NovelOnlineChapter 111
Ella
It happened again.
| was walking toward Alexander when my knees suddenly buckled beneathfor a second time. This time, | had
nothing to catch myself on and | felt myself pitching forward toward the marble floor.
But strong arms caughtbefore | could hit the ground. Alexander's hands moved across my waist, gently
tuggingup and into his embrace
“Are you alright?”
| blinked, trying to clear the dark spots that had appeared in my vision. When my sight returned, | saw green
eyes staring down atwith concern, and then it hit me-l was pressed firmly against Alexander's sturdy chest,
palms splayed across the firm muscles, the scent of bourbon and woodfire smoke so strong, it blotted out all
else.
My heart pounded. Stupid, traitorous little thing
“1-1, um... I'm not feeling so well...” | started to respond, but then, over Alexander's shoulder, | saw Gabriel
watching from across the room. His mouth was set in that familiar disapproving line.
Immediately, | snapped my mouth shut, biting y tongue. Gabriel was waiting forto show weakness. Waiting
forto prove that | was the weak, pathetic excuse for a Luna that he thought | was.
Maybe it was juvenile of me, but | wouldn't give im the satisfaction.
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇt“I'm fine,” | recovered quickly, stepping back. “My shoes are just killing me. These heels are way too high.”
It was a believable excuse. Every woman at this event was wearing ridiculously tall heels, and I'd certainly
complained about sore feet before. Alexander's eyes searched my face for a moment, and it seemed like he
wasn't entirely convinced, but he didn’t push it.
“Actually,” he said, reaching into his jacket pocket, “I have something that might cheer you up,”
| frowned, watching as he pulled out a small velvet jewelry box. “What's that?”
“I saw it at one of the auction tables and thought of you.” He opened the box to reveal a delicate silver bracelet
with a tiny cherry blosson charm dangling from it. “I know it can’t replace what you lost tonight, but...”
My breath caught. The bracelet was beautiful-suple and elegant, perfectly feminine and
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Chapter Ill
understated while having enough shine to it to catch the eye. The cherry blossom charm was perfectly detailed,
each tiny petal etched painstakingly into the silver.
“Alexander, you didn’t have to-"
“I wanted to.” He lifted the bracelet from the box and gently took my wrist, fastening the clasp with careful
fingers. The metal was cool against my skin, contrasting sharply with the heat of his hand, and the charm caught
the light from the chandeliers above us.
For a moment, | just stared down at it. Alexander had bought this for me. He'd seen it and thought of me,
thought it might makefeel better after what happened with Lilith’s locket. Maybe he did care about me, at
least a little bit. Maybe-
Before | could finish that thought, a camera flash went off nearby, followed by another, and reality crashed back
down around me.
Of course. Of course this wasn’t a genuine gesture. Alexander had spotted the photographers circling us like
vultures and decided this would make a perfect photo op. The devoted husband comforting his wife after an
unfortunate accident, buying her jewelry to replace what was lost. It was exactly the kind of image his campaign
needed.
| felt my face go blank as | looked up at him. “Thank you. It’s lovely.”
“You're welcome,” Alexander said, and if he noticed the change in my tone, he didn’t mention
| forced a smile as more cameras flashed, lifting my wrist so the bracelet was clearly visible. The photographers
ate it up, snapping picture after picture of Alexander's romantic gesture. | wondered how long it would take for
the photos to hit social media, complete with captions about what a perfect couple we were.
“Should we head back inside?” Alexander asked. | think they're about to start the live
auction.”
| nodded stiffly and let him guideback toward the main ballroom with his hand on my lower back. The
bracelet felt heavier now, less delicate. It was beautiful, but suddenly, | wasn’t sure if | even wanted it.
The rest of the evening passed in a blur. Alexander and | bid on a few items-nothing too expensive, but enough
to show that we were participating. | made small talk with other Lunas about charitable causes and pack politics.
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