Chapter 68: Chapter 68

2/2 Chapter 0068 Chapter 0068 “Okay,” I said. “Right, we focus on the future.”

“Exactly,” my mother agreed.

Suddenly, the image on the television screen changed. I looked up, shocked, as I recognized Alexander. His photo was being shown on the screen.

“What is this?” I said in surprise. Both of my parents turned to face the screen to see what I was staring at.

“Alexander Black?” my father said with a slight frown. “What’s he got to do with this?”

“I don’t know. Turn up the volume,” my mother urged.

My parents sat on the couch, their eyes glued to the screen as the reporter’s voice filled the room.

“In response to David Lake’s continued statements, more prominent members of the kingdom have begun to come forward in support of Ella Rowan. Just this morning, Alexander Black, Alpha of the Black Rock pack, made the following statement:

‘David Lake was never good enough for Ella. I believe that we all knew that. I, myself, have been interested in Ella for a very long time but have kept my feelings hidden out of respect for her relationship with David.”

My mother looked at me in surprise, but I kept focused on the tv. I hadn’t expected Alexander to make such a bold confession so soon.

The reporter continued to read out Alexander’s statement. “I had no desire to interfere with her happiness. It has become clear to all of us, through David’s continued slander and insults, that he never truly cared for Ella. In light of everything that has happened in the past month, I now feel it appropriate to be honest about my feelings. The truth is, I have been waiting for Ella all along.”

My mouth fell open in shock as I stared at the screen. I had only thought he would rebuke David. I wasn’t prepared for this.

My father turned toward me, his eyes filled with curiosity, but I couldn’t find the words. I just stared at Alexander’s photo on the TV, my mind reeling, struggling to process the shock of what had just unfolded. It was as if time had stopped, and I was frozen in place, trying to make sense of it all.

“That’s... unexpected,” my mother said, casting a glance at my father.

“Very unexpected,” he agreed, his voice thoughtful. “And maybe I was wrong to think we needed to defend ourselves. It seems Ella has allies willing to come to her defense–from very unexpected places.”

“It seems so,” my mother echoed, amusement dancing in her voice, as if she saw something more than I did.

My father turned back to me, raising an eyebrow. “I didn’t know you were acquainted with Alexander Black.”

“I’m not,” I stammered, feeling the weight of both their stares. “At least, not well. We’ve only met a few times and... barely spoken.” My voice trailed off, uncertain. (1)

The truth was, we had spoken, but nothing like this–nothing that would justify the intensity of what he had just said on national television.

My mother’s lips curled into a slight smirk. “It seems you’ve made quite the impression on him.”

“Yes,” my father added, his tone more skeptical, yet filled with intrigue. “Quite the impression.”

I could feel my pulse quicken under their scrutiny. I should’ve been ready for this. I knew this was part of the plan 1/2 +25 BONUS Chapter 0068 -Alexander and I were supposed to end up together for appearances, for political strategy. But I hadn’t been ready for the reality of it, for the world to see us this way.

Because it wasn’t real.

It was all for show. Carefully orchestrated. Just an act to benefit us both.

So why, then, did my heart race at the sound of Alexander’s words? Why did hearing him defend me in front of the entire kingdom send a shiver down my spine? Even now, with him miles away, he had this power over me- stirring emotions I couldn’t control.

I swallowed hard, trying to remind myself that it wasn’t real. But no matter how much I tried to convince myself, the truth was clear. Alexander’s words had gotten under my skin, and I wasn’t sure I could pretend it didn’t affect 1. me.