Ella POV“She’s on the run,” I said, hugging my knees to my chest as I stared into the camera on my phone. “It seems she had an escape plan ready in case she was discovered.”“Naturally,” Alexander replied, his expression thoughtful. “She’d have been a fool not to. Clearly, she’s no fool if she’s ma
She sighed, her expression gentle yet firm. “I could tell you it’s not that serious, but I understand how you feel. It does seem like it’s just one thing after another.” She held out a steaming mug. “Here, have some tea. It’ll help settle your nerves.”“Thank you,” I said, accepting the mug. The war
Ella POVAt some point, I managed to fall asleep, though far too late. When my mother knocked on the door to wake me for the rehearsal dinner, I was beyond exhausted. It took several attempts for me to stir, let alone keep my eyes open long enough to respond.Somehow, I forced myself out of bed and
The voice of the man that had commanded our release was low, measured, and simmering with restrained fury. Even now, it sent a chill down my spine. At the time, the authority in those words had been inexplicable.But now, I knew.The realization struck me like a sudden bolt, leaving me momentarily b
Ella POV Alexander’s kiss was unlike any we had shared before. There was a heat, a sense of urgency in the way he held me, pulling me impossibly close against him as if letting go wasn’t an option. Somewhere near the door, I vaguely registered Michael’s startled voice, an exclamation of surprise
The rehearsal dinner wasn’t a grand event—just an intimate gathering of those directly involved in the ceremony. Our families were here, along with August, Elizabeth, Andrew, and the priestess who would officiate the wedding. “It’s good of you to join us,” Diana said with a teasing smile. “I’m s
Ella POV The next morning at the Castle, doubt still clung to me like a heavy fog. The last time I’d gone through with a wedding, I’d known in my heart it would end in disaster. This time, it wasn’t certainty that haunted me—it was uncertainty. Last night, I was convinced that I had placed the
“When you say strange things, what exactly do you mean?” Elizabeth’s expression darkened. “They seem to have ties to some very questionable people. In fact, I believe I may have found some correspondence between them and Dr. McIntyre.” My stomach dropped. “Are you saying David isn’t the one behi
Alexander POV I stared at Ella. The look on her face was teasing, but her eyes told a different story. They were dark, intent—appraising. She wasn’t just joking. At least, I didn’t think so. Her confidence when she said I wouldn’t be able to tell the difference wasn’t misplaced. It unsettled me.
Why should I be embarrassed? Alexander was my husband. This was exactly the kind of behavior expected of newlyweds, wasn’t it? Drunk, giggling, and falling all over each other—even in public. I couldn’t have planned it better if I tried. But this wasn’t a stunt. This was genuine. We’d had a wonder
Ella POV Alexander and Derrick Lake stared at each other as our waiter returned to the table, bringing our desserts. That’s when Lily Lake spoke, breaking the tension. "Excuse me," she said, addressing the waiter. "If you don't mind, could you bring a bottle of nice dessert champagne?" "Ma’am?
Alexander placed his hand over mine on the table, his touch firm but reassuring. His warning look was unmistakable, and I steeled myself, realizing who was walking toward us. "Alpha Lake," Alexander greeted evenly as the man reached our table. "Good evening, Alpha Black," Derrick replied. "I hop
Ella POV Alexander’s mood was noticeably brighter than it had been all week. His team had won the race, and as we made our way toward the car, there was a lightness in his step and an irrepressible grin on his face. "I don’t think I’ve ever seen you this happy," I teased. "I can’t remember the
Alexander POV Ella was looking up at me wide-eyed. I could tell that she was surprised by what I was telling her. I was surprised too. It wasn't something I had intended to confess yet the words came so easily. There wasn't much about my past that I had told her. In fact, as I took a sip of my d
"I suppose that’s true," I admitted. "But it’s exactly because of our contract that I felt the need to find some way to show my appreciation. You’ve done far more for me than I’ve done for you." "I’m not so sure about that," Alexander said, pouring the wine and handing me a glass. His eyes met min
Ella POV “Ready?” I asked. “Always,” Alexander replied with a confident smile. We stepped out of the car, and before we’d even closed the door, the flash of cameras erupted like a lightning storm. I hadn’t expected such a large crowd of reporters at this event, though I’d prepared for the poss
“So, are you going to tell me now what this big plan of yours is?” he asked. “Not yet,” I replied, smiling at the flicker of frustration on his face. “It’s a surprise. You’ll find out when we get there.” Alexander sighed dramatically, feigning defeat, and offered me his hand. “Well, we should ge