Chapter 0072
Chapter 0072
Ella POV
“Yes,”
Alexander’s smile deepened, and I could tell by the gleam in his eyes that he found my response amusing. No doubt, he would tease me about this later, but I didn’t mind. It was going to be easy for us to appear to the public as a real couple, especially since we genuinely enjoyed each other’s company.
Besides, Alexander had made some grand promises about showing me what a good relationship was like, and I was curious about what that meant to him. He had a reputation as a playboy, and I had no doubt he could easily spoil any woman he dated. But it was his demeanor, his confidence, that intrigued me the most.
“You’re certain? There’s no doubt in your mind that this is what you want?” my father pressed, his tone serious.
“No doubt at all,” I replied firmly. “I know it seems soon, especially after everything that’s happened, but I can’t allow the rest of my life to be dictated by David’s mistakes.
“You don’t think it’s too soon to move on?” my father asked, uncertainty creeping into his voice. “After all, you and David were together for a very long time. The wedding incident wasn’t that long ago.”
“It was long enough,” I said, a flash of anger surging at the thought of everything David had put me through since then. “I want to forget all about that.”
“I think it would be a mistake to jump into another relationship just to help you forget,” my father said, his voice heavy with concern.
“That’s not what I intend at all,” Alexander added, his gaze shifting toward me. “Is that your intention?” The look on his face was too serious to merely be acting; what he was really asking me was if I still wanted to go through with this plan.
Alexander was giving me the choice to back out now, but I knew I could never do that. He had fulfilled his role, and I owed him. I had given him my word that I could handle a pretend relationship, no matter how raw I still felt after everything with David. 1
I shook my head slowly. “No, my intention is to live my life in a way that makes me happy and allows me to fulfill my potential. I believe Alexander is strong enough not to feel threatened by a woman who’s of equal status and intelligence. There aren’t many men like that.”
The way Alexander looked at me told me I had said the right thing. He didn’t appear flattered, exactly, but there was a glimmer of pride in his eyes, a silent acknowledgment that he had taken the compliment to heart,
I smiled slightly, gazing back at him. I might have been trying to convince my father, but the truth was, there really weren’t many men like Alexander.
“Well,” my father said with a sigh, “it seems my opinion doesn’t matter much, does it?”
“What do you mean?” I asked, caught off guard.
“Judging by the look on your face,” he said, eyeing me carefully, “it would be cruel of me to deny Alexander’s request. You have my blessing to begin dating, but remember, I’ll be watching closely.”
“Really?” I said in disbelief.
“Yes,” my father replied, a slight chuckle escaping him. “But there will be rules. Given everything that’s
happened, we can’t take your safety too lightly.” He turned his critical gaze toward Alexander. “I’m entrusting my daughter’s safety to you.”
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+25 BONUS
Chapter 0072
“She’s in safe hands,” Alexander assured him.
“If anything happens to her on your watch, I’ll hold you personally responsible,” my father said sternly. I glanced at him in surprise, knowing that while my father could be formidable, he rarely showed that side in front of me. Right now, there was something in his expression that carried an edge of danger, and it shocked me.
“I would expect nothing less,” Alexander said, meeting my father’s gaze steadily.
“Then it’s settled,” my father said. “You have my blessing. Don’t make me regret it.”
“Of course, Alpha Rowan,” Alexander responded smoothly. “Thank you.”
“Yes, thank you,” I echoed, smiling warmly at my father.
He had no idea what this truly meant to me. His blessing didn’t just give me the green light to move forward with my arrangement with Alexander; it also showed that he still trusted my judgment, even after the deception I had put him through.
“Anything for my daughter,” my father said softly, his gaze filled with affection.
He stood, extending his hand towards Alexander. They shook firmly, then my father turned toward the door. As I moved to follow, he glanced back at me with a gentle smile.
“Take your time,” he said before stepping out, leaving me alone with Alexander.
Then, Alexander and I were alone.
I turned to him, trying to gauge what he was thinking, but his expression was unreadable. He stepped closer, his eyes locking onto mine, and for a brief moment, I forgot this was all an act.
My heart began to race with anticipation–anticipation of what I couldn’t say. Alexander’s gaze bore into mine so intensely that I felt frozen to the spot.
“You played your part well,” I said, my voice softer than I intended.
His lips curved into a smile that didn’t quite reach his eyes. ‘And so did you.” His gaze moved over me in an appraising manner, and I stood still, wondering what exactly he was looking for–and if he would find it.
There was a pause, the weight of everything we weren’t saying hanging in the air. My heart pounded as he moved closer, close enough that I could feel the warmth radiating from him.
“Remember,” he murmured, his voice low as he bent close to my ear, “this is all for show.”
I nodded, but something in his tone made it hard to breathe “I know,” I whispered, though I wasn’t sure if I truly did anymore.
“Don’t worry,” he said, a hint of teasing in his tone. “We’ll go slow.”
“I don’t know what you mean by that,” I replied shakily.
“I don’t want to embarrass you by making you blush too much in public,” he teased. “We can start off just by holding hands.”
Alexander held his hand out to me, his long fingers beckoning. Hesitantly, I placed my hand in his, and he closed his grip around mine firmly. His palm was warm and slightly calloused, but it felt nice.
Just like that,” he said, taking a half step away and looking into my eyes. “I think we’ll make a very convincing couple.”
“Right,” I murmured under my breath. “Very convincing.”
Chapter 0072
+25 BONUS
With a smile that promised more than I was ready to admit, Alexander leaned in and whispered, “Your acting contínues to improve. If I didn’t know better, I’d think you actually liked me.”
Despite the fact that his tone held no accusation, panic shot through me, igniting an urgent need to explain myself. Yet, I couldn’t find the words; I merely stared up at him with wide, frightened eyes.
To Alexander’s credit, he didn’t acknowledge the fearful look I was giving him. Instead, he winked at me, his expression shifting to a playful one. Then I realized he was just joking.
Before I could respond, he turned and walked away, leaving me alone with my thoughts–and the unsettling realization that maybe, just maybe, there was more truth to this arrangement than I was willing to admit.
