Chapter 13 Alexander gently supported Braelynn as they returned to the apartment . Henry and Maria , still shaken , hurried to meet them . Seeing their daughter's pale face and the red marks on her wrist , they were both heartbroken and terrified . " Braelynn , are you alright ? That Zachary , he ... " Maria's voice choked before she could finish her sentence . " Mom , I'm fine . " Braelynn shook her head and tried to force a reassuring smile . " I'm just a little tired . " Alexander stood to the side , his expression calm as he spoke : " Uncle , Auntie , let her rest for a while . It's safe here . " His voice carried a steady strength that inspired trust . Henry and Maria quickly nodded and helped Braelynn sit down on the sofa . Alexander turned and went to the kitchen , poured a glass of warm water . and handed it to her . " Have some water . " His actions were natural , without any hint of trying to curry favor , yet they conveyed a simple , genuine care . Braelynn took the cup , her fingertips touching the warm surface , and felt a bit of warmth in her heart as well . She said softly , " Thank you . Just now ... I really owe it to you . " " I just happened to be there . " Alexander replied concisely , without explaining why he was downstairs at the apartment building at that exact moment . He glanced at the still - shaken Henry and Maria and added , " You talk , I'll step out for a bit . " He turned and left the apartment , considerately leaving the space for the family . Henry and Maria watched Alexander's departing figure and breathed a slight sigh of relief. Maria took Braelynn's hand and lowered her voice to ask , " Braclynn , this man ... is he Alexander ? He seems tough , not like at bad person , but he ... " " Mom , Dad , " Braelynn interrupted her mother , her tone firm . " He's someone you can trust . At least , he's more reliable than some people who only pretend to be decent . " She recalled how Alexander had unhesitatingly stood in front of her earlier , protecting her without any ulterior motive - a kind of support she hadn't felt in a long time . Seeing their daughter speak this way , and remembering that it was indeed Alexander who had resolved the crisis earlier , Henry and Maria said nothing more , though they still worried about their daughter's future . After a while , Alexander returned , carrying several grocery bags from the supermarket . " I wasn't sure what you liked to eat , so I just picked up some groceries . " He put the bags in the kitchen , his tone still calm . " You all rest , I'll cook . " Maria quickly stood up . " Oh , I couldn't possibly let you let me do it ... " " No need to be polite . " Alexander had already rolled up his sleeves , revealing his strong forearms . " You're guests , just sit and relax . " With that , he went into the kitchen , and soon the sounds of washing , chopping , and stir - frying could be heard . Braelynn watched the tall , busy figure in the kitchen , her feelings complicated . She hadn't expected her first proper meeting with Alexander to be like this , nor that he would become involved in her chaotic life in Chapter 13 such a way . The meal was soon ready - three simple home - style dishes and a soup , but the aroma was mouthwatering . " I'm not much of a cook his tone flat . but I hope it's edible . " Alexander served the rice , Henry and Maria quickly thanked him . During the meal , Alexander spoke little , quietly eating , but occasionally reaching across the table to serve Braelynn some dishes that were farther from her , his movements so natural it was as if he'd done it countless times . Braelynn noticed that the dishes he served her were exactly the light flavors she preferred . Was it just a coincidence ? After the meal , Henry and Maria hurried to wash the dishes , and Alexander did not insist . He walked to a corner of the living room , opened an old - looking metal file cabinet , took out a thick manila envelope , and placed it on the coffee . table in front of Braelynn . " This is the prenuptial agreement , " he said , looking at Braelynn with sharp , honest eyes . " It details my assets , debts , and the property arrangements during marriage . Take a look - if there's anything you're not satisfied with , let me know . " Braelynn didn't immediately open the file . Instead , she met his gaze . " Do I look like someone who cares about these things ? " Alexander stared at her for a few seconds , as if assessing her resolve , then gave a barely noticeable nod . " Alright . " He then pulled out a simple agreement from the bottom of the envelope . " This is the paperwork needed for marriage registration . Take a look . If you think it's fine , sign it . If not , you can leave at any time . " Chapter 13 His approach was direct and straightforward , even a bit rough , yet it strangely made people feel at ease . It was a confidence built on strength and honesty . Braelynn picked up the document and read it carefully . The terms were clear , and in some respects , even quite favorable to her - nothing like the conditions someone in a weaker position would propose . " Why ? " She looked up , puzzled . " You don't seem like someone who needs to gain anything from marriage , so why are the terms so ... generous ? " Alexander's gaze swept over the red marks still fading on her wrist , his voice low . " What I need isn't a transactional marriage , but a partner who can stand by my side and be trusted . I care about the long term , not just immediate gains . " He paused , then added , " Besides , when dealing with wolves , having a smart ally is always better than having a foolish enemy . His words were blunt , even a bit harsh , yet somehow reignited a fighting spirit in Braelynn that she hadn't felt in a long time . She picked up the pen and , with hardly any hesitation , signed her name on the document . " Shall we register tomorrow ? " Alexander put away the documents , his tone as calm as if discussing the weather . " Alright . " Braelynn nodded . At that moment , Henry and Maria finished tidying up the kitchen and came out . Seeing that the two seemed to have reached an agreement , they felt both relieved and a little worried . After sitting for a while longer , Henry and Maria , being older and exhausted from the day's events , showed signs of fatigue on their faces . Chapter 13 Alexander glanced at the darkening sky outside and said , " Uncle , Auntie , you must be tired . I've booked a hotel room nearby for you to rest . Here , " he looked at Braelynn , " is safe for now . " His arrangements were thoughtful and left no room for objection . Henry and Maria did indeed need rest , so they didn't refuse . After seeing Henry and Maria off , only Braelynn and Alexander remained in the apartment . For a moment , the atmosphere was a bit quiet . " You're tired too . Get some rest early . " Alexander was the first to break the silence . " I'm in the room next door . If there's an emergency , you can knock or call this number . " He handed her a simple card with only a phone number printed on it . With that , he turned and left decisively , without any unnecessary lingering or pleasantries . Braelynn closed the door , leaned against it , and let out a long sigh . So much had happened in a single day - Zachary's madness , Carolina's farce , her parents ' worries , and ... Alexander , this unexpected man who seemed to bring a glimmer of hope . She walked to the window and watched as Alexander's tall figure disappeared into the night outside the apartment building , her heart filled with mixed emotions . In this lifetime , could her choices really lead to a different outcome ? Discover our latest featured short drama reel. Watch now and enjoy the story!