Chapter 202: Chapter 203

Chapter 0203 Chapter 0203 Ella POV The memory of Alexander’s lips against mine lingered even the next morning as I stepped into the bridal boutique. I tried to push the thought aside, focusing on the task at hand as my mother and I entered the boutique where Diana was already waiting for us.

This was a place I’d only ever seen in fashion magazines, a shop I never thought I’d step foot in. It had been entirely out of my budget the first time around, and to be honest, it still was. But I shouldn’t have been surprised –it was exactly the kind of place Alexander would choose to send us to.

First, the castle as our venue, and now this. It was clear Alexander wasn’t just planning a wedding; he was sending a message–

not only to David but to anyone who might have dared to question his position.

I was grateful for his efforts. No matter how much time or energy I put into this wedding, I could never have managed something on this level alone. He’d stepped up in a way I hadn’t anticipated, and it made me feel...well, complicated.

The boutique was empty except for Diana and the staff, a detail I didn’t miss. It was obvious Alexander had arranged for a private fitting, ensuring the dress I chose would remain a secret. I couldn’t help but feel a wave of relief.

If Amanda had stooped so low as to try to steal my dress onde, I wouldn’t put it past her to do it again. Then again, our venue selection had been private as well. There was no telling if this would truly stop her.

Diana greeted us warmly, her excitement infectious as she beckoned us further inside. The shop was pristine, like something from a dream. I ran my fingers lightly over a beaded bodice as we made our way toward her, stealing a glance at my mother’s expression. She looked as awestruck as I felt.

“Ready to find the dress?” Diana asked, her grin wide.

“Let’s do it,” I said, pushing my lingering thoughts of Alexander aside. For now, this moment was about me- and the perfect dress.

“It’s a pleasure to meet you, Mrs. Rowan,” Diana said, shaking my mother’s hand with a warm smile. “You have a brilliant and beautiful daughter. I’m sure you’re very proud of her.”

“I could say the same about Alexander,” my mother replied returning Diana’s handshake firmly. “He’s proven to be a surprisingly sweet young man.”

“I hardly think of him as young anymore,” Diana said with a soft laugh. “But that’s probably because he’s my oldest. It’s kind of you to compliment him.”

“It’s a well–earned compliment,” my mother said. “He’s been very good to my daughter.”

“I’m pleased to hear it,” Diana replied, her smile widening “And I’m even more pleased to be included in this shopping trip. I have no daughters, so I can only hope that the women my boys end up with are kind enough to include me in moments like these.”

“I’m glad you were able to join us,” I said sincerely.

Before Diana could respond, a tall, slim man in a perfectly tailored suit approached with a broad smile. He extended his hands in a welcoming gesture and said, “You must be our bride! It’s such a pleasure to meet you, and I’m thrilled to help you find your perfect dress.”

“Thank you,” I said, matching his enthusiasm with a bright smile.

1/2 Chapter 0203 +25 BONUS “Now, is this your first bridal fitting?” he asked.

1 shook my head. “No, I’ve been through the process once before, but this time I’m excited to have more options- and a bigger budget.”

“Fantastic,” he said, clapping his hands lightly. “Then you have some idea of where to start. Sometimes we get brides in here who haven’t given their dress any thought, and while that can be fun to explore, it’s also a little tricky without a starting point. So, what style are you thinking of?”