Page 24 of Surrendering to the Obsession

Alexander’s brow lifted, his gaze icy and filled with warning. “Oh, really?”

“Yes,” Harold answered shamelessly. “He’s always around her. Hounding her, crowding her, controlling her, acting like she belongs to him. It’s pathetic, honestly.”

A faint muscle ticked in Alexander’s jaw, but before he could respond, Mia’s voice—light and unbothered—cut through the air. “Maybe she likes him,” she said, tilting her head with an innocent smile. “Perhaps she prefers men like that?”

All three—Alexander, Harold, and Camila—turned toward her.

Harold blinked, startled.

“I mean,” Mia continued, “he might be handsome, successful, charming…” Her eyes shifted toward Harold as she spoke. “Could it be that he’s rich, well-settled, accomplished?”

Harold’s angry eyes instinctively slid toward Alexander, a flicker of irony in them. No further words were needed—Alexander was all that and much more.

Alexander’s chest lifted slightly, pride flickering in his eyes. A slow, pleased smirk curved his lips as he leaned back, watching Mia with quiet satisfaction.

When Harold didn’t respond, Mia continued nonchalantly. “Then it’s not exactly fair to say she’s in trouble because he’s rich and controlling, is it? Maybe she doesn’t want to be saved.”

Harold frowned, irritation flashing across his face. Mia pointed her spoon at him, her tone soft but firm. “Harold, you can’t just assume things about people like that. Don’t say such bad things about others in the future, alright?”

He opened his mouth, then shut it, his throat tightening.

His ears burned as he muttered reluctantly, “I understand,” his voice tight with restrained frustration.

Camila chuckled warmly. “Our Mia is getting more mature every day.”

Mia’s face brightened. She tucked her hair behind her ear, smiling proudly at the praise.

Alexander’s gaze, however, remained locked on Harold. “Haven’t you stayed here long enough? Go back to your house after lunch.”

Harold frowned immediately. “I don’t want to. My parents aren’t home—I’m all alone.” He turned quickly to Camila, softening his tone, almost pleading. “Aunty, can’t I stay here for a few days?”

Camila looked between Alexander and Harold, then shrugged with a light laugh. “It’s up to Mia. If she agrees, it’s fine with me. I’ll be busy with parties anyway, so only Alexander and Mia will be at home.”

Harold’s eyes brightened instantly as he turned to Mia, hopeful.

Mia paused, slightly startled, then smiled. “You’re part of Alexander’s family. Stay as long as you like.”

Harold grinned broadly. “You’re so kind, Mia.”

Alexander’s jaw tightened. He set down his utensils with a sharp clink and rose to his feet. His tone was clipped and cold. “I’m done with breakfast.”

Without another glance, he turned and strode away, his back straight, his mood unmistakably stormy.

Mia swallowed, finished the last bite of her meal in a rush, and stood up. She wiped her fingers on a napkin, clutching it briefly before setting it down. Her steps were quick as she headed toward her bedroom, wanting to escape the strange tension clinging to her skin.

She pushed open the door—

And in the very next heartbeat, a strong hand shot out from inside the room, clamping around her wrist.

“Ah—!”

Before she could even react, Alexander yanked her forward, pulling her inside with a force that stole her balance.

She crashed straight into his chest, the impact knocking a soft gasp from her lips. His scent—clean cologne mixed with something darker, warmer—wrapped around her instantly, dizzying her.

Alexander didn’t give her a second to steady herself.

Without a word, his hands gripped her hips and lifted her effortlessly. Her back hit the wall, a faint thud echoing behind her. Shock rippled through her as her breath stuttered. Her hands flew to his shoulders for balance, but before she could even think, her legs tightened around his waist on instinct, drawing him closer.