Chapter 220: Chapter 221

Chapter 0221 Chapter 0221 Ella POV The rest of the tasting passed in quiet tension, though I didn’t think Alexander was mad at me. We eventually agreed on a red and a white wine. Alexander filled out the form and handed it to the employee as we made our way out.

When we reached the car, he opened the door for me, placing a gentle hand on my back as I stepped inside. The light contact was reassuring, but I still kept my eyes down as he got in and shut the door.

For several minutes, silence filled the car, stretching between us like a fragile thread.

“Are you all right?” Alexander asked finally, breaking the stillness.

“Fine,” I said automatically, though my smile felt tense and unnatural.

“Oh, that’s convincing,” Alexander said, his voice dripping with sarcasm.

I couldn’t help but laugh, despite myself. “I just feel like I made a fool of myself, that’s all. I didn’t mean to get drunk.”

“You’re not really supposed to swallow the wine at a tasting,” Alexander replied, his tone casual.

My eyes widened, and I turned to stare at him in disbelief. “Why didn’t you tell me that?”

“I wanted to see what would happen,” he said with a shrug, a mischievous smile spreading across his face. “I didn’t expect you to be so flirty when you’re drunk.”

“I-” I began to argue, but the words faltered. There was no denying what had happened, and Alexander’s smug expression wasn’t helping.

“It’s interesting to note, that’s all,” he said, his smile growing as he glanced at me.

I crossed my arms, trying to hide my embarrassment. “And here I was, planning a great surprise for you, so excited to tell you about it, and you’ve spent the whole day teasing me.”

“Surprise?” he asked, his expression shifting to confusion.

“Yes,” I said with a huff, turning to look out the window. “And now I have half a mind to cancel the whole thing.

Alexander chuckled softly. “You won’t cancel it,” he said confidently. “You’re too curious to see my reaction.”

I fought back a smile, refusing to let him win so easily. “Maybe,” I muttered, but my tone gave me away.

“You don’t have to give me anything,” Alexander pointed out. “I wasn’t expecting a wedding gift from you.”

“It’s not about that,” I said, shaking my head. “It’s just something nice to thank you for all the hard work you’ve done and for always being so supportive of me through this.”

Alexander’s expression softened. “I gave you my word, that’s all.”

“But it’s not,” I argued, leaning forward slightly. “You’ve gone far beyond what our contract dictates, and I appreciate it a great deal. Neither of us could have predicted how many threats would crop up over the course of this... arrangement of ours. You would’ve been well within your rights to back out, considering how complicated things have gotten, but you didn’t. You’re always there when I call and always ready to help. I’ve never really had anyone besides my parents show that level of care for me.”

The look on Alexander’s face was hard to read, and his unwavering gaze made it difficult for me to maintain eye contact. Still, I didn’t look away. For reasons I couldn’t quite explain, this moment felt important, like it carried 1/3 +25 BONUS Chapter 0221 more weight than either of us was willing to acknowledge.

“So,” he said finally, redirecting the conversation, “what’s the surprise?”

“Well, there are a few parts to it,” I began, relaxing slightly “First, you need to go to the tailor shop and pick up the gift I’ve had made for you.”

“You’ve been to my tailor behind my back?” he asked, a smile tugging at his lips. “And I suppose he was eager to help.”

“He was,” I admitted, smiling back. “Mr. Kingsman has been very kind. He even customized my dress, as you and he recommended, to make sure it can’t be copied.”

“And he hasn’t said a word to me about any of this?” Alexander shook his head in mock disbelief. “And here I thought he was loyal. So, I go to the tailor and pick up this mystery gift. What’s the second part?”

“Be ready in that outfit by 7:00 p.m. on the Friday after our wedding,” I instructed.

“Is it a honeymoon?” he asked, his curiosity genuine. “Because I think I’m supposed to plan that traditionally speaking.”

“Not a honeymoon,” I said, shaking my head. “Just a one–night thing.”

“Friday after the wedding,” he repeated thoughtfully. “I’m not aware of any events in the capital on that date.”

I smiled, amused by his attempt to fish for information. “You won’t figure it out,” I teased lightly.

Alexander’s eyes narrowed playfully. “Is that a challenge?”

“Not at all,” I said, turning to gaze out the window, my smile widening. “You’ll just have to wait and see.”

“I don’t really like surprises,” Alexander said with a slight huff, crossing his arms.

“I think you’ll like this one,” I replied confidently. “But if I’m wrong, I guess I’ll owe you something else.”

“Like what?” he asked, a smirk tugging at the corners of his mouth. “Do I get to choose?”

“Sure,” I said, my confidence unwavering. “I’m so convinced you’ll love this surprise that if I’m wrong, you can name your replacement gift.”

“That’s a dangerous promise to make,” Alexander pointed out, his smirk widening.

“I’m not scared,” I replied.

“That’s drunk confidence,” he teased.

“Maybe,” I admitted with a grin. “I guess we’ll find out.”

Alexander spent the next few minutes scrolling through his phone, his brows furrowed in concentration. I was certain he was trying to uncover any event scheduled for the date I’d given him.

Even if he did notice the race that night, I doubted he’d connect it to my surprise.

What stood out more than his scrolling was the rare expression on his face–a genuine smile that lit up his features. Alexander’s smiles were usually teasing, mischievous, or smug, but this one was joyful, unguarded. Seeing him like that warmed my heart.

I felt a quiet satisfaction knowing I’d been the cause of it.

When we arrived back at my parents‘ house, Alexander stepped out and came around to open my door. He offered me his arm, and I took it, surprised when he linked his arm with mine and walked me all the way to the front door.

2/3 Chapter 0221 +25 BONUS ་་1 “I had fun today,” he said as we reached the steps. “I hope you did too–and that you’re not too hungover tomorrow.”

“I won’t be hungover,” I argued, scoffing at the idea. “I’m not even that drunk.”

“Good,” Alexander replied, his tone lower now, his eyes locked on mine. “Then maybe you’ll remember this.”

Before I could react to his words, he stepped forward, his hand sliding to the small of my back as he pulled me against him. His lips met mine in a kiss that left no room for doubt or pretense.

At first, I thought it might be for show–the guards were nearby, after all. But Alexander didn’t pull away. Instead, he lingered, the kiss deepening, unbroken for several long, electrifying seconds.

Before I knew it, I was melting into his embrace, my hands resting against his chest as the world around us seemed to fade away.

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