Chapter 82

Ella POV

The air around us felt heavy after I answered Alexander's question. It was probably too much for me to admit, but it was the truth, and I couldn’t stand the thought of him—or anyone else—believing he’d taken advantage of me.

The effects of the drug had been powerful, but I’d been fully aware of my actions, and I was grateful to have had Alexander there. It was better to have someone I trusted beside me.

Alexander seemed struck by my words, though he did his best to hide his reaction. He shifted slightly on the couch, his gaze dropping for a moment before returning to mine, his expression serious. “Ella, there have been a lot of… unexpected consequences to our contract.”

I nodded, understanding what he meant. Neither of us could have predicted how deeply entangled our lives would become once we agreed to work together.

I certainly hadn’t anticipated David’s relentless interference. As difficult as it had been for me, it had also impacted Alexander’s life, something I felt responsible for.

“Yes, I agree,” I said softly. “I’m sorry about that. I understand if you feel I owe you something more to—”

“That’s not what I’m saying,” Alexander cut me off, his voice firm. “You’ve been put in a lot more danger than I could have expected, and it concerns me. If I’d been just a little bit later…”

I shuddered, a chill running through me at the thought of what might have happened if Alexander hadn’t arrived at the hotel in time. I glanced down, unable to meet his intense gaze. He’d saved me in more ways than one, and while I felt vulnerable acknowledging it, the sense of security I found in him was undeniable.

“Ella,” he said softly, drawing my attention back to him. “I’m afraid that staying with me may put you in more danger, and I can’t guarantee I’ll always be able to protect you. If the risk ever becomes too much for you, if you want out of our contract, you only need to tell me. Your safety matters more than our deal.”

I stared at him, wide-eyed. Alexander had no idea what was truly at stake—he couldn’t know the full weight of what losing to David would mean for both of us. But even so, he was willing to risk his own ambition to put my well-being first.

It touched me deeply that he’d consider giving up his competitive advantage, his path to power, for my sake.

I felt a small smile play at my lips as I shook my head. “I made a commitment,” I replied. “I’m not backing out of our contract.”

“Are you sure?” he pressed, his gaze searching mine. “There’s no guarantee you won’t get hurt.”

“There’s no guarantee that ending things would make David stop, either,” I pointed out gently. “If anything, I think our chances are better together.”

Alexander ran his fingers through his hair, exhaling heavily as he leaned back on the couch. A serious look settled over his face as he considered my words, and I could see the internal struggle in his expression.

He was wrestling with both his desire to protect me and his determination to succeed. The vulnerability in his eyes was rare, and it made my heart ache; he was a man accustomed to control, yet here he was, faced with something far less certain.

Alexander reached for my hand, his warm touch immediately calming me. His bright eyes locked onto mine, and he leaned forward slightly. “We’ll do it together, then,” he said with a smirk. “We’re a good team. We’ll make him regret ever crossing you.”

I smiled back, feeling a blush rise to my cheeks as his thumb traced gentle circles over my knuckles, a soothing warmth spread through me. I glanced down at our hands, and when I looked back up, he was closer—his eyes searching mine with an intensity that made my heart race.

The thought that he might kiss me flashed through my mind. It wouldn’t be our first kiss, but after everything that happened last night…

I felt a thrill, almost a nervous anticipation, about what it might mean now. Just thinking about the way he’d kissed me last night made my skin tingle.

I leaned forward, inviting him to close the distance between us, but just then, someone nearby cleared their throat. I jumped, turning to find my mother staring at me.

“I thought you two might like some tea,” she said, holding up a tray with steaming mugs and a selection of pastries. “I diddn’t mean to interrupt.”

“You didn’t,” I said quickly, pulling my hand away from Alexander’s.

Alexander looked at me, amusement clear in his eyes. “It’s very thoughtful of you to bring us tea,” he said to my mother, “but I’ll have to head back to the capital soon. I need to meet with my investigator and make sure things are progressing.”

“Of course,” my father said as he entered the room, stopping behind my mother. “We appreciate the effort you’re putting into this.”

“Naturally,” Alexander replied as he stood up. “I can’t just sit by while my fiancée’s attacker goes free.”

I stood beside him, feeling slightly awkward under the watchful gaze of both my parents. Alexander turned to me and leaned down, brushing a light kiss on my cheek that made me blush, causing him to smirk.

“Please let me know how your doctor’s appointment goes,” he murmured, his voice warm. “I want to be sure you’re in perfect health.”

I nodded. “I’ll call you afterward, I promise.”

“Well, since you can’t stay tonight,” my mother said, walking across the room and setting the tray on the coffee table, “you’ll have to come back for dinner sometime. We haven’t even been able to properly celebrate your engagement, and I’d like to get to know you better.” Her eyes held a critical glint as she sized him up.

Alexander, sensing the intensity of her gaze, smiled charmingly. “I’d be honored to join you for dinner,” he replied.

My mother continued to study Alexander critically, while my father placed a calming hand on her shoulder. She managed a polite smile, though it was clear her protective instincts hadn’t relaxed. “That’s good,” she said. “I have quite a few questions I’d like to ask you.”

Alexander returned her look evenly, a subtle, confident smile on his lips. “I look forward to answering them.”

I stifled a wave of embarrassment. My mother’s mistrust wasn’t surprising, given her worries about Alexander’s reputation, but I hadn’t quite expected her to be so openly wary. Alexander seemed unfazed, though, as if he had dealt with his fair share of suspicious parents.

“Let’s plan on Friday,” he said, pulling out his phone and typing quickly. “I’ll rearrange my schedule to make it work.”

My mother nodded, casting a final look of scrutiny his way. “Good,” she said. “We’ll see you then.”

"Well," I said, taking Alexander's hand in mine, "I’ll walk Alexander out." The look my father sent us as I led him to the door held a mix of amusement and relief.

When we stepped outside, I let out a breath, catching a smirk on Alexander's face. He raised a brow, glancing back toward the house. "Your mother doesn't seem like a woman to be taken lightly."

I sighed, rolling my eyes. “I’m sorry about her. She’s... cautious.”

“That’s a good thing,” he replied, stopping at the edge of the path. “Not everyone deserves trust.” There was something in his voice—a hint of an old hurt—that softened his gaze as he looked at me, almost tenderly.

“You sound like you speak from experience,” I said softly.

He looked at me; the intensity in his eyes pulled me in, filling the space between us with a tension that was hard to ignore. I felt a surge of warmth.

Without warning, he leaned in and kissed me lightly. His lips brushed against mine, bringing memories of last night flooding through my mind.

“We’ll talk soon,” he whispered, his voice low as he pulled away from me.

With one last lingering look, he turned and stepped away, walking swiftly to his car.