“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
“Michael’s far more mature than you are,” Alexander shot back. “As if he had a choice,” Fiona quipped. “What does that mean?” I asked, curiosity piqued. “With a mother like Diana, it’s not like he had the luxury of a normal childhood,” Fiona said casually, her tone light but her words weighted.
Ella POV “How did Fiona trick you into coming out with her tonight?” Alexander asked, a teasing smirk tugging at his lips as we settled into a dimly lit booth at the warm cocktail bar up the street. Fiona kicked him under the table. Alexander winced and hissed in pain. I laughed, unable to help m
“Fiona!” I called out. She turned, her emerald-green dress shimmering under the chandelier light. The long bell sleeves and silver jewelry made her look effortlessly elegant. She smiled warmly as she approached us, a tall, broad-shouldered man with light brown hair at her side. “I didn’t expect to
Ella POV The story unfolding on the stage below was utterly entrancing. I couldn’t tear my eyes away as the scene shifted to a beautiful young woman being pursued by her raving mother. The villain’s aria was both mesmerizing and terrifying, her powerful voice weaving between anguish and fury as t
Ella POV The rest of the week was a whirlwind. News outlets hounded Alexander for comments about the king's rumored retirement, speculating wildly about his next move. Meanwhile, the hunt for Dr. McIntyre weighed heavily on my mind, especially since there seemed to be no progress. Alexander’s late
I laughed softly at my father’s teasing. “I can work hard too, you know. I just prefer balance.” “As you should,” he replied with a small smile. August smiled slightly as well, then stood and stepped away from the desk. “I’m going to give Alexander a call. He wanted an update as soon as possible.”
Ella POV The next evening, I found myself back in my home pack’s territory, sitting in my father’s office. It felt strange being here after so long, especially given the change in circumstances, but there was something comforting about it. Alexander had been unable to attend the meeting due to an
Ella POV “You’re back,” Alexander said as I walked into the apartment, his voice warm but tinged with curiosity. “Yes, sorry I’m late for lunch,” I replied, setting my bag down. “My coffee outing ran long. I ran into Fiona at the café, and we got to talking.” “That’s good,” Alexander said, watchi
A small, irrational part of me wanted to turn around and walk out, but that would be ridiculous. Instead, I stepped up to the counter and focused on placing my order: the usual drinks for James and me. I’d hoped Fiona wouldn’t notice me. No such luck. “Ella!” she called out, her voice bright with