Chapter 228: Chapter 229

Chapter 0229 +25 BONUS The rehearsal dinner wasn’t a grand event–just an intimate gathering of those directly involved in the ceremony. Our families were here, along with August, Elizabeth, Andrew, and the priestess who would officiate the wedding.

“It’s good of you to join us,” Diana said with a teasing smile.

“I’m sorry to have caused any concern,” I replied. “I didn’t sleep well.”

Alexander pulled a chair out for me and I sat, facing Diana. Alexander sat beside me.

“That’s very understandable,” Elizabeth said. “Even without the excitement of last night, you’re going to be married tomorrow! It’s only natural your mind would be restless.”

“Yes, of course,” Alexander agreed. “After tomorrow, things will begin to settle down.”

“It all seems so fast,” Diana said, sipping her wine with a look of disbelief on her face.

“That’s how these things go sometimes,” my mother replied.

“When the goddess brings a pair together there is no need to hesitate,” the priestess spoke up suddenly.

All eyes turned to her. She was a white haired, beautiful older woman. She smiled at me knowingly, even as I felt shame wash over me.

“No, you’re mistaken,” I said softly. “We aren’t fated.”

She tilted her head curiously, then shrugged. “Sometimes the mate pull isn’t the only way the goddess brings a couple together.”

Silence fell over the room for a few moments, only broken when my father started to speak.

“We’ll have your things moved to the capital by the end of the week,” my father said. “Then, your new life begins.”

I smiled, but my heart felt heavy at the idea of leaving. I knew that I wasn’t losing my parents, but the distance would be difficult.

Elizabeth leaned in to whisper, “I can tell you’re nervous.”

“Of course I am,” I murmured back, keeping my voice low. But I’m also excited.”

“I’m glad to hear it,” she said, a fond smile softening her features. “My father will be joining us, by the way. He asked me to let you know in advance.”

A mix of surprise and gratitude flickered through me. “I had hoped he might make it, but I wasn’t going to ask. I know how busy he is. Coming to any wedding is a big deal and he already came to the last...”

“Yes, but you’re not just anyone getting married,” Elizabeth interrupted, her tone firm with affection. “You’re my friend. Of course, my father will be there.”

For a moment, I could only stare at her. The sincerity in her words warmed my heart in a way I hadn’t expected. Maybe she was right.

Elizabeth and I were good friends, and to think of her father only as a king might be a mistake. He was, of course, the king, but he was also my best friend’s father.

Still, it felt surreal, like something out of a dream, this shift from the original timeline. So much had changed. For example, my father was still healthy in this reality, a blessing I struggled to fully grasp.

1/2 Chapter 03/V +25 BONUS And then, there was Alexander a man who had been a stranger to me in the original timeline but now...

Well, it wasn’t an exaggeration to say that he was the most important person in my life.

And yet...

I knew nothing about him. The stormy look in his eyes came back to mind, and I felt the pressure of uncertainty settling over me.

He asked if I wanted to understand him, and my answer was honest. Why did if feel like that disturbed him?

Was the secret he was keeping really so bad that he felt I couldn’t accept it? I couldn’t think of anything that would tarnish my opinion of Alexander at this point.

Alexander was a mystery to me, but I trusted him.

Was it possible that was a mistake?