Shadows Within The Past

Chapter 122: Battle

Rachael said "Alex can we go meet my sister, Alessia."
Alexander said "Yeah she,remember when she saw us doing... Our first kiss."

Rachael's face turned bright red as she playfully hit Alexander on the arm. "Alex, stop! That was a long time ago." But Alexander just wouldn't let up, chuckling and saying, "I know, I know. But I'll never forget that day. It was like the whole world had come to a standstill." Emily, who had been watching the exchange with interest, suddenly piped up. "Ooh, tell me more about your first kiss! Was it romantic?" Rachael's face turned an even deeper shade of red as she glared at Alexander. "Emily, don't encourage him!" But Alexander just laughed, wrapping his arm around Rachael's shoulders. "Don't worry, I'll behave. But just for the record, it was a pretty amazing first kiss."

As they drove to meet Alessia, Rachael couldn't help but feel a sense of excitement and nervousness. She hadn't seen her sister in a while, and she was eager to introduce Alexander and Emily to her. When they arrived at Alessia's house, Rachael's sister answered the door with a big smile on her face. "Rachael! It's so great to see you!" Rachael hugged her sister tightly, feeling a sense of joy and reunion. "Alessia, I've missed you so much!" As they hugged, Alexander and Emily stood back, watching with smiles on their faces. Alexander nodded at Emily, who was looking at him with a curious expression. "Shall we go inside?" Alexander asked, holding out his arm for Rachael to take.

As they entered the living room, Alessia turned to Rachael and asked, "So, how's married life treating you?" Rachael smiled, glancing at Alexander. "It's great, Alessia. Alexander is an amazing husband." Alessia smiled warmly at Alexander. "I'm glad to hear that. You two are perfect for each other." Just then, Emily suddenly piped up. "Alessia, do you want to see my knife tricks?" Alessia's eyes widened in surprise, but she quickly recovered, laughing. "Sure, Emily. I'd love to see them." As Emily began to expertly flip and spin her knife, Rachael couldn't help but feel a sense of pride and happiness. She was grateful to have such a wonderful husband and niece, and she knew that Alessia felt the same way.

Alessia grabbed her bag and headed for the door. "I'm going out, guys. Our office has a business trip planned and I need to get going."

Rachael looked up from her seat, a hint of surprise on her face. "Oh, okay. Be safe, sis."

Alexander nodded in agreement. "Nice, have a safe trip. Where are you off to?"

Alessia shrugged, checking her phone for what felt like the hundredth time. "I don't know, maybe somewhere out of the country. I'll let you guys know once I find out."

Emily, who had been quietly observing the exchange, suddenly piped up. "Ooh, can I come with you, Alessia? I love business trips!"

Alessia laughed, ruffling Emily's hair. "Not this time, kiddo. Maybe next time."

With that, Alessia headed out the door, leaving the rest of them to wonder where she was off to watch her go. Rachael turned to Alexander and raised an eyebrow. "London, huh? I wonder what kind of business they have going on there."

Alexander shrugged, smiling. "No idea, but I'm sure Alessia will fill us in when she gets back."

Emily, who had been quietly observing the exchange, suddenly piped up. "Can we go to London too, Uncle Alexander? Pleeease?"

Alexander chuckled, ruffling Emily's hair. "Not this time, kiddo. But maybe someday soon."

Rachael smiled, feeling a sense of excitement at the prospect of traveling with her husband and niece. "That sounds like a great idea, Alex. We can make it a family vacation."

Alexander grinned, wrapping his arm around Rachael's shoulders. "I'd like that. We can explore the city together, just the three of us."

Emily squealed with excitement, bouncing up and down. "Yes! Yes! I want to see Big Ben and ride the London Eye!"