Share

114

Author: Starlit Ink
last update Last Updated: 2025-01-15 23:55:52
114

Alex

---

The whispers started almost immediately as Queen Eleanor dragged me out of the hall. The grand wedding celebration that was supposed to be the event of the year had turned into a spectacle—and I was the villain of the night.

As we passed through the crowd, I could hear the murmurs rising behind me like a tide.

"Isn’t that the President of the USA’s son?" a woman in an emerald gown whispered loudly, her jeweled earrings glinting under the chandeliers.

"Yes, Alexander Morgan,” a man in a sharp tuxedo replied, his voice dripping with disdain. "What a disgrace. Poor Prince Liam—having his wedding ruined by *him* of all people."

"I heard they’ve had issues for years," someone else chimed in. "Alex has always been trouble. It’s no wonder the Queen looks ready to explode."

I kept my head high, but the heat of their judgmental stares burned against my back. Every word felt like a dagger, cutting deeper and deeper into my already fragile composure.

By the time we reach
Locked Chapter
Continue Reading on GoodNovel
Scan code to download App

Related chapters

  • By Chance, By Fate   115

    115AlexThe door slammed behind me as I stumbled into the small, dimly lit room. My heart raced, fear and fury mixing in a volatile cocktail in my chest. "What the hell is this?" I snapped, shoving at the hand that covered my mouth. The figure stepped back, letting go. I spun around, my eyes adjusting to the faint glow of the moonlight streaming through a high, narrow window. "Liam?" I hissed, my voice trembling with anger. "What the hell is wrong with you? Are you out of your mind?" He stood there, his jaw tight, his eyes stormy with something I couldn’t quite place—anger, desperation, regret? Whatever it was, it only fueled my fury. "Why did you drag me in here?" I demanded, crossing my arms. "If this is another one of your attempts to lecture me—" Before I could finish, Liam stepped forward, closing the distance between us. His movements were quick, almost frantic, as though he was battling with something inside himself. "I didn’t know what else to do," he said, his v

    Last Updated : 2025-01-16
  • By Chance, By Fate   116

    116AlexLiam’s lips pressed against mine with a desperation that stole the air from my lungs. His hands cradled my face gently, but the kiss was anything but soft—it was fiery, intense, and brimming with everything we hadn’t said, every moment we’d lost. I felt my knees weaken as his body pressed closer, his warmth wrapping around me like a shield against the cold emptiness that had haunted me for months. My fingers tangled in his hair, pulling him closer, refusing to let go, as though this kiss was the only anchor tethering me to the world. Time seemed to freeze, the room fading away until there was nothing left but us—the storm of emotions swirling in his kiss and the silent confessions in every movement. It wasn’t just a kiss; it was an apology, a promise, and a plea all at once. This wasn’t like the first kiss we shared, hesitant and sweet, or the second, fiery but fleeting. This kiss was magic. It consumed every part of me, a deep yearning I didn’t even realize I still had.

    Last Updated : 2025-01-18
  • By Chance, By Fate   117

    117LiamI slammed the door shut behind me, the sound reverberating down the empty hallway. My chest burned, my breath came in ragged gasps, and my fists clenched so tightly my knuckles ached. The walls of my mind were closing in, trapping me in an endless loop of guilt, longing, and anger. I wanted to scream. Punch the wall again. Do something—anything—to stop the chaos in my head. But nothing worked. His voice echoed in my mind. *"Then go… If that’s how you feel, Liam, then go and continue your wedding ceremony with Sophia and leave me alone."* God, I wish it were that easy. I leaned back against the wall, sliding down until I was sitting on the cold floor. My head fell back, hitting the wall with a dull thud. My hands dropped to my sides, useless. What the hell was I doing? “Liam?” A voice, soft and hesitant, cut through the storm in my head. I froze. I didn’t need to look up to know it was him. Alex. Of course, he’d followed me. He always did, and I hated how much

