Chapter 106

Ella POV

“Mother,” Alexander’s firm voice cut through the silence like a blade.

Diana’s eyes flicked to him, her smile unwavering but with a glint of challenge. “Yes?”

“I trust Ella completely and your questions have gone far enough,” Alexander said, his tone commanding, laced with the unmistakable authority of an Alpha. “My relationship has nothing to do with jealousy or anything so negative. There’s no reason for you to imply such things.”

I glanced at him, confused and a little shocked. The tension between them was obvious and it shocked me.

“I didn’t mean to imply that Ella isn’t trustworthy,” Diana replied lightly, turning her gaze back to me. Her smile softened, but it didn’t reach her eyes. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to offend you. I just want to get to know you. All I know about you at this point is what I’ve read in the news, and I’m sorry to say most of it revolves around your... connection to David Lake.”

“That’s true,” I admitted softly, my voice barely above a whisper.

“Well, considering that, it’s only natural I would be concerned, isn’t it?” Diana said, her sharp gaze swinging back to Alexander. “I really am sorry—I just want what’s best for my son. It’s natural for a mother to be cautious, especially when, as far as I know, the two of you haven’t been acquainted for very long. It seems to me you’re rushing things.”

“I know it seems sudden,” I said, trying to steady my voice. “But I know Alexander is the right one for me.”

Diana tilted her head slightly, her expression calculating. “So this had nothing at all to do with revenge?” she asked, her voice quieter now, almost curious. Then her eyes widened, a flicker of surprise breaking through her composed exterior. In a softer tone, she said, “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to be so direct. I only want to make sure my son isn’t making a mistake.”

The room seemed to hold its breath, and I froze under her scrutinizing gaze. I glanced at Alexander for reassurance, but his jaw was tight, his eyes stormy as he stared at his mother.

“Oh, I’m prying again,” Diana said, her tone suddenly apologetic. “I’m sorry. Let’s change the topic to something less personal, shall we?”

“I think that’s for the best,” Alexander said, picking up his glass and taking a long sip of wine. “But only because I’ve already responded to this concern. This has nothing to do with revenge. I love Ella. It’s as simple as that.”

“Is it?” Diana asked, looking at me questioningly.

“Yes,” I replied, feeling myself blush. “We fell in love quickly, but I assure you it’s very real.”

Diana’s expression brightened. “In that case, I’m excited for the wedding. Have you gone dress shopping yet?” she asked, her eyes sparkling. “I’d love to come with you if you haven’t—it would be a great chance for me to meet your mother.”

“Oh,” I said, surprised. “No, I haven’t started yet. I’m sure my mom would be thrilled to meet you, too.”

“How exciting!” Diana said, her smile genuine. “Weddings are such a joy, and it’s been so long since I’ve been to one. There’s so much to plan—have you made much progress? I’d love to be more involved if you’ll let me.”

“I had no idea you’d be so interested,” I admitted. “I’m sorry it’s taken me this long to involve you.”

“No need to apologize,” she said, waving a hand dismissively. “As I’ve said, I understand. Sometimes things happen quickly. You’re adults—I don’t expect you to ask your parents’ permission. I’m just happy to be included now.”

Her sincerity caught me off guard. Had I misread her earlier? Perhaps her pointed questions were truly born from concern for Alexander’s well-being rather than anything malicious. After all, my connection to David had been complicated and public. It wasn’t unreasonable for her to be cautious.

Diana and I delved into wedding talk, discussing the venue Alexander and I had chosen and the style of dress I envisioned. Her enthusiasm felt genuine, and it was easy to get swept up in her excitement. Alexander chimed in occasionally, his teasing remarks designed to provoke a reaction from me. His amused grin only widened each time he succeeded.

By the time dinner ended, I felt surprisingly at ease. It was clear Alexander and his mother shared a complex relationship, one touched by the weight of their shared history.

Losing Alexander’s father had undoubtedly been a strain on them both. Alexander’s sudden rise to power and responsibility at such a young age must have made things even harder. Whatever friction existed between them, it was natural.

