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“I suppose that’s true,” I admitted. “But it’s exactly because of our contract that I felt the need to find some way to show my appreciation. You’ve done far more for me than I’ve done for you.”
“I’m not so sure about that,” Alexander said, pouring the wine and handing me a glass. His eyes met mine, a flicker of warmth softening his features. “I think you’ve helped me more than you realize. But we’ll soon find out if we’re right–especially with the election race beginning soon.”
I tilted my head, puzzled. “I’m not sure what you mean. There were a few moments of scandal with the women who came forward about you, but that’s all been handled. And you’ve used your resources to protect me, repeatedly… Even when David…”
At the mention of the incident, a shadow crossed Alexander’s face. He shook it off quickly, taking a measured sip of his wine before speaking again.
“There’s a lot more to my past and reputation than you might know,” he said thoughtfully. “For example, why do you think I know this racetrack so well?”
“I assumed you’ve had business meetings here,” I replied, recalling how he’d once used a baseball field for networking.
Alexander shook his head, a wry smile playing on his lips. “When I was young, before my father died, I was an amateur racer. Even after he passed, I continued to race under an assumed name. The thrill of it–the adrenaline it made me feel alive when nothing else did. I didn’t want to give it up.”
I stared at him, trying to imagine the ever–composed Alexander chasing danger on the racetrack.
“I’m sure you can imagine,” he continued, “that this was… problematic. For the son of an alpha, and later, an alpha himself. Not just because racing is dangerous, but because of the disreputable opinions many people have about it.”
“But I’ve never heard that about you,” I said, disbelief lacing my voice. “When I tried looking into your past to get ideas for this surprise, nothing about racing came up.”
“My mother did everything she could to hush it up,” Alexander said, staring into his wine glass. “It was an embarrassment to her.”
“That’s a bit harsh,” I replied, frowning.
“No,” he said with a soft sigh, “it’s completely understandable. The pack was going through an incredibly difficult time, and my behavior was putting our reputation at risk. It was selfish of me.”
“I’m sorry you had to give it up,” I said earnestly. “I can tell it meant a lot to you.”
Alexander looked at me, his emotions laid bare for a fleeting moment before his ever–charming smile slid back into place. “It did mean a lot to me once,” he admitted. “But I’ve grown up since then–matured, much like you have. I’ve realized that taking care of my pack is more important than anything else.”
I nodded, though his words made me feel profoundly sad. Alexander had sacrificed the things he loved most to step up for his family, yet what had he truly gained? A sterling reputation? Fans?
He worked tirelessly, and yet his mother still favored his younger brother.
Life had been unkind to him, and he hid it so well. I couldn’t help but wonder what else he kept locked away— what secret had he been on the verge of confessing to me the night of our rehearsal dinner?
Now wasn’t the time to bring it up, but I hadn’t forgotten. Eventually, I would have to ask him. I needed to
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Chapter 0245
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understand the parts of Alexander he still kept hidden, the truths that even his captivating smile couldn’t conceal.
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