Chapter 0248
Chapter 0248
+25 BONUS
Alexander placed his hand over mine on the table, his touch firm but reassuring. His warning look was
unmistakable, and I steeled myself, realizing who was walking toward us.
“Alpha Lake,” Alexander greeted evenly as the man reached our table.
“Good evening, Alpha Black,” Derrick replied. “I hope I’m not intruding.”
“We can spare a moment,” Alexander said, his tone polite but measured.
“I wanted to congratulate you,” Derrick said, his expression unreadable. “I’m sure you understand our obligations were elsewhere on the day of your wedding.”
“Of course,” I replied, turning to face him.
My gaze shifted to Lily, standing silently by his side. She looked… different. Her face was pale, almost gaunt, as though she’d been unwell. Gone was the flawless composure I was used to seeing, and it startled me.
It was clear that everything involving David had taken a toll on her–far more than I had realized.
“Yes, congratulations,” Lily said softly, her voice barely above a whisper.
“Thank you,” I said, though my tone was cautious.
“And…” Alpha Derrick began, drawing our attention back to him. His expression was measured, almost solemn. “I don’t mean to overstep, but Ella, I feel I owe you an apology.”
I stared at him, unblinking, disbelief washing over me. This had to be a trick–some calculated ploy to lower my defenses.
“For what?” I asked, my voice sharper than I in tended.
“For how things played out between you and David,” he replied, keeping his voice low to avoid the ears of nearby tables.
I glanced at Alexander, uncertain how to respond. Alpha Derrick sounded sincere, and there was nothing in his tone or demeanor to suggest he was lying. Yet the idea of him apologizing to me felt absurd.
He had never liked me. He had made it painfully clear that he expected me to be the quiet, obedient wife to David. He was irritated every time I dared speak my mind.
He had embarrassed me before the king, belittled me in front of my own father, and treated me as though I were a burden rather than a partner to David.
What could have possibly changed to make him apologize now? And why here, in public?
I didn’t need to look around to know people were staring. The Lakes had already drawn attention just by entering the restaurant. This interaction would fuel weeks of gossip.
“I’m not sure I understand,” I said hesitantly, wary of the trap I couldn’t yet see.
“I’ll make it clear then,” Derrick said, his gaze steady. “My son is a fool–I’ve always known that—but I didn’t realize how much of one until now. He never should have thrown you away. He never should have chosen Amanda over you. And to do it in such a shameful, public way… It was an embarrassment to me as a father and an Alpha.”
His jaw tightened slightly as he continued. “I thought he would see his mistake and make things right, but clearly, I was wrong about that too. And so, on behalf of myself and my pack, I want to offer my sincerest apologies. You deserve respect, Ella, and I am sorry that a member of my own family caused you distress.”
1/2
+25 BONUS
Chapter 0248
Alexander’s hand tightened over mine, a silent show of support.
Ah, so that was it. Derrick’s apology wasn’t about remorse it was about diplomacy. He wanted to ensure the Lake Pack wouldn’t face any issues now that I was married to a more powerful Alpha. This was about smoothing over relations with Alexander, and he thought placating me was the way to do it.
I smiled at him, cool and deliberate. “There’s no need to apologize,” I said firmly. “If not for David’s shameful behavior, I never would have ended up with Alexander. And I couldn’t be happier now.”
Alpha Derrick’s smile faltered, but it didn’t vanish entirely
“I’m glad to hear it,” Alpha Derrick said, his voice tight and measured, as though holding back words he dared not
utter.
I continued to hold Alexander’s hand as I stared at Alpha Derrick expectantly. The tension between the four of us was impossible not to notice, and I had no idea what to expect from their next move.
Would they try something more, or were they really backing down? Were they as impulsive and chaotic as their son, or did they know better than to pick a fight with Alexander Black?
