself, but Eric had stopped him, warning that it might only worsen Rain’s situation if people discovered his true identity, especially given that their marriage was still under wraps.

"What?" Alexander snapped, noticing Eric’s suspicious gaze.

"You’ve changed," Eric said with a smirk. "You used to hate these events, but now you’re actually attending them—willingly."

Alexander ignored him, his eyes drifting back to Rain. She was smiling brightly, completely absorbed in the conversation with Vernice. There was something about her presence that made the evening feel different. He couldn’t help but think that maybe, just maybe, attending these events wasn’t so bad with her by his side.

A soft smile unknowingly tugged at his lips as he watched her laugh.

Eric’s eyes widened. "Ah! You’re smiling alone like a crazy man!" he exclaimed in mock shock.

Alexander’s smile vanished as he shot Eric a sharp look. "Shut up."

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