Chapter 0263
Chapter 0263
Ella POV
I woke the next morning to find I was still alone in the apartment. Fear gripped my heart as I rushed out of the bedroom, hoping to find Alexander on the couch. But it was empty too.
A note lay on the coffee table, one that hadn’t been there the night before.
I picked it up, my hands trembling, and immediately recognized Alexander’s neat handwriting.
Relief washed over me as I let out a breath I hadn’t realized was holding. I took a moment to steady myself before reading the note:
I got home late and didn’t want to disturb you. I’m going to get my workday started, but if you’re free for lunch, we can talk then.
Alexander
I sank onto the couch, running a hand over my face in frustration, trying to shake off the fog of sleep that still clung to me.
This was too much.
With everything happening–the danger surrounding us, the secrets, the threats–it was unbearable not knowing where Alexander was or what he was doing
He could be hurt. Or worse. And I wouldn’t even know where to start looking for him.
If he hadn’t come back, who could I call for help? Where could I direct them to search? Did August know where he was? And if not, then no one did.
What could be so important that he had to be so secretive, sneaking off in the middle of the night?
The thought gnawed at me. He was obviously meeting with someone in secret. The only questions were who and why.
e were
I didn’t want to pry Into Alexander’s private life. Everyone deserves some level of privacy. But these extenuating circumstances.
Too much was at stake. The fate of the entire kingdom rested on his shoulders, and his reckless disappearances couldn’t continue–no matter how justified he thought they were.
We needed to talk.
I glanced at the note again. Lunch.
But what could I possibly say to get my point across without pushing him further away?
“We have to talk,” I muttered aloud, practicing the words that might come out when I saw him. There are things about me that you don’t know–information that changes everything.
I paused, exhaling sharply. Up to this point, I’ve asked you to trust me blindly, but clearly, that’s not enough
anymore.
I shook my head in frustration. I was being ridiculous. There was no way I could explain the original timeline and my second chance to him–he’d think I was crazy.
So, what other option did I have?
1/2
+25 BONUS
Chapter 0263
The thought lingered. Could I rely on the sources of information Alexander didn’t know about? I’d done it before, but would he demand more specifics than I was able to provide?
I stopped my pacing and went into the bathroom. I needed to get ready for the rest of my day.
Maybe I could tell him I was psychic–that’s how I knew everything I knew. But no, that wouldn’t work either.
I sighed, running my fingers through my hair, then stepped into the shower, hoping the water might wash away some of my confusion. Afterward, I dressed and went downstairs, trying to shake off the unease clinging to me.
James was waiting near the door as usual, a book tucked into his jacket pocket. I smiled at the sight of him. He always seemed so patient, so quiet as he stood guard, though I knew it must get boring for him waiting around for me. Yet, he never complained.
“Are you heading out?” James asked as I approached.
“Just to the cafe,” I replied, trying to sound lighthearted. ” need a little fresh air and some strong coffee.”
Hes
smiled at that, his expression warm.
“I
“Let’s get going then,” James replied with a small smile. ” could use some caffeine myself.”
The short walk to the cafe was chilly but not unpleasant. The wind hadn’t picked up yet, and the crisp air did wonders to clear my mind.
But the moment we stepped inside, all that clarity evaporated.
Standing at the counter in front of us, waiting for her order, was Fiona.
Instead of the expected flicker of jealousy or annoyance, a wave of embarrassment washed over me. Fiona likely had no idea about my prior reaction to her, but I couldn’t help replaying the memory of how silly I’d acted. The way Alexander had found the whole thing amusing only made it worse.
Chapter 0264
