Chapter 8
Mom entered the room with breakfast, noticing my distracted gaze on my phone. Her expression became curious.
“What’s going on? Is something on your mind?”
I merely shook my head, ignoring Beta Veronica’s messages. I didn’t trust a word from her and was desperate to cut ties with my past. Once the wedding was over, I planned on getting a new phone number. I had few friends, so changing it wouldn’t affect me much but would certainly save me from unwanted hassles.
I had just taken a bite of breakfast when the doorbell rang. Mom muttered to herself while heading to the door. “Who could it be at this
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hour? Didn’t Alpha Logan say he hadn’t left yet?”
Before long, she returned carrying a cup of milk tea. “Who ordered takeout?” she wondered aloud, eyeing the receipt with suspicion. “Elena. Elena, your milk tea is here. I’ll leave it here, but you shouldn’t indulge too much. If you want some, let the maid prepare it for you fresh.”
She placed the cup in front of me and left the room. My heart pounded as I clenched my palm. I hadn’t ordered any takeout; “Baby Elena” was the little nickname Alpha Simon used when sending surprises. But it had been ages since his last attempt. How did he even know I was back? And how had he found my address?
I dismissed the troubling thoughts with a shake of my head. Closer inspection of
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the cup confirmed my suspicions–the flavor, less ice, no sugar, was just as I liked. Inserting the straw, I took a sip, savoring the familiar sweetness that spread across my tongue. Tears welled up, surprising the makeup artist who quickly reached for tissues.
“Miss Elena, please hold back your tears! We worked so hard on the base makeup; it’ll smudge!”
Hearing the commotion, my mom rushed back in, her face etched with concern. “Elena, what’s
wrong? Are you having doubts about the wedding? Remember, you don’t have to do this if it’s not what you want. Your father thinks Alpha Logan is a good match, but we’re thriving; we don’t need to bind ourselves with a marriage of convenience. If you don’t want this, you’re free, darling. Please don’t cry…”
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Not wanting to cause further worry, I pushed my emotions aside, though my chest was heavy. The makeup artist resumed her work carefully.
“Mom, please don’t fret. It’s just the thought of leaving you and Dad that’s getting to me, but I’m fine.”
Mom relaxed, her shoulders easing. “You gave me a fright! It’s okay, sweetheart; I’ve already spoken to Alpha Logan’s family. After the ceremony, you’ll be back here for a while so that you both can acclimate to each other. Once you’re ready, and your hearts align, you can consider living together.”
Comforting in her presence, she stayed by my side as the makeup artist worked diligently. Finally, Alpha Logan arrived to escort me to the wedding. Meeting him
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for the first time, aasense offanaivaltavity lingered. He embodied a refinedneracoace starkly différent from he frivoloussheimti had conjured up in my mind: Mywathather’s’s judgment was indeed discerniging
We didn’t speak during the drive to thethe hotel. Upon arrival, he left thetoan andalton tyyny surprise, lifted me into his arms beforecventus assembled guests. Reflexively clung torto his neck, captivated by the soft curve husais mouth and feeling my heart skip a beateat.
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