    Last Updated : 2025-01-19
  • By Chance, By Fate   118

    118liamI straightened my back and adjusted my bowtie as I walked toward the grand ballroom. The muffled sound of music, laughter, and clinking glasses grew louder with every step. Then it hit me. I probably looked like hell. I stopped dead in my tracks, running a hand through my hair, and glanced at the reflection in a nearby window. My eyes were slightly puffy, the redness around them betraying the fact that I’d been crying. My cheeks were flushed, and there was no mistaking the disheveled state of my tuxedo. I cursed under my breath. There was no way I could walk in there like this. What would people think? This was *my* wedding, for God’s sake. I had to look the part. No one could know the mess brewing inside me. Spinning on my heel, I made a beeline for the nearest restroom, ignoring the curious looks of passing staff. Once inside, I let out a shaky breath and leaned over the sink, gripping its edge as I tried to steady myself. The bright, unflattering lights illumin

    Last Updated : 2025-01-20
  • By Chance, By Fate   119

    119liamThe evening stretched on like an endless performance, each smile I forced feeling more brittle than the last. My head throbbed with the weight of everything I was trying to hold together—the lies, the mask, the unbearable truth that I was standing here, pretending to be the perfect groom when my heart was somewhere else. With someone else. “Liam,” a voice drawled from behind me, dripping with its usual mix of amusement and condescension. I stiffened, instantly recognizing the voice. Anders. I turned to see him standing a few feet away, a glass of champagne dangling casually from his fingers. His smile was as sharp as a knife, his dark suit tailored to perfection, as if he were here to mock me simply by existing. His presence, as always, sucked the air out of the room. And then there was *her*. Clinging to his arm like a queen surveying her kingdom was his wife, Evelyn. Her emerald-green gown shimmered in the light, hugging her figure in a way that was clearly design

    Last Updated : 2025-01-21
  • By Chance, By Fate   120

    120AlexI stood there, trembling, my breath hitching as Liam’s words echoed in my mind. *This has to stop.* The finality of it crushed me, squeezing my chest so tightly that I struggled to breathe. My legs felt weak, threatening to give out beneath me, but I forced myself to stay upright. I couldn’t break down here. I wouldn’t.I turned towards the exit, wiping at the tears streaming down my face, but it was no use. They kept coming, betraying the turmoil that raged inside me. *Damn it, Alex, pull yourself together.* I couldn’t let anyone see me like this—especially not *her*. Charlotte. The thought of her name sent a fresh wave of bitterness coursing through me. My fiancée. The woman I was supposed to love, to marry. I’d made promises—vows I hadn’t even spoken yet, but ones I was bound to keep. And yet, here I was, a wreck over another woman. Over Alex. I stumbled into the nearest restroom, slamming the door shut behind me. My reflection stared back at me in the mirror, a stark

    Last Updated : 2025-01-22
  • By Chance, By Fate   121

    121AlexThe sobs wracked my body as I leaned against the cold, unforgiving wall. My mind was a chaotic mess, replaying the kiss over and over like a cruel punishment. My heart begged for clarity, but all I got was pain.“Alex?” a voice cut through the silence, low and hesitant. I froze. That voice. My breath hitched as I turned to see Charlotte standing a few feet away, her brow furrowed with confusion. “Are you…crying?” she asked, her tone a mix of shock and concern. She took a cautious step closer. I quickly wiped at my face, straightening up. “No. I just—” My voice cracked, betraying me. “I’m fine.” Charlotte tilted her head, her green eyes narrowing as she studied me. “You’re not fine,” she said firmly. “What happened, Alex? Why are you hiding out here instead of mingling?” Her gaze felt like a spotlight, exposing every raw emotion I’d been trying to bury. “It’s nothing,” I said, my voice flat. “Don’t lie to me,” she snapped, crossing her arms. “You’ve been acting str

    Last Updated : 2025-01-23
  • By Chance, By Fate   122

    122AlexQueen Ingrid's voice sliced through the tension like a blade. "Alexander!" she snapped, her tone cold and biting as she stepped into view. Her elegant gown swept the marble floor, her regal demeanor overshadowing everything in the hall. Her icy blue eyes locked on me with unrelenting disdain. "What are you still doing here? I was *very clear* that you were to leave. Your presence has caused enough trouble as it is." I froze, my stomach twisting into a knot. "Your Majesty, I was just—" "You were just *what*?" she interrupted sharply, her voice echoing through the hall. "Sowing more chaos? Disrupting this event? Do you have *any* idea the kind of scandal you’ve caused by showing up uninvited?" Before I could respond, Liam stepped forward, his hand raised as if to shield me. "Mother, please calm down. Alex isn’t here to cause trouble. We were just talking—" "Talking?" Queen Ingrid's voice grew colder as she turned her glare on Liam. "You call this talking? I call it an

