Chapter 0021
+25 BONUS
The soft strains of a live orchestra mingled with the hum of voices and the clink of champagne glasses. Servers in crisp black–and–white uniforms moved through the crowd their trays gleaming with liquid jewels.
It was all… excessive. I couldn’t help but feel how excessive this was, even for Alexander.
As we entered, conversation paused, and every eye turned our way. The scrutiny felt like a spotlight. My arm tightened around Liam’s, his presence grounding me as I fought the urge to squirm under their gaze.
He leaned in, his voice low and soothing. “Hey, my arm needs circulation, you know. You look stunning. Relax.”
His words, simple but sincere, sent warmth through me.
“Thanks,” I replied, keeping my eyes ahead as we moved deeper into the crowd.
Liam and I separated as I stepped to the side, letting him mingle with others. People approached me, their interest clear, but I deflected with polite smiles. I wasn’t here for small talk. I had a mission.
Then they arrived like a storm sweeping into the already tense room. The air seemed to shift as Alexander and Sophia entered, radiating charm and poise, as if the ballroom had been designed for them.
Alexander’s dark hair was slicked back, a few strands rebellously framing his forehead. His tailored coat billowed behind him, his tall frame casting a shadow over the crowd.
Sophia, always poised, followed at his side, Her dark lace dress trailed behind her, clinging to her curves in all the right places. Her crimson hair was swept into a high bun, adorned with a floral accent, completing the picture of grace and control.
Together, they were a force–one that drew every eye in the room as they crossed the threshold. The whispers rippled through the crowd like a gust of wind.
“They’re perfect together,” someone murmured nearby, the envy clear in their tone. “I heard Alexander bought a hospital just because Sophia didn’t like it,” another added, their voice dripping with awe. “He must be head over heels for her.”
Each comment was a tiny dagger, slicing deeper than I wanted to admit. But I lifted my chin and kept my expression neutral. Let them talk.
“Lauren?” Sophia’s voice cut through the air. She had separated from Alexander, her sickly sweet voice filled with just enough edge to make it clear she wasn’t here for pleasantries.
I turned slowly, my smile polite but distant, my gaze locking on hers. She looked as flawless as ever, hugging her like it was custom–made to match her superiority complex.
her dress
“Oh, I’m sorry,” she said, her tone dripping with mock concern as her eyes swept over me from head to toe. “For a moment, I thought you were someone else. You look so much like the former Luna. Of course, she’s dead now.”
I almost chuckled but held it back, letting only a smile escape–just a shade too sharp, enough to cut without a
word.
She leaned closer, her voice lowering, the mask slipping just enough to reveal the venom underneath. “Even if she was back,” she said, almost hissing, “it doesn’t change anything. Alexander is mine.”
I tilted my head, feigning confusion, and replied with a bitter sweetness to match hers. “Oh, my lady, I mean no disrespect with this–since this is our first meeting–but why hasn’t he married you yet?” I let the question hang in the air just a moment too long before adding with a pointed smile, “Do be sure to send me an invitation when he finally does. I’ll attend with a thoughtful gift.”
(R) +25 BONUS
Her expression twisted, the crack in her composure so brief almost missed it. But before she could fire back, Alexander appeared..
“Is there a problem?” His voice was calm, almost indifferent, but the way his gaze flicked between us made it clear he hadn’t missed the tension.
My stomach tightened, a fluttering ache that brought memories of our last meeting rushing back, lingering on my lips like an unspoken secret.
Sophia latched onto his arm like she’d been waiting for this moment, her demeanor softening into something demure and helpless. “Not at all,” she said quickly, her smile sweet but brittle. “I was just chatting with Dr. Ava. She’s so gracious–she even said she’d come to our wedding.”
Her words were a trap, designed to bait me into lashing out but I stayed silent. Alexander’s eyes met mine, sharp and searching, and for a moment, the room seemed to fade away.
But when a hand slid over my waist from behind, it was as my whole body had been plunged into cold water- reality crashing back in, sharp and sudden.
Liam’s presence was immediate, a shield behind me, steady and unwavering. His arm slid around my waist, a casual possessiveness, but there was something deliberate about it–quiet, but protective, like a promise in the space between us.
‘Alpha Alexander,” Liam said smoothly, his grin effortless, though a challenge simmered beneath his tone. What a pleasure.”
Alexander tilted his head, offering a small, clipped nod. “Liam.” His voice was sharp, almost biting.
Liam smirked, locking his icy blue gaze with Alexander’s dark one. “May I inquire–what exactly were you and my fiancée discussing?”
+25 BONUS
Chapter 0022
