Cheated Once Cherished Forever: The Billionaire's Bride novel Chapter 180

"Alexander, we have Ms. York to thank for getting Mr. Zachary here today. You really need to thank her properly later," Amelia said with a smile.

Alexander looked at Layla openly this time and said sincerely, "Ms. York, thank you!"

Layla smiled faintly. "You're welcome, Mr. Sinclair."

Beside them, Victor raised his glass, laughing heartily. "Mr. Sinclair, just saying thanks isn't sincere enough. How about we all have a drink?"

Victor held the highest status in the room. As soon as he spoke, everyone immediately chimed in.

"Yes! Let's have a drink together!"

"Ms. York is truly beautiful and talented! I'm proposing a toast to Ms. York as well!"

Everyone raised their glasses. Alexander raised his as well, but then he said, "Since we're thanking Ms. York, I'll drink this one for her."

As he spoke, Alexander downed the wine in his own glass. Then, he stood up and walked to Layla's side. Under everyone's gaze, he took the wine glass directly from her hand.

The moment their fingertips brushed against each other, both of them froze for a split second. His fingertips were scorching hot, while hers were cool, feeling like fine needles pricking Alexander's skin. Layla subconsciously curled her fingers.

Their interaction instantly caused a stir of teasing from the surrounding crowd.

"Oh my, Mr. Sinclair. This isn't purely out of gratitude, is it?"

"You're protecting her a bit too tightly, aren't you? Mr. Sinclair, people who don't know better might think Ms. York doesn't drink at all!"

"Just look at Mr. Sinclair and Ms. York! A brilliant man and a stunning woman, truly the perfect match. You two look so harmonious together, you could already pass for a married couple!

Normally, the crowd's teasing would not have made Alexander feel anything. However, when the last person mentioned they looked like a married couple, his eyebrows raised slightly. He looked at Layla seriously, a faint smile hanging on his face.

"Thank you, Mr. Sinclair." Being stared at by Alexander made Layla feel rather shy. She picked up a glass herself and said, "Actually, I can hold my liquor. I'll toast everyone."

After saying that, she tilted her head back and downed the drink without dragging it out.

Alexander thought to himself that her personality was similar to Isabella's too.

With this interlude, the atmosphere at the table became very cheerful. Everyone inevitably drank a few more glasses. Amelia left halfway through the meal. Before leaving, she exhorted Alexander again and again to make sure he took Layla home.

However, by the time the dinner ended, Alexander was tipsy. He was in no state to take Layla home. Instead, Layla took the initiative to offer to take him back.

The two of them stood by the roadside. When Alexander was drunk, he became very quiet. The expression on his face was not as cold as usual. Instead, he had a kind of endearing cuteness.

When Layla asked him where he lived, he had to think hard for a few seconds before remembering his address. His appearance made Layla want to laugh.

"Are you really taking me home? You aren't lying to me?" Alexander's tongue was tied, and his speech was slow, but it was adorable.

Alexander did not believe her. He raised his head, and his lips brushed against Layla's cold chin.

Layla lowered her eyes to look at him, a warning in her gaze. "Mr. Sinclair, did you do that on purpose?"

The drunk Alexander had a delayed reaction. He shook his head, refusing to admit he was drunk. Instead, he accused Layla, "You're the one who's drunk! My tolerance is very good!"

Layla chuckled softly and leaned in close to him, letting her warm breath fan against his face. "Mr. Sinclair, if I were drunk, I wouldn't be sitting next to you right now."

Her breath made Alexander feel even more intoxicated. His brain was groggy, and he did not have time to think. He simply followed her words and asked, "Where would you be sitting?"

Layla's gaze traveled from his eyes, all the way down to his lips, chin, chest, and abdomen. Finally, it rested on his legs.

Her lips parted slightly. "On your lap."

After saying that, her gaze moved back up. Their eyes met in the cramped, dim space.

It was impossible to tell who initiated it first. Whether Alexander pulled her over or Layla swung her leg over first did not matter. A few seconds later, they were kissing.

Her chill met his fever, the two extremes melding until it was impossible to distinguish. The flashing neon lights outside cast them in alternating darkness and brightness, blurring their features into anonymity.

In the ragged gasp for air between kisses, Alexander could not stop himself from whispering, "Isabella…"