Chapter 0193
Chapter 0193
Ella POV
Alexander smirked slightly. “You’ve been trying so hard these past few months to present yourself as a mature, grown–up woman. It’s nice to see that childlike excitement on your face again.”
“I’m not being childish,” I said defensively, crossing my arms.
“I didn’t say you were,” Alexander replied, his voice calm. There’s a difference between childlike and childish. You don’t need to be so defensive with me–I’m not judging you.”
His words eased the tension, though I could still feel the faint heat of embarrassment on my cheeks. I managed a small smile, realizing he wasn’t criticizing me. He was just noticing me, in a way no one else had.
“Wonderful,” Christopher said, clapping his hands together and flashing a grin at Alexander. “In that case, I insist the two of you visit me this weekend. I’ll give you a private tour, and we can start planning the layout for the ceremony and reception.”
Alexander looked at him in surprise, his expression quickly shifting to irritation. “Do you know how busy we are right now?”
“Yes,” Christopher replied smoothly, “and I’m sure you don’t expect me to arrange everything on my own. After all, it is your wedding.”
Alexander rubbed his temples and sighed softly. “Fine. We’ll be there Saturday morning.”
I could barely contain my excitement at the idea of a private tour of the Castle, and it must have shown on my face. Alexander’s annoyance was puzzling, but I didn’t dwell on it for long.
Christopher stood, offering his hand to me, and I shook it automatically. “I look forward to seeing you again,” he said, his charming smile firmly in place. He turned to Alexander. “And don’t be a stranger, Alexander.”
“Try not to be so smug,” Alexander replied, raising an eyebrow.
“I’m simply in a good mood,” Christopher said with a slight shrug. “I suppose one of us has to be.”
“We’ll talk soon,” Alexander replied.
“Have a wonderful evening, Miss Rowan,” Christopher said, giving me a parting smile before turning and leaving the room.
I looked at Alexander, still puzzled by the exchange. “What was all that about?”
Alexander sighed heavily and closed the notebook he’d been writing in. “Christopher and I have known each other for a very long time,” he explained. “In that time, he’s gotten very good at pushing my buttons.”
“You’re friends, aren’t you?” I asked, tilting my head curiously.
“Yes,” Alexander replied after a brief pause. “Or at least, we used to be. It’s nothing you need to worry about. He’s just been teasing me all afternoon, and I guess it’s gotten to me.”
Icould tell there was more to the story, but I didn’t want to pry. It wasn’t my place, and I appreciated how much Alexander had already done to make things work.
“This is the perfect solution to our problem,” I said, trying to shift the mood. “And you’re right–people will want to come to the wedding just to see the Castle. David’s ittle stunt is going to backfire.”
“That’s my hope,” Alexander said, his tone softening. “But it seems you’re genuinely excited about this, which is
Chapter 0193
an unexpected bonus.”
“Shouldn’t I be?” I asked, feeling a little self–conscious under his gaze.
“Of course you should,” he replied. “I hoped this would cheer you up.‘
bit the inside of my cheek, trying to rein in my emotions. Alexander was right, of course–my excitement was obvious, and there was no reason I should feel embarrassed by it. This truly was an incredible turn of events.
“Seeing you excited lifts my mood,” Alexander said, his voice softening. “It’s nice, considering how hard we’ve both been working to make all of this happen.”
“That reminds me,” I said, the thought suddenly striking me. “Have you made any decisions about your outfit for the wedding?”
