Chapter 0140 Ella POV The days between discovering Davidâs engagement and attending his event stretched out painfully slowly, a strange stillness settling over everything. My parents watched me closely, waiting for signs of heartbreak or distress.
They expected me to be hurt, maybe even devastated, by the news. But the truth was, I wasnât. The initial shock had faded quickly. I should have seen this coming after all, David had chosen Amanda in the original timeline. It only made sense that he would choose her again.
I tried to reassure my parents, telling them I wasnât sad about David getting married. I had moved on, too; after all, I was now engaged to Alexander.
But the one thing that truly unsettled me was the thought of seeing David and Amanda together. I hadnât faced them both since exposing their betrayal on our wedding night, and I wasnât sure how I would feel. Anger? Sadness? My own reaction felt like a mystery.
Iâd agreed to attend the event only because Alexander would be by my side. I trusted him to protect me, just as he had so many times before.
The event was tonight, which was why Iâd made the trip to the capital to meet Alexander so we could arrive together. Alexander insisted we make a strong entranceâenough to shift some of the spotlight off David. Reminding people of the scandals surrounding him could help keep his reputation in check.
When I reached the top floor of Alexanderâs building, I knocked, and the door opened almost instantly. Alexander stood there, smiling as he stepped aside to let me in.
âYouâre early,â he said with a soft chuckle, closing the door behind me.
er all, I have no âI wasnât sure how long it would take us to get ready,â I replied, glancing around the room. âAfter idea what you had in store for me.â
His eyes sparkled. âYou suspected something, though.â He gestured to a garment bag hanging nearby. âAnd you were right. I bought you an outfit for tonight.â
I raised an eyebrow. âI have plenty of nice clothes, and Iâm capable of buying new ones. You donât always have to spoil me.â
âOf course I do,â he replied smoothly, a glint of mischief in his gaze. âYouâre my fiancée. People would think I was cold if I didnât ensure you had all the finest things.â
âI donât see how that would make you cold,â I said with a laugh. âBut I do appreciate your gifts. You have a very good eye for fashion.â
He smirked slightly. âNot fashion, exactlyâI simply know which dresses look good on you.â He stepped closer, his voice dropping to a playful murmur. âI believe Iâve told you beforeâIâm very observant.â
My cheeks warmed as memories of him seeing me trying on wedding gowns flashed back. I managed a smile, but his intense gaze made my heart skip.
âI donât know how you find the time to shop so much,â I said, hoping to steer the conversation away from his teasing.
âWell, I do own a shopping center,â he replied, a hint of amusement in his tone. âItâs easy to pick up a few things while Iâm checking in on the business.â
1/3 Chapter 0140 I laughed softly. âI hadnât thought of that.â
âWhen youâre ready, you can get changed,â he said, gesturing toward the garment bag. âFeel free to use my bedroom for privacy.â
At the mention of his bedroom, a warmth crept up my cheeks as memories from the night weâd spent together flickered in my mind. Before I could respond, Alexander cleared his throat, his expression turning serious.
âActually, before that, thereâs a small matter Iâd like to discuss with you.â
âOf course,â I said, curious. âWhat is it?â
He paused, his gaze thoughtful. âI hope Iâm not overstepping, but Iâd like to strongly suggest that you allow one of my doctors to examine you.â
âIâm not opposed to it,â I replied, frowning slightly. âBut why do you bring it up?â It seemed like a strange thing for him to suddenly suggest.
âWith our suspicions about a member of your packâs medical team working for David, it seems wise to get a second opinion,â he said gently. âEspecially on something as crucial as your health and finding the best way to restore your wolf.â
I stared at him, his words sinking in. It hadnât even crossed my mind that Dr. Bowmanâs advice could have been influenced by the spy from my pack. The realization unsettled me, but Alexanderâs steady gaze reminded me he was watching out for me.
âThatâs perfectly logical,â I said, forcing a smile. âOf course, Iâll meet with one of your doctors.â
Alexander smiled, visibly relieved. âIâm glad to hear it.â
âWell, we might as well get ready. No sense in putting things offâitâs a long drive to Lunar Lake,â I said. I glanced at the garment back that lay on the couch. I was curious to see what heâd picked out this time.
âI agree,â he replied, going to pick up the garment bag along with a small, teal gift bag I hadnât noticed before. He brought them to me, and I accepted both with a grateful smile.
âIt wonât take me long to change,â Alexander said. âWhy donât you go ahead and use the bedroom first?â
âThanks,â I said, feeling a touch awkward as I made my way to his bedroom. My heart thundered as memories of the last time Iâd been in this room flooded back.
Sleeping together had been a mistake, yet one I couldnât bring myself to regret. Though our relationship was supposed to be strictly business, I could no longer deny the feelings that were growing within me.
But I could still control myselfâand that was what mattered.
Closing the door behind me, I laid the garment bag on the bed and opened the gift bag, curiosity getting the better of me. Inside was a delicate gold necklace, adorned with a roseâshaped charm, along with matching earrings.
1 smiled, touched that Alexander had remembered my favorite flower. It was a small detail, but one that would make David furious if he noticed.
Next, I carefully unzipped the garment bag to reveal the gown within. It was a sleek amethystâpurple dress, simple in design but stunning in its silhouette.
Before I even tried it on, I could tell it would perfectly complement my figure. Alexander truly had an eye for detail, as he often claimed, The thought of him picturing me in this dress as he selected it flashed through my mind, and I blushed, quickly 2/3 +25 BONUS Chapter 0140 shaking it off. I needed to get dressed, fix my hair and makeup. This wasnât just another dateâit was a statement. Tonight, Alexander and I would remind David exactly who He was dealing with. If he thought he could simply move on unscathed, he was sorely mistaken. It might not be wise to provoke David now, but it was necessary. The kingdomâs future could depend on revealing his true character.
As much as I dreaded seeing David and Amanda together, that was exactly what I was going to do. But this time, I wouldnât be facing it alone. Alexander would be right there beside me.
Taking a steadying breath, I began to undress, a sense of resolve filling me. I didnât have to face this aloneânot dateâit was a statement. Tonight, Alexander and I would remind David exactly who He was dealing with. If he thought he could simply move on unscathed, he was sorely mistaken. It might not be wise to provoke David now, but it was necessary. The kingdomâs future could depend on revealing his true character.
As much as I dreaded seeing David and Amanda together, that was exactly what I was going to do. But this time, I wouldnât be facing it alone. Alexander would be right there beside me.
Taking a steadying breath, I began to undress, a sense of resolve filling me. I didnât have to face this aloneânot anymore.