    Last Updated : 2025-01-24

Latest chapter

  • By Chance, By Fate   Epilogue

    Epilogue Four months later,AlexThe day started like any other, though I had this odd sense that something was off. Liam had been unusually secretive for the past week—whispering into his phone, disappearing for hours, and giving me these coy little smiles that made me both suspicious and amused.“Are you hiding something from me?” I’d asked him over breakfast that morning.“Who, me?” he replied, his face the picture of innocence. “Never.”I rolled my eyes but let it go. If Liam had a secret, I’d find out eventually.The day passed uneventfully, and by the time evening rolled around, I was half-convinced he’d forgotten my birthday entirely.“Get dressed,” he said, popping his head into the bedroom. “Something nice.”“Why?” I asked, narrowing my eyes.“Just trust me,” he said with a grin, disappearing again before I could press him further.---An hour later, we were in the car, heading to a destination he refused to disclose. My curiosity was driving me insane, but I tried to play i

  • By Chance, By Fate   150

    150AlexMoving in with Liam felt surreal, like stepping into a dream I didn’t dare believe I could have. His apartment—our apartment now—was warm and inviting, filled with little pieces of him that I was quickly coming to adore. A framed photo of his childhood dog sat on the mantel, his collection of vintage vinyl records lined the shelves, and a faint scent of cedar lingered in the air.“Home sweet home,” Liam said, tossing his keys onto the counter as we stepped inside.I dropped my bags by the door and glanced around. “It’s still sinking in that this is real.”He grinned, pulling me into a hug. “It’s real, Alex. This is us now.”Just then, the doorbell rang, breaking the moment. Liam sighed, releasing me. “That’ll be Daniel. He insisted on helping us settle in.”“And Sophia?” I asked, half-joking. “Is she coming too?”“Of course,” Liam said, smirking. “Those two are attached at the hip these days.”---Sure enough, Daniel and Sophia arrived with bags of food and a bottle of wine.

  • By Chance, By Fate   149

    149AlexThe morning air was sharp as I stepped out of my car, nerves bouncing in my chest. Daniel was already waiting for me near the café, leaning casually against the doorframe like he had all the time in the world. His calmness was infuriating, especially since I was a mess.“Relax,” Daniel said as I approached. “You’re not going into battle.”“Feels like I am,” I muttered, shoving my hands into my coat pockets. “This isn’t just about me anymore. It’s about Liam… and Sophia, for some reason.”Daniel smirked. “You’ll thank her. Trust me.”I raised an eyebrow but didn’t press. We stepped inside, and there they were—Liam and Sophia, sitting at a table in the corner.They had come here to USA to see us and we took a rendez vous here. Liam looked as tense as I felt, his jaw tight, eyes scanning the room nervously. Sophia, on the other hand, exuded a calm confidence, sipping her coffee like this was a regular Tuesday.When Liam’s eyes met mine, I froze. The weight of everything—the lie

  • By Chance, By Fate   148

    148AlexFew days later,Daniel paced back and forth in my room, a mix of anger and determination etched across his face. His fists were clenched, and I could see he was holding himself back from exploding.“You’re not going to believe this,” he finally said, stopping in front of me.I sat on the edge of my bed, my heart sinking at his tone. “What is it?”He hesitated for a moment, then blurted out, “Charlotte’s lying. She’s not pregnant, Alex.”My stomach dropped. “What?”“She’s lying!” Daniel repeated, his voice louder this time. “I overheard her on the phone with one of her friends. She was laughing about how she tricked you into staying. She said it was the only way to keep you from running off with Liam.”I stared at him, my mind reeling. “Are you sure about this?”“Positive.” His jaw tightened. “I even recorded part of the conversation. I figured you’d need proof.”He pulled out his phone and played the audio. It was Charlotte’s voice, clear as day, bragging about her manipulati

