Chapter 195: Did It Ring A Bell?”
"I thank you as well for saving my fiancée."
The moment those words left his mouth, all three pairs of eyes turned towards him.
But Gavriel maintained a straight face and continued, "I don’t want to be rude, but my fiancée cannot stay out in the cold for long, so we need to move inside."
Hearing the concern in Gavriel’s voice warmed Aliana’s heart. Now that he had pointed it out, and with the adrenaline slowly leaving her body, she could finally feel just how bitterly cold it was. As she was out here with nothing but a robe covering her.
Almost as though her body had been waiting for him to say it, a shiver suddenly ran through her.
Without another word, Gavriel instinctively drew her even closer, pressing her against the warmth of his body.
"Let’s get you inside," he murmured softly. "I don’t want you falling sick."
Gavriel no longer spared the couple another glance, as though they no longer existed in his eyes.
But Aliana hadn’t forgotten about the people who had saved her life.
As always, there were countless questions she needed answers to. More than that, she could not just let the mysterious couple leave right after whatever way they had used to kill that creature.
She gave Gavriel a small nod before turning back to look at them and uttered something that once again left all three of them completely speechless.
"Please... join us for some tea."
The husband and wife slowly turned to look at each other, both wearing thoroughly bewildered expressions, before looking back at the young woman, who simply stood there with an innocent, polite smile on her face. As if inviting complete strangers in for tea after surviving a near-death encounter was the most natural thing in the world.
.....
In the expansive living room, the fire continued to crackle in the fireplace, its warmth offering a welcome contrast to the bitter cold outside.
But the atmosphere between the three figures seated across from one another was anything but warm.
At least, that was the case between the two men who exuded powerful alpha energy.
Meanwhile, Eve simply looked around the space as she waited for Aliana to return, hoping she would help clear up the tension between the two, who could not stop glaring at each other.
After entering the house, Aliana had quickly excused herself to dress more appropriately before joining them. Not even five minutes had passed, yet the men seemed to be acting like they were ready to get into a fistfight like teenagers.
After another painful minute, a slight rustle from the hallway drew all three of their attention as Aliana stepped out. She wore a black high-neck, full-sleeved maxi dress that made her look effortlessly chic, with a grey shawl draped over her since she was still recovering from the cold outside.
"My apologies for keeping you all waiting," Aliana said softly, offering them a polite smile.
But the moment she sensed the heavy atmosphere hanging over the room, her smile dropped just as quickly. Clearing her throat, she quickly spoke, "I’ll get some tea for everyone."
Just as she took a step toward the open kitchen to the left, Eve quickly rose from her seat and replied, "Let me help you with that."
But as if her slightest movement acted as a catalyst, Gavriel was on his feet right away. "I’ll help her."
The moment Gavriel stood, Ivan also rose, positioning his body in front of Eve while keeping his eyes fixed on Gavriel. His stance loudly broadcasted a single warning: ’Don’t you dare move.’
In the middle of all this, Eve could only let out a sigh at her husband’s overprotective and hostile behaviour. While Aliana was simply left baffled, staring between the two men as if they were losing their marbles.
’What on earth am I looking at?’ her thoughts screamed in her mind.
Wanting to diffuse whatever this situation was rapidly turning into, Aliana simply replied, "Uh... that’s alright. All of you can sit comfortably. I can manage the tea on my own. I won’t be long."
But Gavriel simply pretended he had not heard a thing.
Keeping his eyes fixed on Ivan, he replied in a low voice, "I’ll help you, Ana." He spoke in a tone that clearly brooked no refusal before slowly turning his head to meet her gaze. "You are still recovering, after all."
Aliana’s brows knitted together.
’What recovery?’ she questioned inwardly.
But when Gavriel simply tilted his head to the side, her cheeks suddenly flushed deep crimson as she understood exactly which recovery he was talking about.
"A-alright," she squeaked, looking thoroughly flustered before turning around to head toward the kitchen as fast as her legs could carry her, even though her body was still protesting like a train wreck.
A ghost of a smile tugged at the corner of Gavriel’s lips before he turned towards the silent couple, who had once again become unwilling spectators to their exchange.
"Sit."
It wasn’t a request.
With that, Gavriel calmly turned and followed after his woman.
Ivan and Eve both narrowed their eyes at the audacious man who had just casually ordered them about as though they were his minions before walking away without another glance.
Ivan muttered, "I wonder how he would feel once I char h-"
Before he could finish his sentence, Eve quietly clamped her hand over her husband’s mouth.
"Don’t, Ivan," she whispered. "Let’s stay civil. You promised you wouldn’t cause any trouble until we figure out whether they’re involved or not."
That was when Ivan simply looked at his wife, who met his gaze firmly before sighing. "Fine." Eve was about to relax until he added, "But the second I pick up that he is involved, you won’t stop me."
"I’ll be right beside you then," Eve replied, offering him an affectionate smile that made Ivan gently squeeze her hand before the couple finally settled back into their seats.
Meanwhile, in the kitchen, as Aliana quietly prepared the tea, Gavriel stepped up beside her and asked in a low voice meant only for her.
"Are you feeling alright?"
"I’m fine," Aliana replied.
A faint blush still lingered on her cheeks as she continued arranging the cups on the tray before pausing to look up into his eyes.
"Where were you?" she whispered.
When Gavriel remained silent for a brief moment, she softly added, "When I woke up... you weren’t there."
That was when Gavriel understood what she meant.
"I was in my office," he replied swiftly.
"Something came up, and I didn’t want to disturb you."
Again, he gave her a half-truth, but it was enough for her to read his eyes and tell that he was not lying.
Knowing it was not the best time to have this conversation, she quickly gave him a nod before setting all the items on the tray.
Before she could lift it, he took it from her. "Let me," he said, before leading the way.
Once everyone had settled back down with their tea, Aliana finally broke the silence.
"I’m sorry, but we haven’t properly introduced ourselves yet."
"You’re right," Eve replied softly.
"Let me go first. I’m Aliana Vanderbilt." She then glanced at Gavriel, who was quietly sipping his tea, looking as though he had absolutely no intention of introducing himself, so she did it on his behalf. "And this is Gavriel Valentine, my fiancé."
Eve looked at Ivan, who was also busy observing the man, so she took charge. "I’m Evelyn Ignia De Ashen, and he is my husband Ivan Ignia De Ashen."
The moment the names left her lips, Gavriel slowly lifted his gaze towards the couple seated across from him, as though something about them had stirred a distant memory.
Ivan noticed the change immediately and asked with a brow raised, "What? Did it ring a bell?"