Chapter 4 Enjoy Little Things In Life

Once everyone was done buying, Elena said

"I'm famished, let's go back and have lunch" they were heading out when they saw Ricky arrive at the jewellery store.

"Why aren't you receiving your phone?" Ricky asked. Alec looked at his phone and said

"It might have been in silent mode, Did anything happen?"

"Yeah, it's about the snowwill project, I don't know much about it, but they said they've been trying to reach you for long." Looking at Elena, Alec said "You guys leave now, I've to attend to this, we'll be back soon".

While Elena and her friends were getting inside the car, they realised the car could accommodate only four people and one of Elena's friend was left behind.

"I'm sorry El, you can come with Al and Ricky alright." Elena said.

"Harry, could you.." before she could ask her date to wait with her, the car drove away.

While Alec was attending his call he saw her standing all alone. He eyed Ricky and pointed towards her, understanding his signals,

Ricky approached her and asked "what's wrong? Why did you stay back".

"The car could only accommodation 4 people" she said in a low voice. Alec was constantly looking at them from a distance.

"Well don't worry, you can take my car. I'll come back with Alec" she nodded and stepped inside the car.

Seeing this Alec said "Wait" in a loud and clear voice.

"We will discuss the rest later today." He said on his call and hung up abruptly.

"Its done. Let's go" he said looking at her.

On their way back Ricky asked

"How much did Elena buy, her hands were full with bags. It must have been expensive".

"Well not as expensive as the cufflinks she made me buy" Alec said pointing at her.

"I didn't force you to buy it, besides you bought it for yourself" she replied with a pout.

"Let me see them" Ricky said and Alec handed over the box to him

"They look regal, is this black onyx stone?" Alec nodded.

"Did they tell you where is it from?" "Veripose mountains" Alec answered.

"They are the most precious and rarest of all black onyx stones, you are lucky to find these." Ricky said

"Looks like Miss Elizabeth has a great eye for exquisite items like these" Alec said appreciating her. But her eyes scrunched in slight disappointment

"I'm not Elizabeth". Alec felt a sense of relief and joy wash over him. He contained himself and asked

"what's your name then?"

"Nevermind" she said rolling her eyes. Instead of feeling annoyed by answer, Alec felt like she was letting her guard down around him.

"What did you buy?" Ricky asked her

"nothing" she said in a low voice noticing her disappointment Ricky said

"Well atleast you aren't drowned in vanity like Elena" she let out a small chuckle.

Ricky joked around and she chuckled and laughed out loud sometimes, they seemed to have a natural bond with eachother. Alec was staring at her from the rearview mirror he was mesmerized with her melodious laugh and her twinkling eyes.

"Is that La Carbonita? It is one of the most celebrated Italian restaurant chains. It doesn't look much fancy but thier food tastes great. I didn't know they had a branch here as well." she exclaimed with joy.

"Stop the car" Alec said in a cold tone. It was hard to understand his emotions. Ricky and Elena's friend were surprised at the sudden stop.

"What's wrong dude" Ricky asked. Alec looked at him with confusion

"What? Aren't we going to have lunch here?".

"That's what you wanted, isn't it?" He said looking at her.

"Uh, yes" she said.

Alec looked at her for a moment, kept his hand around her waist lightly and said "come" then walked inside with long strides.

Her body stiffened at his touch yet she walked with him.

She paced fast and sat besides Ricky to get away from Alec. To her dismay, Alec sat right in front of her. His intimidating aura and consistent gaze caused her body temprature to rise. She tried to ignore the reaction she was having because of his presence.

They ordered food and it arrived soon enough. Alec was amused to see the way she ate her food. The way she closed her eyes while tasting her food. Like she enjoyed every bite she ate.

"You eat like you've been starving for days." Ricky said chuckling.

"I try to enjoy little things in life." She said with a cute crooked smile and a prideful face. Alec was enjoying this side of hers.