|Destined With You|

Chapter 18.

Alexander

As I caught sight of Hannah talking with Catalina, I couldn't help but wince. I turned my head to make sure that Adelaide was comfortable with my parents. She was, of course, as she sat on Dad's lap, picking at the stubble he has tried to grow. I'm broken from my trance by a tap on my shoulder. Turning around, I meet Julian's blue eyes.

"Live for yourself for once," He mutters. "It's your day."

"Is it?" I downed the glass of Red Wine in one gulp, taking another one from a passing waiter. "I-I don't know what to do, man. One minute I'm worried about Adelaide, other minute I'm worried about Catalina and Hannah getting into a fight."

"Calm down now." He pressed his hand on my shoulder assuringly and I realised how much I've missed him. "We're here for a week, right? We'll try to sort something out."

"Better do." I grinned at him. "I've missed you."

"Me too, Alex. Me too." His expressions changed as he saw Isabella looking at him with a stern looking covering her face from across the room, where she sat with Catalina and Hannah. "So, erm...we're leaving for now, okay?"

"Ah...still not the party person?"

"Nope. I would rather spend some time with my girl instead." He smiled his famous smile.

"Wait-where are you staying?" Realisation hit me and I mentally smacked myself for being such an irresponsible host to them.

"Just this hotel I own, why?"

"No. You won't stay in the hotel. Come to the mansion. We'll arrange a room."

"You don't have to do that, Alex. We'll be-"

"No, you won't." I cut him off.

Julian grinned as Isabella walked to us and wrapped his arm around her waist. She placed her hand on his and raised her eyebrows expectantly.

"Aren't you guys done? Julian I thought you wanted to leave?" She raised emphasis on leave and I knew why. On any other occasion, I would've joked about it. But today, I just didn't feel the need to.

"Trust me I want to leave, sweetness. But Alex-he wants us to stay at his instead of going to the hotel." He shrugged.

"Alex! You don't have to do anything. We'll be fine." She waved a hand.

"I know you'll be fine, but I insist. If you two would be there, things will remain in place, please."

"Fine then," Isabella raised her arms in defeat, making me grin. "if you insist."

I noticed my Mom motioning for me across the room and I recalled how I needed to get Adelaide home as well. Now as they were going, they could take her home as well.

"Also, can you two take Adelaide along? We're about to make the announcement, so you know..."

"Sure, I'll go and let Cat know." She shrugged and left.

×■×

Catalina

I felt my eyes droop as I accepted my fourth glass of wine from Hannah while she sat next to me, taking in our surroundings. She smiled a knowing smile as Isabella walked to us.

"What's up?" She looked up at Bella while I concentrated on savouring my wine.

"Ah...we're leaving for now." She smiled in apology. "The travelling had us pretty tired."

"So soon?" Hannah said. "Stay for a while."

"Oh no, we need to drop Adelaide as well so-"

"Yes!" I watched Hannah's voice pitch higher. "It's alright. Take your rest."