Love Unspoken

Alexander unveiled the contents of the box, revealing a diamond necklace of exquisite delicacy. Quinn's eyelashes fluttered in an uncertain dance, caught between the twin specters of disappointment and relief.

With a gentle touch, Alexander retrieved a bracelet from the box, sliding it onto her wrist. "This was the birthday gift I bought for you and forgot to give. Consider it a belated present," he said, his voice soft.

After securing the bracelet, he noticed it hung a bit loose. Despite being custom-made to fit her slender wrist, it mysteriously dangled, sliding down into her palm with the slightest lift of her hand. A frown creased Alexander's brow. Recognition sparked in Quinn's eyes. The bracelet was familiar, a piece she had seen adorning Getty's wrist in online posts. The realization hit her - the bracelet was too big because it was a reject, intended for someone else. She tried to withdraw her hand, but Alexander's grip was firm as he removed the bracelet.

"It's too loose; I'll send it back for adjustments," he said, his voice steady. Quinn pressed her lips together, choosing silence over words.

Alexander studied her face, noting her discomfort. "If you don't like it, we'll pick out a new one," he offered. She responded with a nod.

"What else do you like?" he asked, seeking to engage her. But she merely shook her head. He realized, with a pang of concern, that Quinn had barely spoken to him, communicating only through nods and shakes of her head. She had become mute, refraining even from signing.

In silence, Alexander returned the bracelet to his pocket. When agitated, he had a habit of tugging at his tie, but today, without a suit, he could only fidget with the collar of his sweater before releasing a soundless sigh. When the meal was served, Quinn kept her gaze lowered, eating mechanically, indifferent to the taste of the food. Her focus seemed intense, but her vacant expression betrayed her distraction.

Alexander reclined in his chair, motionless, his eyes fixed on her as she ate. She didn't glance his way or show any sign of stopping; she just kept eating relentlessly.

As dish after dish was emptied, only Alexander's untouched plate remained out of her reach. Setting down her chopsticks, Quinn lifted her gaze to meet his. An icy chill had crept into his stare.

Quinn pursed her lips, then silently lowered her gaze to her empty bowl. Had she upset him by eating too much? She hadn't left anything for him.

Alexander shifted his gaze away, pinching the bridge of his nose, and turned to watch the lively street outside. Quinn watched him quietly, waiting for his next instruction. Suddenly, a familiar voice echoed from behind. "Aren't you that one..."

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Startled, Quinn spun around, her expression morphing. It was Preston standing there, flanked by Todd and a girl. The girl's expression shifted at the sight of Quinn and Preston, her eyes narrowing with suspicion.

Leaving his companions behind, Preston strode towards Quinn, greeting her with a warm smile. "We meet again! Last time was so rushed, I never got your name."

At his words, Quinn shot a nervous glance at Alexander. Noticing her gaze, Preston finally acknowledged Alexander's presence and turned to greet him.

"Alexander, you're here as well. I haven't had the chance to explain last night's incident, but I saved her," he gestured towards Quinn, "you can ask her. Could you explain to my dad later?"

Preston's words tumbled out in a rush, then he fell silent, expectantly awaiting a response from Alexander.