I decided I wouldn’t hold my earlier impressions against her.

As we moved to the living room for dessert, the tension between Alexander and Diana lingered in the air. Alexander remained polite but guarded, keeping a subtle distance. He seemed uncomfortable, his sharp gaze flickering toward his mother with a critical edge.

I told myself it was probably because of her earlier remarks, though the unease in the room felt harder to explain away.

We settled into plush chairs as the house staff brought out coffee and an elegant tray of sweets. Diana launched into an animated story about her grandmother’s set of heirloom jewels, describing each piece with vivid detail.

When she offered to let me borrow them for the ceremony, I couldn’t help but feel flattered by the gesture.

"That's generous of you," Alexander said, arching a single eyebrow.

"Why shouldn't I be generous?" Diana replied smoothly, but there was something slightly off about her smile. It seemed a little too polished, too deliberate as she turned her focus to her son.

"There’s no reason for you to be," Alexander said, his tone neutral. “I have everything handled.”

"As always," Diana said, a faint smirk tugging at her lips. "You’ve always had that independent streak—never wanted to accept help from anyone. He’s been like this since he was young,” she said, turning to me.

"I’ll gladly accept help when I need it," Alexander replied, his voice calm. “I simply don’t want to ask too much of you.”

“It’s no trouble at all,” she said.

“It would be nice to borrow something for the wedding day, I think,” I said. “Maybe another day we can look over things together.”

“See?” she said, glancing at Alexander. “I knew Ella would understand.”

Diana’s smirk softened into something resembling a real smile, but the tension between them didn’t dissipate. Alexander’s posture remained stiff, his hand resting lightly on the arm of his chair, his fingers drumming rhythmically against the polished wood.

A light knock on the door interrupted the low hum of conversation, and Alexander’s drumming fingers stilled as he turned his attention toward it. Relief flickered across his face, his rigid posture softening slightly as the door opened.

Standing in the doorway was a tall, slim young man with dark hair and wide, boyish features. Despite his sharp suit, he exuded an air of youthful awkwardness.

“Oh, Michael!” Diana exclaimed, springing to her feet with unrestrained excitement. She hurried across the room, enveloping the newcomer in a tight hug. “You’re home! Did you have fun?”

Michael’s cheeks flushed faintly as he glanced at us, clearly uncomfortable with his mother’s behavior. “I’m fine, Mother,” he said softly. “It was just two days. You’re acting like I was gone for months.”

“Yes, but I’m not used to you leaving,” Diana said, her voice thick with emotion. “I was so worried about you. It’s such a relief to have you back safe and sound.”

“Why wouldn’t I be?” Michael muttered, shifting uncomfortably in her embrace. “Please, stop fussing.”

“I’m your mother,” Diana said, pulling back only slightly to cup his face. “It’s my job to fuss.”

I glanced at Alexander, noting the slight tightening of his jaw and the way his gaze dropped to his lap. The stark difference between Diana’s welcome for Michael and the way she had greeted Alexander earlier hit me like a splash of cold water.

My heart sank as I realized what I was witnessing. Diana clearly had a favorite son.

It explained so much—the tension in Alexander’s demeanor, the clipped tone he used with her, and the guarded way he carried himself in this house. How could he not feel the weight of her different treatment?

Alexander’s expression was impassive, but the subtle stiffness in his posture told me the truth. I wanted to reach for his hand, to offer silent reassurance, but I held back, unsure if the gesture would only make him feel more exposed.

Michael, oblivious to the tension in the room, offered a polite nod in our direction. “Hello,” he said. “You must be Ella.”

I forced a smile and nodded. “It’s nice to meet you, Michael.”

“Likewise,” he said, his tone genuine but quiet. He glanced between Alexander and me, his gaze lingering curiously on his older brother for a moment before Diana ushered him further into the room, chattering about his trip.

Alexander remained silent, his expression carefully controlled, but I could read the unease in his body language. It was becoming increasingly clear that beneath his composed exterior lay scars that ran deep. Navigating things with the Black family might be more difficult than I had hoped.