Chapter 126

Ella POV

The memory of Alexander's lips against mine lingered even the next morning as I stepped into the bridal boutique. I tried to push the thought aside, focusing on the task at hand as my mother and I entered the boutique where Diana was already waiting for us.

This was a place I’d only ever seen in fashion magazines, a shop I never thought I’d step foot in. It had been entirely out of my budget the first time around, and to be honest, it still was. But I shouldn’t have been surprised—it was exactly the kind of place Alexander would choose to send us to.

First, the castle as our venue, and now this. It was clear Alexander wasn’t just planning a wedding; he was sending a message—not only to David but to anyone who might have dared to question his position.

I was grateful for his efforts. No matter how much time or energy I put into this wedding, I could never have managed something on this level alone. He’d stepped up in a way I hadn’t anticipated, and it made me feel…well, complicated.

The boutique was empty except for Diana and the staff, a detail I didn’t miss. It was obvious Alexander had arranged for a private fitting, ensuring the dress I chose would remain a secret. I couldn’t help but feel a wave of relief.

If Amanda had stooped so low as to try to steal my dress once, I wouldn’t put it past her to do it again. Then again, our venue selection had been private as well. There was no telling if this would truly stop her.

Diana greeted us warmly, her excitement infectious as she beckoned us further inside. The shop was pristine, like something from a dream. I ran my fingers lightly over a beaded bodice as we made our way toward her, stealing a glance at my mother’s expression. She looked as awestruck as I felt.

“Ready to find the dress?” Diana asked, her grin wide.

“Let’s do it,” I said, pushing my lingering thoughts of Alexander aside. For now, this moment was about me—and the perfect dress.

"It’s a pleasure to meet you, Mrs. Rowan," Diana said, shaking my mother’s hand with a warm smile. "You have a brilliant and beautiful daughter. I’m sure you’re very proud of her."

"I could say the same about Alexander," my mother replied, returning Diana’s handshake firmly. "He’s proven to be a surprisingly sweet young man."

"I hardly think of him as young anymore," Diana said with a soft laugh. "But that’s probably because he’s my oldest. It’s kind of you to compliment him."

"It’s a well-earned compliment," my mother said. "He’s been very good to my daughter."

"I’m pleased to hear it," Diana replied, her smile widening. "And I’m even more pleased to be included in this shopping trip. I have no daughters, so I can only hope that the women my boys end up with are kind enough to include me in moments like these."

"I’m glad you were able to join us," I said sincerely.

Before Diana could respond, a tall, slim man in a perfectly tailored suit approached with a broad smile. He extended his hands in a welcoming gesture and said, "You must be our bride! It’s such a pleasure to meet you, and I’m thrilled to help you find your perfect dress."

"Thank you," I said, matching his enthusiasm with a bright smile.

"Now, is this your first bridal fitting?" he asked.

I shook my head. "No, I’ve been through the process once before, but this time I’m excited to have more options—and a bigger budget."

"Fantastic," he said, clapping his hands lightly. "Then you’ll have some idea of where to start. Sometimes we get brides in here who haven’t given their dress any thought, and while that can be fun to explore, it’s also a little tricky without a starting point. So, what style are you thinking of?"

"Well, I want to try something a bit different this time," I said thoughtfully. "What can you show me in a princess cut?"

The man’s eyes lit up. "Princess gowns? Excellent choice!" He turned to my mother and Diana, gesturing for them to follow him. "Ladies," he said with a flourish, "if you’ll come with me, I’ll show you the section where we keep our princess-style dresses. I’d love for each of you to pick a few that you think will suit our bride, and we’ll go from there."

"How fun!" Diana said, clearly delighted.

The next hour passed in a blur of laughter and warm compliments. It was nothing like the first time my mother and I had done this—when Amanda had been snide and pouting the entire time.

Diana, in stark contrast, seemed genuinely enthusiastic. She complimented my figure and my smile as I tried on each dress, and I was surprised to find that it was her pick I ended up liking the most.

The gown was a stunning princess-style dress with a delicate lace train and a sweetheart neckline, which I paired with a long veil. As I turned from the mirror, a thrill of excitement coursed through me—the kind I hadn’t felt the first time.

“What do you think?” I asked, looking at my mother hopefully.

She studied me seriously for a moment before a wide smile broke across her face. “I think it’s perfect,” she said happily. “You really do look like a princess.”

“Or a movie star,” Diana added. “I just knew that one would suit you. Not that the others haven’t, but I think this one is especially good.”

“I agree,” my mother said. “I think we’ve found the dress.”

“I always love when we have success on the first day,” the consultant said, looking me over approvingly. “Why don’t you get changed back into your regular clothes, and I’ll start writing up your order.”

“Okay,” I replied, smiling at Diana. “Will you text Alexander and let him know we’ll be heading to the restaurant soon?”

“Of course, dear,” she said warmly.

My mother pulled out her phone to snap a few photos of me in the dress. “You’ll need these to show the tailor,” she explained. “They’ll help him design Alexander’s outfit.”

Once she had taken a few pictures, I headed back to the changing room.

I had such a wonderful time that I began to wonder if I had misunderstood Diana the last time we’d spoken. She seemed so genuinely happy for Alexander and me, and the way she interacted with my mother made it clear she cared deeply about her family.

Perhaps I’d been overly paranoid that day, reading too much into her concern. Guilt pricked at me, and I thought I might owe her an apology in some way. But considering she had no idea I’d even been upset, bringing it up now would probably seem silly.

All my good feelings vanished as I made my way back from the dressing room. Coming down the hallway, I couldn’t help but overhear Diana speaking to my mother. I wasn’t trying to eavesdrop, but her voice carried clearly.

“I don’t mean to speak poorly of my own son—I’m sure you understand,” Diana said. “It’s just that Alexander has such a colorful history with women.”

“Ella assured me those were just rumors,” my mother replied firmly.

“Oh yes, of course,” Diana said lightly. “There will always be rumors about wealthy, attractive men. But... well, there’s a history of behavior with him. He’s had his struggles—I’ll just put it that way.”

Anger surged through me at Diana’s words. My fists clenched at my sides as I stormed down the hall toward them. I wasn’t going to let her get away with talking about Alexander like that—not anymore.