Please Come Back, My Love Chapter 101

Elena: POV

The moment Alexander appeared, I noticed the shift in the crowd around us. Conversations quieted. Heads turned. A group of college girls nearby started whispering excitedly, their eyes glued to him like he was some kind of celebrity.

"Oh my God, is that Alexander Sterling?" one of them hissed to her friend.

"Holy shit, it is. He's even more gorgeous in person."

"I heard he just donated like a million dollars to the marine conservation project here."

"My mom works at the hospital—she said the Sterling family basically funded the new children's wing."

An older woman walking past with her husband did a double-take. "Harold, that's the Sterling boy," she whispered loudly. "The one who's been in all the papers for his charity work."

Even the bonfire host seemed to notice, his voice faltering slightly as he continued calling out numbers.

Ethan appeared at my side, his expression shifting when he saw Alexander. The easy smile he'd been wearing all evening vanished, replaced by something I'd never seen before—wariness, maybe even fear.

"Hey, um..." Ethan looked between us nervously. "Maybe we could switch? I mean, if that's okay with everyone?"

Alexander's mouth curved into a slight smile. "But I specifically want to dance with Ms. Vance." His eyes found mine, dark and amused. "Besides, I did save your life once. Surely you wouldn't refuse such a small request?"

*Bastard.*

I felt Ethan tense beside me, but I held up a hand before he could say anything.

"It's fine," I said, stepping toward Alexander and taking his offered arm. "Let's go."

---

The music started—some old jazz number that crackled through the beach speakers.

Alexander's hand found my waist, warm and confident. I placed mine on his shoulder, keeping deliberate distance between us. But he was a good dancer, leading with the kind of effortless grace that came from expensive lessons and years of practice.

Around us, I could feel people watching. The college girls had their phones out, probably taking pictures. Even some of the families seemed fascinated by Alexander's presence, like having him here elevated the entire event.

We moved in silence for a moment, the fire casting shifting shadows across his face.

"Why are you here?" I asked bluntly.

"At a community bonfire?" He spun me smoothly. "Same reason as everyone else, I imagine."

"Bullshit. This isn't exactly your scene."

Alexander's eyes crinkled with amusement. "You'd be surprised. I was thinking about someone who used to love these kinds of gatherings. Loud, chaotic, full of life."

Something in his tone made me look at him more carefully. "Your lover?"

His expression shifted, becoming almost wistful. "I wish she had been. But no."

There it was again—that look. Like he was seeing someone else when he looked at me.

"I've noticed something," I said as he pulled me closer for a turn. "Every time you look at me, it's like you're seeing someone else. Do I look like her? This person you're thinking about?"

Alexander was quiet for a long moment, his hand tightening slightly on my waist.

"If I said yes," he finally murmured, "would you be interested in coming to my side?"

I pulled back to meet his gaze directly. "I'm not interested in being anyone's replacement."

He just smiled, but there was something sad in it. "Fair enough."

Then he leaned closer, his breath warm against my ear. "So quick to move on?" he murmured.

I leaned away, questioning him with my eyes, "Move on from what?"

"Julian." His eyes searched mine. "That ended, what, a few weeks ago? And now you're already playing house with the professor?"

*How does he know about Julian?*

I said coolly. "Do you even know who he is?"

Alexander's hand tightened on my waist, pulling me closer. "His identity isn't what it seems."

I snapped, "I don't care. What does his identity have to do with you?"

"Sharp tongue," he said, spinning me smoothly before pulling me back. "You'll find out eventually."

His eyes swept over my face, lingering on my mouth before meeting my gaze again. "I can tell you don't have real feelings for him. Have you considered coming to my side instead?"

*Here we go.*

"As what?" I asked. "Your latest project?"

"As whatever you want to be." His voice was low, intimate. "I can give you things he can't."

"Like what?"

"Security. Stability. A life where you don't have to pretend."

I almost laughed. "You think I'm pretending with Ethan?"

"Aren't you?"

The question hit too close to home. I stumbled slightly, and his grip steadied me.

"I'm not interested," I said firmly. "And I will never be interested in anyone from the Sterling family."

His eyebrows raised slightly. "Oh, really?"

"Yes." I met his gaze steadily. "That's enough reason for me to stay far away."

"I'm nothing like Julian," he said quietly.

"You're still a Sterling." The song was ending, and I stepped back. "And I want nothing to do with that family. Ever."

Alexander studied my face for a long moment, something unreadable in his expression. "Fair enough," he said finally. "But the offer stands. You still have my card, don't you? You can come to me anytime you're in trouble."

The music stopped, and I immediately turned away, making my way back through the crowd to where Mom and Ethan waited.

---

"How was it?" Mom asked, eyes bright with curiosity as I approached.

"Fine," I said, sitting down heavily beside her.

Ethan was quiet, his jaw slightly tense as he watched Alexander disappear into the crowd. When I looked at him, I could see the worry in his eyes.

"Everything okay?" he asked softly, but there was an edge to his voice I hadn't heard before.

I looked at him—kind, patient Ethan, who'd spent the evening making my dying mother laugh, who'd agreed to this charade without asking for anything in return.

"Yeah," I said, forcing a smile. "Everything's fine."

But as the evening continued, I noticed Ethan remained subdued. When Mom got distracted by a group of kids running past with sparklers, he leaned closer to me.

"Elena," he said quietly, "I don't think you should get too close to Alexander Sterling."

I turned to look at him, surprised by the serious tone. "What do you mean?"

"I mean..." He ran a hand through his hair, clearly struggling with how much to say. "Just be careful around him, okay? There are things about that family—about him specifically—that you don't know."

*Everyone keeps saying that.*

"What kind of things?" I asked.

Ethan glanced around, making sure Mom wasn't listening. "The kind of things that could put you in danger."

A chill ran down my spine despite the warmth from the bonfire. "Ethan, what are you talking about?"

"How do you know him?" I asked.