113 Miracles can happen (1/2)
Upon hearing Abi call his name, Alex seemed to have been pulled out from his deep thoughts. His gaze snapped towards Abi and he cleared his throat, almost as if he too was hiding something at that moment.
”I don't understand why these characters are doing this,” he then told her in his normal tone and expression. ”Do you?” he asked, his eyes seemed to be burning with something strange as he asked that. There was no way Abi could tell what that unfathomable gaze of his was saying so she could only think that it might be some intense interest.
”Mmm… I do… I think I do. If I try to put myself in the character's shoes, I would also do the same,” she answered honestly and certainly, causing Alex to crease his brows.
”Why would you do that?” Alex's face was serious and his gaze became even deeper as he stared at her. His gaze was probing and Abi felt like he might have found her words a little suspicious. That thought scared Abi. She had thought about this possibility when she picked this book and particularly the chapter. She knew there was a risk that Alex might pick up on something but even then, she still chose this book. This book meant a lot to her and that was the reason why she put this activity on her wishlist and that particular chapter especially had an important place in her heart. She wanted to hear it from Alex's mouth because she thought that even if her wish of getting married would never be fulfilled, listening to the story of Zero's and Hina's experiences from Alex's mouth would be enough for her.
Alex didn't know how much Abi was struggling to control her emotions as she answered him. ”Because… if I only had a little time left, I would want to experience life to the fullest with the person I love most in the world.” She managed to keep her cool and answered him normally. ”Wouldn't you? In fact, if you agree to marry me, I also will marry you no matter what,” Abi replied before she suddenly looked at him with twinkling eyes as a huge grin formed on her face. ”Alex, will you mar –”
The man immediately looked like a vein would soon pop on his forehead as he cut her off. ”If you want me to finish this…”
Before Alex could even complete his sentence, Abi acted like she zipped her lips then threw away the key.
Seeing that the man's expression changed back to normal, Abi secretly sighed in relief. That was good. It seemed that he didn't suspect a thing.
As Alex continued reading, Abi slowly got better control of her emotions and she stayed still like a well-behaved child. She closed her eyes and her face now looked peaceful as she listened to him, imagining the story clearly in her head, imagining herself and Alex in place of the characters.
The story became even more emotional as it went on. Abi never opened her eyes again as she let herself get lost in the words of the story and Alex's voice. As Alex continued reading, she imagined the scenes in her mind and Abi felt her heart start to clench from the pain. She felt what Hina was feeling at that moment and it was bittersweet.
””After we said our vows, we were pronounced as husband and wife. I kissed Hina softly in front of all our friends and family who bore witness to the moment I promised to give her my love and everything I have, in sickness and in health, and I'd never felt so good about anything…”” Alex trailed off.
For the third time, he took a pause. He glanced at the girl on his lap and when he saw how peaceful her face was with her eyes closed, Alex didn't know why but he placed his hand between Abi's neck and chest.