  • By Chance, By Fate   147

    147AlexAfter everything that happened, I could barely think straight—well, no pun intended. I couldn’t shake the chaos of the past few weeks. Liam was miles away in Norway, dealing with his own mess, while I was stuck here with Charlotte, pretending like my life wasn’t falling apart.It wasn’t like I didn’t think about leaving her. I did. Every single day. The problem was, Charlotte knew how to play the game better than anyone. The moment she sensed I was pulling away, she dropped the bomb.“I’m pregnant.”Those two words stopped me dead in my tracks.“What?” I stammered, blinking at her as if I’d misheard.Charlotte crossed her arms, her lips twisting into that smug smile she always wore when she knew she had the upper hand. “You heard me. I’m pregnant, Alex. So whatever you’re thinking about doing, just stop. You’re not going anywhere.”I stared at her, my mind racing. “You’re… how? When?”She rolled her eyes like I was the dumbest person alive. “Do you really need a biology lesso

  • By Chance, By Fate   146

    146Liam After Alex left, I immediately booked a business-class flight to Norway. My head was spinning, and my chest felt tight as I made my way through the airport. The scandal had erupted faster than I could comprehend, and now everything was unraveling.The messages from Sophia, my wife, wouldn’t stop coming. My phone buzzed incessantly in my pocket, and each time her name lit up the screen, I felt another wave of frustration. She knew why I’d gone to the USA. She knew I’d gone to see Alex. But being caught? That was the part she couldn’t handle.Her last message burned in my mind: "You’ve humiliated me, Liam. Fix this. Now."As if fixing this was as easy as flipping a switch.I leaned back in my seat as the plane took off, closing my eyes in a futile attempt to relax. But the stress kept clawing at me. My mother had called too, several times. I refused to pick up. Not now. I couldn’t deal with her fury and the barrage of accusations over the phone. Whatever was coming, I’d face i

  • By Chance, By Fate   145

    145AlexI paced the room, my phone clutched so tightly in my hand that my knuckles had turned white. My breathing was shallow, and my chest felt like it was being crushed under a massive weight. The headlines were everywhere, and the notifications on my phone wouldn’t stop. Every second, there was another call, another message, another piece of my life falling apart.“Alex, you need to calm down,” Liam said, his voice steady but soft. He reached for me, but I stepped away, shaking my head.“Calm down?” I snapped, my voice trembling. “Are you kidding me right now? Do you see what’s happening? My parents are going to kill me! My dad already hates that I’m even remotely involved in politics, and now this? A scandal with a prince? God, Liam, what were we thinking?”“We weren’t thinking,” he admitted, running a hand through his hair. “We were just… feeling. And I don’t regret it, Alex. Not for a second.”“Well, I do!” The words came out before I could stop them, and the moment they did, I

  • By Chance, By Fate   144

    144Alex's POVI was so shocked to see him standing there. Of all the places, of all the nights, Liam showed up here. At first, I thought I was imagining things—the dim lighting of the bar, the soft hum of alcohol in my veins. But no, it was really him. His face, those familiar blue eyes that haunted me for years, the slight stubble along his jaw that hadn’t been there before.To be honest, I’d missed him.Not that I’d admit it, at least not right now. Not after everything. But seeing him in the flesh brought back memories I had buried so deep I thought they’d never resurface. The way he used to laugh at my stupid jokes. The way he’d look at me like I was the only person in the room. And, of course, the way he shattered me when he left.I tried to keep my composure, but my voice betrayed me as I asked, "What the hell are you doing here?"His answer was almost laughable in its simplicity. "I needed to see you," he said, as if that excused everything."To say what?" I shot back, narrowi

  • By Chance, By Fate   143

    143LiamThe moment we stepped through the grand doors of the palace, the heavy aroma of fresh lilies greeted us, mingling with the faint scent of polished marble. Queen Ingrid, my mother, stood at the foot of the grand staircase, her regal demeanor faltering for a moment as she took in our unexpected return. Her icy blue eyes, so much like mine, narrowed slightly, betraying her shock.“Liam,” she began, her voice laced with surprise. “And Sophia. Back so soon? I thought you were supposed to be in Bora Bora for another week.”I forced a smile, trying to keep my composure. “Ah, yes, Mother. There was, uh, an issue with the resort,” I said, fumbling for a plausible excuse. “Something about a mix-up with our accommodations. It wasn’t… ideal.”Sophia, ever the composed partner, chimed in seamlessly. “It was a shame, really. The resort was stunning, but the management couldn’t seem to get anything right. Liam thought it would be better if we cut the trip short.”Queen Ingrid’s brows lifted

Scan code to read on App
DMCA.com Protection Status