Chapter 68

Ella POV

Alexander knelt in front of me and took my hand in his. My breath caught in my chest as I stared at him in disbelief. We hadn’t talked about this beforehand—I wasn’t prepared. I could feel the eyes of the other diners on us, and I could already hear the whispers as they realized what was happening.

“Ella Rowan,” Alexander said steadily, his gaze unwavering. “I know we’ve only been seeing each other for a month, but it’s been the best month of my life. Having you by my side has made me feel more confident and happier. I hope you’ll agree to stay by my side as my wife.”

From the inner pocket of his suit jacket, Alexander retrieved a small velvet ring box. I stared, wide-eyed, as he revealed a stunning solitaire diamond set on a gold band and held it out to me.

“Will you marry me?”

I felt my mouth move a few times before the word finally tumbled out. “Yes.”

With a radiant smile, Alexander slipped the ring onto my finger.

Applause rippled through the restaurant as Alexander stood and pulled me into his arms, lifting me off my feet with the strength of his hug. I held on tightly, giggling as he spun me in a circle before gently setting me back down.

The people around us, mostly Alphas and Lunas who no doubt recognized us, cheered and called out their congratulations.

I had no doubt that news of our engagement would spread quickly. That was likely why Alexander had chosen this place—this trendy, upscale restaurant was a magnet for people who loved to share stories.

Then, Alexander pulled me into a kiss, catching me by surprise. I surrendered to it immediately, melting into his embrace as the world around us seemed to fade away.

His touch made my head swim, emotions surging through me, almost overwhelming. Then, someone in the restaurant whistled teasingly, and I broke away from Alexander, a blush creeping across my face.

Alexander looked amused, his eyes twinkling with mischief as he placed a light kiss on my lips before releasing me from his embrace.

“Thank you,” he said, turning to the onlookers with a charming grin.

“Congratulations!” a few people shouted.

I muttered a quick thank you, then awkwardly returned to my seat. Alexander sat across from me with a sheepish smile.

“Perhaps I should have waited until after our meal,” he said.

I laughed softly. “Maybe,” I agreed. “It’s going to feel like everyone’s staring at us for the rest of the night.”

Thankfully, the awkward moment was interrupted by our waiter’s approach. A dish was placed in front of me, the savory aroma of roasted meat and herbs filling the air. I inhaled deeply, savoring the scent.

I glanced at Alexander, who wore a triumphant smile. “Was it a good choice?” he asked, his voice teasing.

“It certainly smells wonderful,” I replied with a soft smile.

The waiter gave a polite bow before leaving us alone once more.

Alexander gestured toward my plate. “I see no reason to wait. Have a taste.”

I picked up my fork, rolling my eyes at him playfully. “You don’t need to be so smug,” I muttered. The dish was rosemary chicken with roasted vegetables. I took a small bite, and the flavor exploded across my tongue.

I set my fork down and covered my mouth with my hand, stunned. It was possibly the best dish I’d ever tasted.

Alexander’s smug smile grew. “I know you’re not a fan of the overly fancy dishes,” he said. “So, I had them prepare something off-menu just for you.”

“It’s incredible,” I said, my eyes wide with appreciation.

“So, I wasn’t exaggerating when I said I know you well,” Alexander teased. “Don’t you agree?”

“I’m afraid I must agree,” I said with an exaggerated sigh.

Alexander laughed, and warmth spread through my heart at the sound. I couldn’t help but smile back at him. I hadn’t expected the night to take this turn, but the lightness I felt in my chest was undeniable, a feeling I hadn’t experienced in a long time.

It wasn’t just because our plans were going well—there was more to it than that. Alexander had a way of making me truly happy, in a way I couldn’t quite explain.

“Wait until you see what I ordered for dessert,” Alexander said brightly.

“Does it pair well with the wine?” I asked, taking another sip of the golden liquid.

“I’m not giving you any hints,” he replied with a playful smirk.

“Fine,” I said, narrowing my eyes. “Keep your secrets.”

“I will,” he answered, chuckling. Alexander took a bite of his own food, and a comfortable silence settled between us.

I savored another bite of the savory chicken, my eyes drifting around the room. The restaurant was filled with happy couples, all engrossed in their dates. It was nice to see so many people enjoying themselves.

But then a memory of the last time I had been here flashed through my mind, and I shuddered involuntarily.

I felt that night was the first time I’d seen David’s true nature. When the manipulation and charm were stripped away, he had revealed himself as a vicious creature, ready to lash out.

Word of this engagement would reach him quickly, and I had no idea how he might react. I was already on high alert, knowing I couldn’t afford to take any chances.

As my gaze wandered around the room, I froze when my eyes locked with a pair of fierce, blue ones across the restaurant. My blood ran cold.

Lily Lake, David’s mother, was sitting at a nearby table, glaring at me with open contempt. Her expression was sharp, filled with barely contained anger.

Alpha Derrick wasn’t with her, and I didn’t recognize the other woman seated at her side, but it didn’t matter. The intensity of Lily’s gaze was enough to send my pulse racing.

I quickly looked away, my heart hammering in my chest.

“What’s wrong?” Alexander asked, his voice soft but carrying an undercurrent of authority.

“I’m fine,” I replied, trying to steady myself. “I just noticed David’s mother is here and—”

“Do you want her to leave?” he asked, his tone calm but edged with something dangerous.

I blinked in shock. “Well, yes, but we can’t demand something like that. It would be rude, and it would make us seem…”

My words trailed off as I took in the sudden shift in Alexander’s expression. For a moment, he looked like a completely different person—his usually charming demeanor replaced by something far more primal.

Without saying another word, he stood up, and his bright eyes locked onto where Lily was seated. I watched him walk to her table. As he approached her he narrowed his eyes, grinning in a way that made his teeth flash. It was more than just a smile—it was a silent warning, a subtle show of dominance.

I couldn’t hear anything being said, but he exchanged a few words with Lily. She looked up at him angrily, but after a moment her expression shifted to one of unease.

I saw her stand abruptly from her table, throwing her purse over her arm. Without sparing me another look, she and her companion hurried toward the exit, clearly rattled.

I sat frozen, my heart racing, as Alexander returned and relaxed back into his chair. The brief flash of power that had surged through him melted away, replaced by the easygoing smile I was used to.

"Problem solved," he said, his voice returning to its usual smoothness.

I couldn’t help but stare at him, torn between awe and fear. What had I just witnessed?