#Chapter 25: Drunken Heart

Lauren's POV I didn’t expect him. Not tonight, not like this. Alexander. I hadn’t seen him like this, drunk and desperate, in… well, ever. His dark hair was messy, falling just enough to frame his sharp jawline, and his face was tense, the familiar brooding look I once loved now mixed with something raw. His eyes were bloodshot, too intense to meet mine for more than a second before they flickered away, his gaze distant and angry. “Lauren…” His voice was low, rough with something—desperation? Pain? “I need to talk to you.” I blinked, stunned, barely processing his words. “I need answers,” he muttered, his voice thick, almost pleading. I opened my mouth to respond, but the words didn’t come. What could I say? “How—” I stammered, my hands hovering unsure over his chest. “How did you even get here? Please tell me you didn’t drive.” “You—” He cut me off, stepping forward with an unsteady but purposeful movement, his broad chest brushing mine as he entered the threshol