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Chapter 0244
Chapter 0244
Ella POV
“Ready?” I asked.
“Always,” Alexander replied with a confident smile.
+25 BONUS
We stepped out of the car, and before we’d even closed the door, the flash of cameras erupted like a lightning storm. I hadn’t expected such a large crowd of reporters at his event, though I’d prepared for the possibility of a few.
Alexander placed his arm around my waist, steady and protective, and raised his hand in a casual, friendly gesture toward the press. There was a barricade keeping them from rushing the sidewalk, but that didn’t stop them from shouting questions at us.
I kept a polite smile on my face as we walked slowly toward the entrance. The public’s interest in our wedding was still at a fever pitch, and most of the questions I could make out were related to that.
“Why didn’t you invite the media?” one reporter called out,
“It was a private event,” Alexander–responded smoothly. “We didn’t want anything to distract from our day.”
“Did you plan to hold the wedding on the same day as the Lake wedding?” another voice asked.
“We chose our date before we knew theirs,” I replied evenly. “It was an unfortunate coincidence.”
“How did you book the Castle?”
“Christopher is an old friend,” Alexander said with a small effortless shrug.
As we reached the entrance, we gave the press one final wave, our smiles unwavering despite the barrage of questions. The cameras continued to flash, and the reporters kept shouting after us, but the heavy glass doors closed behind us, muffling the noise and granting us a moment of peace.
We were greeted inside by a staff member who immediately recognized Alexander. The young man offered a slightly nervous smile as he said, “Welcome, Alpha Black. Your box is ready. I’ll show you the way, and if you’d like any refreshments, you can use the phone in the box to call us. We’ll have everything brought to you.”
“That sounds nice,” Alexander said graciously. “Thank you but I don’t believe we need an escort to the box. If you’ll just tell me the number.”
“Oh,” the young man said, sounding surprised. “Have you been here before?”
“Not for quite a while,” Alexander answered, his tone warm but composed. “But I don’t think there have been any extensive renovations.”
“No, there haven’t,” the man confirmed. “You’re in Box Three.”
“Perfect, thank you,” Alexander said kindly.
With his arm still resting around my waist, Alexander guided me toward a door on the right, leading us out of the reception area.
“I had no idea you spent so much time here,” I said, genuinely curious. “I’m surprised.”
“Well, it’s like you said,” Alexander replied with a small smile. “Racing suits me.”
Before I could ask more, he gestured ahead. “There’s our box.”
1/2
Chapter 0344
+25 BONUS
We entered the door, stepping into a room that reminded me of the private box we’d enjoyed at a baseball game earlier in our relationship. There were sleek cases filled with cold drinks, a phone mounted on the wall for service requests, and a seating area arranged around a table.
Beyond a glass partition, the racetrack sprawled out below us, the perfect view for the race.
At the center of the table sat a basket filled with an assortment of sweets, along with a chilled bottle of wine and two glasses. I’d arranged for these little details as part of the surprise, and Alexander’s expression made the effort worth it.
He smiled warmly, walking over to the table. Without hesitation, he picked up the corkscrew and began opening the wine. “This really is such a thoughtful gift, Ella,” he said. “I’m not sure I deserve it.”
“Is that a joke?” I asked, laughing lightly. “You’ve done so much for me lately. I had to do something to show my gratitude.”
“I haven’t done anything beyond what a dedicated lover should,” Alexander pointed out, his tone firm yet gentle. If you’ve come to expect so little from the men in your life, well, that’s just one more reason for me to dislike David, isn’t it?”
