Marriage with my daughter's father: Darling please be gentle - Chapter 199

Chapter 199: Chapter 199: Sometimes, interesting comes with a price
While Eric and Alexander were engrossed in conversation somewhere inside the dimly lit bar, a pair of striking, smoky eyes watched them from afar.

Gina had been secretly tailing Alexander, her instincts tingling with suspicion. To her surprise, he had met with Eric today. She couldn’t hear their words, but the serious set of their faces spoke volumes. Whatever they were discussing, it wasn’t casual.

Moments later, Eric downed the last of his drink, his movements sharp and decisive, before he slipped out of the bar. Alexander remained, his broad shoulders relaxed but his gaze focused on the amber liquid in his glass.

His elusive identity had been a thorn in her side for far too long, a constant puzzle that never seemed to have all its pieces. But now, with Eric gone and Alexander alone, she saw an opportunity. One she wouldn’t waste.

Gina stood gracefully, smoothing out the hem of her sleek, midnight-blue dress. With each step, her heels clicked against the polished floor, a quiet but confident rhythm. Her heart raced, but her expression was a careful mask—calm, charming, and just a hint of intrigue.

“Would you mind a little company?” Gina’s voice was soft, almost melodic. “I couldn’t help but notice you sitting here all alone.”

Alexander’s gaze lifted, his sharp, dark eyes sweeping over her with a practiced coolness. “I must be quite interesting if you’ve been watching me for so long,” he remarked, a hint of amusement playing at the corner of his lips.

Gina’s heart skipped a beat, but her smile didn’t falter. “You have quite an eye. I wonder if I’m so impressive that I’ve caught your attention, Mr…?”

“Alexander,” he supplied smoothly, leaning back in his chair. “And you are?”

“Gina,” she replied, letting his name roll off her tongue as if savoring it. “But I’m sure you already knew that.”

Alexander chuckled, a low, warm sound that seemed almost genuine. “Perhaps. But hearing you say it is much more charming.”

Gina settled into the seat across from him, her fingers tracing the edge of her glass. “Flattery and mystery—a dangerous combination. But I have a feeling there’s more to you than just a name.”

“Is that so?” His smile didn’t waver, but his eyes seemed to sharpen. “And what makes you think I’m a mystery?”

“Because I’ve been trying to figure you out for a while now,” Gina admitted, her tone light but her gaze unwavering. “And so far, all I’ve learned is that you know how to keep secrets.”

Alexander’s expression didn’t change, but there was a subtle shift in the air around them—a tension, a quiet game of words and intent.

“Sometimes, secrets are a matter of survival,” he said, his voice softer, almost a whisper. “And sometimes, they’re just good manners.”

“And which one is yours?” Gina challenged, leaning slightly forward, her smoky eyes never leaving his.

“Somewhere in between light and dark. But I prefer staying in the shadows rather than being seen.”

Gina’s eyes flickered at his remark. This man, older but sharp, wasn’t just good at observation—he was a master with words.

“Then I must say, I’m highly impressed. I’ve always liked men with a darker edge.”

Alexander regarded her for a moment, his gaze measuring. “Aren’t you that famous model… what’s your name again?”

“Gina Morris.”

“Yes… Gina Morris. But unfortunately, I’m not interested in you, Miss Morris.” His words were sharp, a blade slicing through Gina’s calm demeanor.

But Gina wasn’t easily shaken. She had always known men like Alexander—men who thrived in the shadows, who played safe and spoke in riddles. And if she was going to confront him, she would do it on his terms, a game of subtlety and silence.

“Well, if you aren’t interested, then you haven’t been sitting here with me,” Gina teased, leaning back but keeping her smile intact.

“Oh?” Alexander’s brow arched slightly. “Is that so?”

“Maybe I have a thing for the enigmatic,” Gina replied with a playful spark. “And I must say, you are quite the catch, Mr. Alexander.”

Alexander’s sharp gaze lingered on her, a hint of curiosity breaking through his guarded demeanor. “Is that so?”

“Absolutely,” Gina continued, maintaining her charming facade. But beneath it, her mind was racing. Every word, every glance from him was a test.

“In that case,” Alexander leaned forward, his voice dropping to a murmur, “how about we keep in touch, Miss Morris?”

A flicker of hope sparkled in Gina’s eyes, but she masked it beneath her confident smile. “I’d love that. After all, I enjoy meeting new people—especially the interesting ones.”

Alexander’s lips curved slightly. “Be careful what you wish for, Gina. Sometimes, interesting comes with a price.”

