Please Come Back, My Love novel Chapter 128

Chapter 128

She leaned in close and whispered inmy ear, “You don’t want to go, do you, sweetheart?”

I nodded.

ww

She whispered back, “Then I shouldn’t have said yes so fast. Am sorry, honey.”

Watching my mother apologize so carefully, a wave of helplessness washed over me.

I didn’t want her to feel awkward because of me. After all, it was just a meal.

But before I could respond, Alexander’s phone rang. He glanced at the screen, and his expression immediately shifted to concern.

“Excuse me,” he said apologetically, stepping a few feet away to answer. “This is urgent.”

We watched as he spoke in rapid, clipped sentences. His posture grew tense, professional. When he hung up, his phone immediately rang again.

This time, he answered in what sounded like Portuguese, his voice sharp with authority. Whatever was happening, it was serious.

Mom and I exchanged glances. She looked as confused as I felt.

After he ended the second call, Alexander walked back to us, his expression genuinely apologetic.

“Mrs. Josephine, Elena, I’m terribly sorry,” he said, his regret seeming authentic. “There’s been an urgent situation with one of my Miami properties. I need

to return immediately.”

I blinked. “So… no lunch?”

I’m afraid not today,” he said with real disappointment. “Perhaps another time? I truly was looking forward to catching up properly.”

Catching up? We barely know each other.

He gestured toward the parking area. “Please, allow me to have my security team escort you safely back to your car. It’s the least I can do after disappointing

you both.”

“We’re fine,” I said quickly. “We don’t need an escort.”

Γ

“Please,” he said, his tone politely insistent but genuinely concerned. “The market can get crowded, and I’d feel better knowing you’re safe.”

Mom touched my arm gently. “Elena, let’s just- She looked at Alexander with a gracious nod. “Thank you for your thoughtfulness, Mr. Alexander. You’re very considerate.”

Two security guards appeared as if from nowhere-stone-faced guys in black polos with earpieces. They flanked us respectfully but professionally.

“Fine.” I crossed my arms. “Whatever.”

The guards led us through the market in silence. People stared. Of course they did. We looked like we were being arrested, or at least like we were somebody important.

3:04 pm

Chapter 128

MA

When finally reached Mom’s beat-up Honda, one of the guards opened the passenger door for me like I was royalty.

Ridiculous

I slid into the seat, fuming.

Mom got in on the driver’s side. Started the engine. We pulled out of the parking lot in silence.

It wasn’t until we were on the main road that Alexander’s black SUV appeared beside us. He rolled down his window.

‘Elena,’ he called out.

I hesitated. Then rolled down mine.

He gestured politely for Mom to pull over. She did.

He stepped out of his SUV and walked over, leaning down to my window with respectful concern. His eyes caught on my wrist-the bandage peeking out

from under my sleeve.

His jaw tightened with worry. “What happened to your hand?”

Shit.

I tugged my sleeve down. “Nothing. I just… fell. Clumsy.”

He didn’t look convinced. His eyes searched mine with genuine concern, and for a second, I thought he was going to call me out on the lie.

But he didn’t.

Instead, he reached into his pocket and pulled out a business card. Handed it to me with careful respect.

“If you need anything,” he said quietly, “please don’t hesitate to call me. Day or night. I mean that sincerely.”

I took the card. Stared at the embossed lettering. Alexander Sterling. Managing Partner, Apex Holdings.

“Thanks,” I said flatly.

He nodded once, then looked past me to Mom. “Mrs. Josephine, it was truly wonderful seeing you again. Please take care of yourself.”

“You as well, Mr. Alexander, Mom replied with genuine warmth. “Be safe.”

He straightened up and walked back to his car.

We drove in silence for another five minutes.

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