Chapter 148: Chapter 149

Chapter 0149 “Yes,” I replied instantly, a thrill of anticipation sparking through me.

She looked around the room, her voice dropping to a whisper. “I mean it, Ella–absolute secrecy. If this gets out, I’ll know it was you. No one else can know.”

“Alright, you have my word,” I assured her, my heart pounding a little faster, sensing something big.

Elizabeth took a deep breath, then leaned in, her voice barely audible. “I’ve been dating Damien Rose,” she whispered, her tone carrying both a hint of exhilaration and fear.

My mouth fell open, a shock jolting through me.

I’d heard rumors that Damian had been sending Elizabeth flowers and gifts, but I hadn’t realized they were actually dating “That’s so exciting!” I said, genuinely happy for her. “But why keep it secret?”

She let out a small sigh, glancing away. “Because I’m the daughter of the king,” she said quietly, a hint of sadness In her voice.

“If people knew... there’d be so much scrutiny. And if things don’t work out, it would be a huge scandal. I like him, and I love spending time with him, but just want to take things slow. If we’ve got people following us, shouting questions, scrutinizing every little thing...

She trailed off, and I nodded, understanding completely. I got enough scrutiny over my relationships, and I was only an Alpha’s daughter. For Elizabeth, it would be a hundred times worse.

“So, tell me,” I asked, trying to lighten the mood. “What’s he like?”

Elizabeth’s face softened, a smile spreading across her lips. “He’s incredible. Kind, patient... and he plays the guitar.”

I nudged her playfully. “Sounds perfect for you. I’m really happy for you. I’ll even forgive you for blowing me off to hang out with your boyfriend.”

“Oh, you’re one to talk,” she shot back with a smirk. “You’ve been spending all your time with your fiancé.”

I shrugged, unable to suppress a smile. “What can I say? I like being around him.”

Elizabeth’s gaze softened. “You don’t have to justify it to me. When you find someone who makes you feel at home it’s hard to leave their side.”

I hated how right she was. Thinking of Alexander, I realized how comfortable I always felt around him, Or at least, I did when I wasn’t fighting against my attraction to him. Just the thought of him made me drift into a daze.

“Getting lost in thoughts of him already?” Elizabeth teased, snapping me back to the present.

“Actually,” I said, seizing the opportunity to change the subject, “I’ve been thinking about getting Alexander a gift. He’s always buying things for me, and I’d like to surprise him with something thoughtful. I just have no idea what he’d like. Maybe you could help me think of something?

“A gift for Alexander Black?” Elizabeth raised her eyebrows thoughtfully. “That’s a challenge. What do you get for a man that has everything? Nothing comes to mind immediately, but I’ll think on it. If I come up with anything brilliant, you’ll be the first to know.”

“Girls! Lunch!” My mother’s voice called up from the hallway.

“Well, that’s all the gossip we get for now, I guess,” I said, standing and moving toward the door.

Chapter 0149 “There’ll be plenty of time for more after we eat,” Elizabeth replied with a grin. “Besides, the food here is amazing. No point letting it go cold.”

“Can’t argue with that.” I opened the door for her. “Let’s get down there before they hey eat it t it all.”

+25 BONUS My thoughts lingered on Alexander as the two of us headed downstairs. I found myself wondering how different things between us would be if there wasn’t so much public scrutiny on our relationship.

I had to remind myself that we wasn’t real.

wouldn’t have a relationship if it wasn’t for the public attention. Our relationship