Gina didn’t respond directly, but the fire in her gaze spoke volumes. She was ready for whatever came next. “And I’m ready for it.”

***

By the time Gina stepped out of the bar, the cool night air brushed against her skin, and she saw Alexander’s sleek black car already speeding away. But not before she had secured his number, a small victory she clung to.

Sliding into her own car, Gina’s phone buzzed almost immediately. The name on the screen made her smile—Sean.

Without a moment’s hesitation, she answered. “Took you long enough. Missed me already?”

“Missed you? Try worried sick,” Sean’s voice was a mix of relief and frustration. “Where are you?”

Gina chuckled, turning on the engine and merging onto the main road. “On my way. Meet me at J&K International.”

By the time she pulled up at J&K International, the towering glass facade shimmered under the city lights. Sean was already waiting outside the lobby, his tall figure unmistakable, arms crossed, and his usually warm expression clouded with concern.

The second Gina parked and stepped out, Sean’s expression lightened, but his voice remained tense. “You said you’d be out in a few minutes. What took you so long?”

“I’ll tell you everything,” Gina assured, brushing past him. “But first, let’s go to our spot.”

Sean’s brow furrowed. Their spot—a quiet cliffside overlooking the city—was a place they only went to when something serious needed discussing. He didn’t argue.

Moments later, they were driving in tense silence and twenty minutes later, they arrived at the cliff.

The car’s headlights illuminated the rocky edge, casting shadows over the vast, glittering city below. Inside the car, an uneasy silence settled until Gina finally spoke.

“I got Alexander’s number.”

Sean’s gaze snapped to her, confusion morphing into understanding as he noticed her dress—a sleek, midnight-blue gown that hugged her figure, paired with dramatic makeup. His jaw clenched.

“Did you go clubbing?” he asked, his voice strained.

Gina shifted, her fingers toying with her hair. “Yes. That’s where I found both Eric and Alexander.”

“Alone? Without backup?” Sean’s voice dropped, a dangerous edge lacing his words.

Gina’s confidence wavered, but she forced a smile. “I wanted to tell you, but—”

“But what, Gina?” Sean’s tone was sharp now, his eyes piercing. “Didn’t we agree to work together? To not go reckless? Yet you broke that promise.”

Silence stretched between them, the tension palpable. Gina looked away, staring at the city lights that seemed so distant. “I know… I know we agreed, but I needed to do this, Sean.”

“Needed to? Or wanted to?” Sean leaned forward, his voice softer but laced with hurt. “Gina, you put yourself at risk. Alone. What if something had happened?”

“I can handle myself,” Gina whispered, her voice tinged with defiance but shadowed by guilt.

“That’s not the point,” Sean shot back, running a frustrated hand through his hair. “It’s not about you handling yourself. It’s about trust. About having each other’s backs.”

Gina’s throat tightened, guilt gnawing at her. “I’m sorry… I just thought—”

“You thought you didn’t need me,” Sean interrupted, his voice softer now, wounded. “Or worse… you didn’t trust me enough to help.”

Her head snapped toward him, her smoky eyes wide. “No! It’s not that. I just… I didn’t want to drag you into something dangerous.”

Sean leaned back, exhaling a slow, weary breath. “Gina, I would rather be in danger with you than left in the dark worrying. That’s the whole point of being a team.”

Gina swallowed, the weight of his words sinking in. Silence wrapped around them, heavy and thick, until she finally whispered, “You’re right. I messed up.”

Sean’s expression softened, but the hurt lingered. “Yeah. You did. But at least now I know. So tell me everything—no more secrets.”

Gina nodded, feeling a strange mixture of relief and shame. “Okay. No more secrets.”

A quiet pause settled, but Gina’s gaze shifted to the glittering city below. “I plan on getting close to Alexander.”

Sean’s head snapped toward her. “You what?”

“Not romantically,” Gina clarified quickly, meeting his shocked gaze. “At least, not in any way that matters. I need to understand his connection to Eric and figure out what’s really going on.”

Sean’s jaw tightened. “And you think he’ll just let you get close?”

“He was intrigued by me tonight. He caught me watching him, but he didn’t seem threatened,” Gina explained. “He even gave me his number.”

Sean leaned back, crossing his arms. “Gina, this is dangerous. What if he decides you’re a threat?”

“Then I’ll make sure he sees me as something else—an ally, a curious girl who can be useful,” Gina said, determination hardening her gaze.

Sean sighed, rubbing his forehead. “Just promise me—no more secrets. And if this gets too dangerous, we’re pulling back.”

Gina reached out, placing a hand over his. “I promise, Sean. I won’t do this alone.”