“It’s nothing like that,” Alexander said. “We had a casual relationship. I was clear from the start that I didn’t want anything more, but she did, so in the end we parted ways.”I could feel a knot forming in my stomach. “So, you just ditched her?” I asked softly, not sure if I wanted to know the an
Alexander POVI smirked slightly. “If I didn’t know any better, I’d swear you could see into the future.”An odd expression flickered across Ella’s face before she quickly lowered her gaze to her coffee. “That would be nice,” she muttered.“I mean it,” I said, watching her closely. “You seem to have
“Then the farmer’s market it is,” I said, smiling.She glanced up at me, narrowing her eyes. “Why are you smiling at me like that? Are you making fun of me again?”“Not at all,” I said, my voice softening. “I was just thinking... what a pretty puzzle you are.”Her breath hitched ever so slightly, an
Ella POVMy phone buzzed, and I glanced at the screen. It was another direct message from a young woman I had never met, someone whose name I didn’t recognize. Her profile picture showed a pretty blonde, smiling in a way that made me feel uneasy.I didn’t have to read the message to know what it wou
“It is.” I nodded. “I feel ridiculous. On the one hand, I feel like I’ve gotten to know Alexander quite well, even if it’s only been a short time. What they’re saying just doesn’t fit with the man I know. But on the other hand, I know they’re probably telling the truth. So, do I just hope he’s chang
Ella POVMy hand trembled slightly as I took the pen from Alexander. The weight of the moment pressed down on me as I stared at the long contract in front of me, its fine print blurring as my pulse pounded in my ears. I sat down slowly, trying to focus on the words, but my mind was spinning. This co
“Why didn’t you tell me sooner?” I demanded. “I could have defended you more forcefully! It’s going to be harder to win people back to your side now because of the delay.“Will it?” he asked, a slight smirk tugging at his lips. “I think if I had rushed out to make a statement immediately, it would’v
Ella POVI barely touched the tea in my hands. My nerves were too frayed to enjoy it. The idea of standing beside Alexander while he made his statement to the press felt overwhelming.Even though I wouldn’t be speaking, I knew people would be staring at me, judging my every expression and my body la
A young, bubbly woman greeted us with an enthusiastic smile. “Hello, Alpha Black. Hello, soon-to-be Mrs. Black,” she said with a giggle. “We’re so pleased to have you here today. We’ve arranged a private tasting as requested, with some snacks available as well.”“Perfect,” Alexander replied with a p
Ella POVI slipped into a flattering dress and shawl, carefully styled my hair, and applied my makeup with a steady hand, though my thoughts were anything but calm with my dream still lingering.By the time I made it downstairs, Alexander was already there, standing near the front door. He was deep
Ella POV“You did the right thing by calling me,” Alexander said, his voice steady, reassuring. “I’ll look into the number. We’ve already got heavy security for the wedding, so I don’t think there’s anything to worry about. This doesn’t really qualify as a threat—more of a warning.”“It’s just... it
As Alexander’s voice grew more tense, my unease deepened. “A meeting?” I repeated, the faint background chatter growing louder in my mind. I knew that second voice, but I couldn’t place it. Something about it made me uneasy.“Yes,” he said firmly, a trace of irritation slipping through his usually c
Ella POVI answered the phone as I walked through the upper levels of the shopping center. Alexander's warm voice greeted me, and my mind drifted for a moment to the first day we officially met. It had been in his office building, on the day this very shopping center opened.Back then, Alexander had
Ella POV“It’s a beautiful gown,” Antonio Kingsman said, scrolling through the pictures on my phone. “But is it stunning enough for a bride being married at a castle?”“What do you mean?” I asked, a flicker of defensiveness creeping into my tone. “Are you saying the dress isn’t glamorous enough?”“I
Alexander POVWedding planning was far more complicated than I’d ever imagined. How anyone managed to do this on their own was beyond me.Ella had mentioned, after I asked, that David had been no help at all with planning her first wedding. I wasn’t surprised to hear it, but I was annoyed nonetheles
The Briar Rose Pack was well-respected and prominent, and there was no reason for the Alpha King to disapprove of Damian’s interest in Elizabeth. But politics had a way of complicating even the simplest matters of the heart, and Elizabeth’s world was nothing if not political.Love, unfortunately, wa
Ella POV“The castle,” Elizabeth said for at least the third time in the last five minutes, her voice full of awe. “I can’t believe I’m actually going to get to visit.”“I can’t believe you haven’t already,” I admitted, glancing at her with a smirk. Elizabeth, the only daughter of the Alpha King, ha