Chapter 49

Perking up, Alicia playfully quipped with a smile, "I didn't expect you to show up until tomorrow night."

Tobias reached out to tuck a strand of hair that clung to her cheek behind her ear, then winked and remarked, "You know I can make the journey in half the time it took you. That's why I allowed you to leave early."

"Shut up, Speed Racer!" Alicia gasped, playfully turning her head away from him. Noticing her father and stepmother still in a state of shock, she introduced them, saying, "Dad, this is Tobias. Tobias, they're..."

Without waiting for Alicia to finish her introduction, Tobias furrowed his brow and leaned in to kiss her lips once again, effectively silencing her. His tone carried a hint of displeasure as he remarked, "Babe, this morning you were calling me 'darling.' Now, just because I'm an hour late, you're addressing me as Tobias." Though his voice remained restrained, it resonated clearly throughout the room, ensuring everyone heard his words.

Observing how fond Tobia