"Baby, what are you doing there?"
Xander's voice snapped Scarlett back to reality. She turned to face him, trying to hide the turmoil of thoughts swirling inside her head. "Oh, nothing, just lost in thought," she said, giving him a small smile.
He could sense that something was bothering Scarlett, but he didn't push her. Instead, he wrapped his arms around her and held her close. "You know you can always talk to me, right?" he said, kissing her forehead softly.
Scarlett nodded, grateful for Xander's understanding. She realized her mind was distracted by her plan to find her mother's family and for that she felt regret for not being honest with him.
After pondering for a moment, Scarlett decided to tell Xander about her next plan.
"Xander, there is something I wanted to talk to you about," she said, pulling away from him slightly.
Xander's eyes lit up with interest, and he looked at her expectantly.
Scarlett took a deep breath and started talking about her plan to investigate her mother. She also told him about her plans to travel to the North District after receiving the files from Rex.
Obviously, this information shocked Xander. However, he could only offer words of encouragement and support.
"Babe, I'm with you every step of the way," he said, reaching for Scarlett's hands and holding them gently. "Whatever you need, I'm here for you..."
Scarlett felt a weight lifted off her shoulders as she shared her plans with Xander. With his love and support, she knew she could face whatever challenges lay ahead in her search for the truth about her mother's past.
"When are you leaving? Can you wait for me until I finish my work here?" asked Xander. When she found her mother's family, he wanted to be by her side.
"I'm sorry Xander, but I'm leaving tomorrow..."
Xander's heart sank slightly at the thought of Scarlett leaving so soon, but he knew he couldn't ask her to delay her search. "Of course, I understand," he said, trying to keep his voice steady. "But promise me you'll be careful and keep in touch with me."
Scarlett nodded, feeling a pang of guilt for leaving Xander behind. She wished he could come with her, but she knew he had responsibilities that couldn't be ignored. "I promise," she said, touching his cheek. "And don't worry, I have Logan with me. We'll be fine."
Xander forced a smile, but he was filled with worry and doubt inside. He didn't like the idea of Scarlett traveling alone, even with Logan by her side. "Just be careful," he said again, his voice barely above a whisper.
Scarlett leaned in and kissed him softly on the lips. "I will," she said.
...
After they enjoy their dinner, Xander pulls Scarlett to sit on the sofa, his eyes on her as he speaks, "Baby, let's enjoy our time together tonight... how about we watch a movie?"
Scarlett nodded and sat beside him. But then, something crossed her mind remembering Xander's words.
"Xander, what were you doing in your study room earlier?" She asked, her voice laced with concern.
Xander took a deep breath and looked into her eyes. And for the second time, he said, "I'm sorry, Scarlett. I feel like I haven't been your best husband lately..."
Scarlett's heart tenses, "Xander, you've always been a great husband to me..."
Xander smiled and pulled Scarlett close to him. They sat on the sofa, their bodies touching and their warmth enveloping them. Xander whispered in her ear, "I just want to make sure we have a special night together before you leave."
Scarlett's heart fluttered, feeling grateful for his love and affection.
Xander took a small box resembling a business card holder from his pocket. He gave it to Scarlett with an air of mystery. "Babe, take it!"
Scarlett raised an eyebrow, curiosity piqued. "What's this?" she asked, her voice tinged with suspicion.
A grin appeared on Xander's face. "Open it and see for yourself, babe," he replied, placing the box in her hands. Then, he returned to watch the TV, scrolling through the movie selection.
She hesitated for a moment, eyeing the box warily. With a deep breath, she slowly popped open the lid. Her eyes widened in surprise as she saw a sleek black card inside.
Scarlett's gaze moved from the black card to Xander's face, confusion etched on her face. "Why are you giving me this card?" she asked.
Xander met her gaze, a warm smile tugging at the corners of his lips. "Because you're my wife," he said. "And it's my way of showing you that I love and trust you completely!"
Scarlett's heart swelled with affection at his words. She opened her mouth to speak, but Xander spoke first, "Scarlett Piers, My pretty wife... from now on, you're not allowed to use your own money," he stopped when he saw her widen her eyes in surprise.
"..." Scarlett.
After a few moments, Xander continued. "This card is linked to my paycheck, so feel free to spend as much as you need."
Scarlett was rendered speechless by his generosity. She didn't know what to say, but the thought of refusing the card never even crossed her mind — She needed a lot of money for her unusual hobby.
Scarlett carefully placed the black card back into the box before turning to face Xander again.
"Xander, I appreciate the gesture, and I'll use your card, but there's something you should know," She said, her voice wary.
Xander raised an eyebrow, his expression puzzled. "What is it?" he asked.
Scarlett hesitated for a moment before speaking. "Well, I have a bit of a... unique hobby," she began, her eyes twinkling mischievously. "And I'm afraid it might drain your bank account. Are you sure you're willing to give me this card?"
Xander's confusion was evident by the look on his face. But he couldn't help but chuckle at Scarlett's words. "Baby, I think I can handle it," he replied, a playful glint flashing through his eye. "Besides, what's the point of having money if we can't enjoy it?"
Scarlett laughed happily and threw herself into Xander's arms. "You're too sweet, hubby! I like you more and more every day!"
After a moment of comfortable silence, Xander spoke up again. "So, what kind of hobbies do you have, my pretty wife?" he inquired, curious.
Scarlett's eyes sparkled mischievously. "Well, I'm a restaurant collector," she announced with a grin.
Xander's expression shifted to one of confusion. "A restaurant collector? What kind of hobby is that?" he asked, bewildered.
