The Wife You Buried Is Back from Hell novel Chapter 1217

Danielle looked up at Alexander. “Do you think I’m a child? That I’m that easy to fool?”

A faint smile touched Alexander's lips. “Sometimes,” he said, his voice soft, “I really wish you were.”

Then she wouldn't have waded into this mess with him. She wouldn't be stuck with him in this frozen wasteland, and she certainly wouldn’t be caught in the middle of this brewing crisis.

Just as Danielle was about to speak, he changed the subject. “What do you want for dinner tonight? I’ll cook.”

“Anything is fine,” Danielle said, nodding after a moment's hesitation. She knew their ingredients were limited; just getting a hot meal would be a small victory.

“The pantry is a little bare, but I can whip up a couple of simple dishes,” Alexander said, rising and heading towards the storage room. His steps were slightly unsteady, his figure looking even more fragile than before. It was clear he hadn't fully recovered.

Danielle quickly got up to follow him. “I’ll help.”

“No need,” Alexander said, looking back at her. “You just sit tight and wait for your food. Don't tire yourself out.”

He disappeared into the kitchen alone, clumsily rummaging for ingredients. Danielle sat in the living room, watching his busy silhouette, a mix of emotions churning inside her. She knew Alexander rarely, if ever, cooked. In her memory, he was always the impeccably dressed Mr. Davidson in a suit and tie, navigating boardrooms and business deals. She had never seen this domesticated, down-to-earth side of him.

The faint clatter of pots and pans echoed from the kitchen, occasionally punctuated by his stifled coughs. A knot of worry tightened in Danielle's chest. She couldn't help but get up and walk to the kitchen doorway. “Alexander, you should rest. Don’t push yourself.”

He was tying on an apron and turned to her with a smile. “I’m not pushing myself.” He paused, his voice as light as a whisper. “Besides, it’s not like I’ll be able to for much longer, anyway.”

“Probably just a wild animal,” Alexander said, putting down his fork, a slight frown creasing his brow. It wasn't unusual for arctic wildlife to appear in this desolate place, but he still stood up. “I’ll go check it out,” he said grimly.

“Don’t!” Danielle quickly grabbed his wrist, her eyes filled with worry. “It’s dark out, and the storm hasn’t stopped. It’s too dangerous.”

Alexander looked at her worried expression and patted the back of her hand, his tone firm. “It’s exactly at times like this that I need to go look. If it’s something dangerous, letting it linger nearby is a threat we can’t afford.”

“I’ll go with you,” Danielle said, starting to get up.

But Alexander shook his head. “You stay here. Lock the door. I’ll be right back.” He pulled his hand free, grabbed a heavy winter coat, and strode out the door.