Family binds.

" That's good to know. "

Alec felt like he didn't understand English at that moment. He blinked a few times before laughing. Maybe she was joking...he hoped she was joking.

" What...what do you mean?"

Gwen's face was as blank as a sheet of paper and Alec felt droplets of sweat form on his forehead.

" I mean...it's good that you expressed your feelings and emotions. It's not good to keep such things bottled up." She was speaking so casually... almost like they were discussing what colour of t-shirt to buy or how lovely the weather was.

There was a crushing force on Alec's chest. He was trying to breath in but he couldn't. He'd never said such words to anyone before. It took all he had to say those words .He'd just poured out his heart and all she could say was that ?!!!

" Bu...but..."

" What? Do you have something else to say? " Gwen didn't even flinch when she replied and suddenly a wave of embarrassment washed over Alec. He felt like a stupid teenager...the way he spoke.

" If you have nothing else to say...I'll go take a bath. " She sighed as she left. Alec stayed in bed staring at the spot where she laid . What just happened?

Did he misread her? No!...He clearly sensed and saw her feelings for him in her eyes...her touch...her every action. Was he wrong ? Alec was starting to doubt himself.

" Oh my God ! " Gwen shut the door behind her and ran into the shower. She let the cold water pour over her. Her skin was burning and she was trembling. She had no idea how she kept her composure in front of Alec.

" You're so stupid ! Total idiot ! " She pulled her cheeks. What was she doing ?! Alec just confessed his feelings for her...she should be happy . Then why was she so nervous. If he loved her then she had nothing to worry about.

" He loves me..." She mumbled to herself and just the thought made her blush like a fool and then heat spread through her again.

" But..." She frowned . " I acted like a fool...What if I gave him the wrong impression ?"

" What if he thinks I don't feel the same ? "

This made her heart sink.

" What are all of you doing here? " Alec leaned against the wall. " Is this some family reunion or something? "

Alec was not in a good mood. He'd just humiliated himself...he didn't even get an answer.

" Mom , I thought you said he'd found a new girl...Is she not keeping him happy? " Ruth sniggered from the wine parlour.

" I'm sorry...I just dont quite remember asking for your opinion." Alec didnt have time to deal with his sister's nonsense.

" Alec...what's with the attitude? Did you and Gwen fight? " Freya could almost breath in the anger he was emitting.

Alec closed his eyes and massaged the skin between his brows. He was letting his emotions get the better of him.

" It's just business stress." He sighed. " If you all dont mind , I'd love to get some shut eye."

" Alec. "

Ryan's voice filled the room . He was standing by a window admiring the rain.

" Denis is dead. " He spoke without turning. " He was like family so we have to go pay our respects...All of us."

Alec wasn't that close to Denis. He just happened to be a long time business partner with their family but he didn't want to argue with his father right now when his mind was unsettled.

" Alright. Rosa will show you to your rooms. " He just walked upstairs.

Gwen had waited for Alec a long while. She had to tell him how she felt before she lost the courage she'd just mustered.

She waited so long that she eventually dozed off and when Alec came into the room , he found her barely on the bed. She was almost falling off and he dashed to her and held her. Her peaceful face made his world bright. He kissed her precious lips gently...he didnt want to wake her. He cuddled next to her and held her in his arms.

Even if she didn't say it , he was sure she felt something for him.