Ella POV Antonio Kingsman, a tall, slim man with a head of striking white hair and pronounced smile lines, entered the reception area with an air of quiet confidence. His sharp suit and polished demeanor made it clear why he was so sought after. He extended a hand toward me, his warm smile putti
“We don’t know for sure that he doesn’t,” I replied, trying to sound unconcerned. “He might have gotten one from somewhere else, or maybe he’s planning to wear something with sentimental value. I don’t know.” “That’s not out of the question, I guess,” Elizabeth said, though she sounded doubtful. “
Ella POV Alexander turned toward the doorway, his expression brightening as he saw me. “Here she is,” he said warmly. The man beside him turned as well, his sharp gaze sweeping over me in a way that felt both calculating and appraising. Then his lips curved into a charming smile as he approached
Known to the public simply as the Castle, it was a legendary estate—larger and more opulent than any other property in the kingdom. Its historical significance was unparalleled, rumored to have once been the Alpha King’s residence before the capital was relocated. It had fallen into direpair over
Ella POV Alexander smirked slightly. “You’ve been trying so hard these past few months to present yourself as a mature, grown-up woman. It’s nice to see that childlike excitement on your face again.” “I’m not being childish,” I said defensively, crossing my arms. “I didn’t say you were,” Alexa
Alexander looked momentarily surprised by the question but recovered quickly. “No, I haven’t put much thought into it yet,” he admitted. “As I’ve said before, I want your input. I think it would be best if we chose your dress first, and then I can find a suit to complement it.” “I suppose that mak
Ella POV I stepped out of the car, and the expression on my mother’s face hardened instantly. She looked angry—furious, even—and I couldn’t imagine what I’d done to deserve it. My mind raced as I walked toward her, trying to figure out the reason for her mood. Then it struck me. My stomach dropp
"It does seem like you’ve been busy every minute of the day," she said, a hint of sadness in her tone. "We’ve hardly had a chance to talk." "Oh, that reminds me," I said, seizing the moment. "As long as we have a chance now, I wanted to ask you about dress shopping." "Oh?" she said, raising an e
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
Ella POV I didn’t know how long I cried as my mother rubbed my back and whispered comforting words, but it must have been a while. By the time I managed to pull myself together, we were already home. My emotions still felt raw, but I excused myself and went upstairs to my room. Sadness gave way
“He certainly would,” I agreed. A text notification chimed on my phone, and Alexander’s name lit up the screen. I opened the message immediately. Alexander: She had fun. Thank you. Me: You’re welcome. Alexander: Do you really love the dress you chose today? Me: It’s very nice. Alexander:
Ella POV Our goodbyes with Diana were polite, but the relief on my mother’s face was palpable the moment the car pulled away from the curb. Her smile faded, replaced by a serious expression that made my stomach twist uneasily. Just yesterday, she had seemed so fond of Alexander, and now it felt
It had been a situation I couldn’t easily escape, nothing more. My mother knew that, and so did Alexander, so Diana’s remark didn’t sting as she probably intended. Still, Alexander’s jaw tightened slightly as he turned back to me, and I gave him a reassuring smile. This was one battle I wasn’t abo
Ella POV By the time we arrived at the restaurant, I felt almost sick with anxiety over the conversation I’d have to have with Alexander. I couldn’t even imagine one of my parents speaking about me with the level of suspicion that Diana showed toward Alexander. The thought alone was enough to le
I knew it wasn’t going to happen again. The kidnapping had most likely been Amanda’s doing, even though I’d never been able to prove it. This time, there was no betrayal lurking among us. My mother had arranged everything, and we were perfectly safe. But logic couldn’t stop the fear that gripped