“I am not—I don’t know what you’re saying,” Mia stammered, jerking her hands in a desperate attempt to free herself.
Alexander’s jaw clenched, anger and frustration flickering in his eyes. He stepped closer, the air between them taut with tension. Without another word, he slid his hand into the bag, pulled out the album, and flipped it open. His finger landed decisively on the last page, lifting it between them.
“Then what is this?” he demanded.
His voice lowered, rough but fragile underneath. He looked straight into her eyes.
“Just answer me,” he said quietly, intensely. “Did you fall in love with me?”
Mia’s breath hitched in a rush. Her eyes widened as they locked on the album. Her whole body stiffened, panic spreading through her limbs. In one swift motion, she snatched it from his hands.
The next second, she spun sharply and marched toward the dustbin near the bathroom. Without hesitation, she tossed the album inside.
“I told you it was nothing,” Mia snapped as she whirled back to face him, striding straight toward him. Her posture was rigid, shoulders squared, hands clenched at her sides.
Her gaze met his, unwavering yet defensive. “It was just a stupid, childish habit,” she continued coldly. “I’ll get rid of it so you don’t misunderstand anything in the future.”
Alexander’s eyes narrowed, intensity flaring dangerously. The way she dismissed it only made his chest tighten further, his fingers curling slightly at his sides.
Mia stood her ground, staring at him, her heart hammering violently in her chest. She looked away first, twisting slightly on her heel.
“I want to stay here tonight,” she said quietly, voice low. “You can go back to your house.”
Alexander’s body stiffened, every muscle coiling. “You’re coming home with me,” he said flatly, stepping closer. “I’m not going back alone.”
“I’m staying here for the weekend,” Mia replied, exhaling slowly, trying to force calm into her voice. “Then I’ll go back to my apartment on Monday.”
“Then I’ll stay at your apartment with you,” he said evenly, voice firm, eyes not leaving hers.
“Mr. Graves,” she murmured, tilting her head slightly, forcing calm into her tone, “don’t act stubborn.”
Finally, she looked at him fully, meeting his gaze steadily. “I’ll go back to your house on Monday.”
A long, heavy moment passed.
Then Alexander let out a slow, defeated breath. He stepped closer, bridging the last space between them. One hand lifted to the back of her head, fingers tangling gently in her hair. He leaned down, and his lips brushed softly against hers in a gentle, lingering kiss.
“Alright,” he said quietly, his voice low. “I’ll pick you up on Monday morning. Wake up early.”
Mia nodded faintly, eyes still on the floor.
Satisfied, he took a small step back. “Go on. I’ll leave after you’re in your room.”
“There’s no need,” she said immediately. “You can go now.”
But Alexander didn’t move.
Left with no choice, Mia let out a quiet sigh and turned toward the stairs. She ascended quickly, each step echoing lightly in the house, heading toward Ellie’s room before she could bring down more things for her.
As soon as Mia disappeared upstairs, Alexander’s gaze flicked to the dustbin near the bathroom. He walked over, his shoes clicking softly on the polished floor. He lifted the lid, peered inside, and retrieved the album she had tossed away.
His fingers lingered on the worn cover for a heartbeat, brushing over it almost reverently, before slipping it quietly into his pocket. He straightened, taking a measured step back, and left Sawyer’s house without another word. The faint hum of the front door closing echoed in the empty hallway behind him.
***
By the time Sunday rolled around, Mia had settled into a routine she hadn’t realized she had missed so much.
Sleeping.
