Ella POV
Alexander smirked slightly. “You’ve been trying so hard these past few months to present yourself as a mature, grown-up woman. It’s nice to see that childlike excitement on your face again.”
“I’m not being childish,” I said defensively, crossing my arms.
“I didn’t say you were,” Alexander replied, his voice calm. “There’s a difference between childlike and childish. You don’t need to be so defensive with me—I’m not judging you.”
His words eased the tension, though I could still feel the faint heat of embarrassment on my cheeks. I managed a small smile, realizing he wasn’t criticizing me. He was just... noticing me, in a way no one else had.
“Wonderful,” Christopher said, clapping his hands together and flashing a grin at Alexander. “In that case, I insist the two
