Page 111 of Surrendering to the Obsession

He lifted two fingers, flicking them sharply toward Allen. Moments later, Allen appeared. “Bring all the gifts into the house now,” Alexander ordered. Allen nodded and turned to the ten men who had accompanied them, gesturing for them to follow him out.

Moments later, the men returned, each carrying boxes overflowing with gifts—fruits, clothes, jewelry, and more. There was so much that it took three trips to bring everything inside. By the end, the living room was stacked high with large boxes, a colorful and extravagant display of abundance.

Alexander’s gaze returned to Mia. His eyes softened, the intensity of before melting into something calmer, almost vulnerable.

“Mia?” he said gently, meeting her gaze. His voice lowered further. “I am leaving now.”

Mia remained rooted in place, her heart tightening as she watched him.

Alexander turned and walked toward the door. Her eyes followed him silently.

Before stepping outside, he paused. He glanced back at her once—his eyes searching, filled with something she couldn’t name. But Mia quickly turned her head away, refusing to meet his gaze.

The disappointment and sadness in Alexander’s face deepened. With a final, lingering look, he turned fully and walked out, disappearing from view.

Sawyer immediately shifted his attention to Mia, worry etched across his face. “Alexander… did he hurt you?” His tone was soft but firm, protective.

Mia shook her head, taking a steadying breath. “No… he didn’t hurt me,” she said quietly, her voice soft, polite.

Sawyer crouched slightly, looking down at her with earnest eyes. “If anyone ever bothers you, you tell me. I’ll make sure you’re safe.”

Liana stepped closer, placing a gentle hand on Mia’s. Her gaze was kind, steady. “Yes. If anyone ever hurts you, don’t hide it from us. We’ll take care of you.”

Mia lifted her head, offering a small, polite smile.

Her politeness, her youthfulness, the way she looked at them—it made Liana’s chest tighten. She stepped closer, wrapping her arms around Mia’s shoulders, pulling her gently into an embrace.

“You’re such a sweet child,” Liana whispered, her voice catching. “I can hardly breathe when I look at you.”

Mia smiled faintly, leaning into the warmth.

***

The day had passed in a blur at the Stark mansion, and by nightfall, Mia hadn’t left the house. She stayed with Sawyer’s family, enveloped in the warmth of their presence. Dinner had been a lively affair—Liana insisted Mia eat everything on her plate, fussing over her like a mother hen, practically adopting her as her own daughter. Every time she called Liana “Aunt Liana,” her eyes shimmered with tears, and Mia felt an unfamiliar sense of belonging. By the end of the evening, it felt as though Liana had truly adopted her as part of the family.

But when midnight came, and the rain poured outside, Mia couldn’t sleep. She tried, desperately, but her mind wouldn’t stop racing. Images from the photographs haunted her—theones Alexander had kept for all these years. Pictures of her from her teenage years, through college, and even after her marriage. The thought of how he had obtained them, why he kept them, and what else he might know—or hide—made her chest tighten with unease.

The rain deepened, heavy and relentless. Restless and unable to bear lying in bed, she slipped out and walked to the window. The heavy curtains fell away as she peered out from the first floor of the massive mansion. The view of the vast grounds stretched below.

And then her heart skipped.

There he was—Alexander. Standing near his car, a cigarette in his hand, several burnt stubs littered at his feet. He leaned against the sleek vehicle, motionless, eyes distant, posture still and tense.

His head lifted, and their eyes met for a brief, fleeting moment. A sharp jolt shot through her.

Heart pounding, Mia stepped back from the window and hurried to her bed, yanking the blanket over her face as if hiding could somehow erase his presence. She tried to bury her feelings, hoping the sight of him outside would fade from her mind. But it didn’t. His presence lingered in her thoughts, heavy and insistent.

Hours crawled by. She tossed and turned, unable to settle, her mind replaying that single moment over and over. Finally, breath uneven, she slipped out of bed and crept toward the window again.

Mia’s eyes widened.

Alexander was still there.

He stood below, leaning fully against the car now, head tilted back, staring straight at her window as though he had been waiting for her to return.

And the instant she appeared, their eyes locked again.

Mia froze. Something inside her tightened, fear mixing with an emotion she couldn’t name. His gaze sent a shiver through her whole body.