Alexander's POV"I never touched Pristine," I claimed. "Not the way she'll try to make you think. I was the one who broke it off with her, before we could get any further. Just like I walked away from my father's company when I knew I couldn't keep living in his shadow."The room was quiet. For a second, Damien just looked at me, his eyes roving over mine as if he was weighing every word. Then finally, he exhaled."I believe you," he stated bluntly.Relief coursed through me, though I didn't let it register.Damien shifted forward, his voice softer but resolute. "You know, I believe that's wonderful. To walk away from someone as manipulative as Pristine takes a lot of strength. And to walk away from your father's company? That requires even more. Most men wouldn't have the heart to do what you've done."I swallowed hard, the words sticking more than I'd expected. "Thank you," I whispered.He smiled faintly, but it didn't reach. his eyes. "Don't worry. As much as I am her attorney, I w
Alexander's POVBut when I turned toward the door, it wasn’t Serena who walked in. It was Pristine.I let out a sharp hiss, dragging my palm down my face in frustration. “You’ve got to be kidding me,” I muttered under my breath.Pristine strutted inside like she owned the place, her heels clicking against the polished floor. Her lips curled into a smile that was far too amused for my liking. “Well, well, Alexander. Imagine running into you here.”I leaned back in my chair, jaw tight. “Imagine that,” I said flatly, my voice laced with sarcasm.Damien glanced between us, clearly sensing the tension. “Just so you know, this isn't a relationship therapy session,” he said, raising an eyebrow.Pristine chuckled softly, brushing her hair back as though she wanted to make sure I noticed every strand. “I'm only here because you said I should, Damien. Alex's presence doesn't bother me.”I shot her a sharp look. “Bloody liar.”She ignored my irritation, her gaze playful but sharp. “I never lied
Alexander's POVI leaned against the living room wall, observing Serena and Sophia fight their way through what was left of the crowd.Guests were beginning to leave, waiters were making rounds with collecting trays. But my eyes were still fixed on the two of them descending the stairs. I exhaled softly in relief. The evening had turned out better than I could have wished. Serena hadn't shut herself off completely, she had spoken to me, even looked in my direction. That in itself was an improvement.I hadn't visited here this evening hoping for miracles, but the fact that she hadn't turned me down in so many words provided me with some cause to hold on.I was merely trying to make up my mind what to say when I heard a woman's voice behind me. "Excuse me," she said.I turned and for an instant my mind fought to recognize the face. I didn't know her. She was young, pretty, with intense eyes."You look really handsome in person," she started off softly.I withheld for a moment, still no
Serena's POV“You know why.”My heart pounded, and I swallowed hard, fighting to maintain control. “I don’t,” I whispered, though every fiber of me feared I already did.He leaned just enough that his words brushed against my ear. “It's your birthday Serena. I have to be here.”Sam coughed uncomfortably, clearly ill-at-ease with whatever tension he'd come in with."Right, well, I suppose I'd better go and check on Damien. Excuse me." He just walked away, not even bothering to find an excuse, and left us standing there alone in the corner of the room.I was annoyed at him for doing so.I laughed to conceal the seriousness between us. "You make an impressive entrance, Alexander. I've never seen you like that. People are already talking about you.""Let them," he said softly. "I didn't come here for them."I stood there frozen. My hands were shaking ever so slightly, so I clapped them together in front of me to steady myself. "Then why did you come?" I asked as if I did not already know.
Serena's POV"Thank you for being here," I said, my voice low but sincere. "It means a lot to me that you came to my party." Even though my heart wasn’t fully at ease with her, I knew it was the right thing to do."You're welcome," she smiled gently back. Her tone was smooth, as if she had known I would be thanking her. "Your birthday was good, Serena. Very entertaining."I nodded and smiled. "Sam played well," I said, glancing around at the fading lights, the laughter of the guests growing less as the evening moved on. "He's more charming than Damien."Her lips curved in smile, but she shook her head."I don't agree. They both have charisma, but just in different manners. One simply prefers to use his on women and pleasure, while the other uses his in courts."I tilted my head to the side, watching her. "You know them both fairly well, it appears.""Attempt to read Damien," she said easily. "But Sam? Too open. A simple book."I grinned once more, though something within me twisted.
Serena's POVMy heart gave a sharp, nervous thud. I turned my head slightly, and sure enough, there he was, moving through the tables, smiling confidently. Guests whispered and stared as if he were the star of the night instead of us.I breathed a little sigh of relief when I saw Sam stop Alexander.Finally, Sam did something useful tonight. Sophia whispered the same in my ear, and we had a quiet smile exchanged.In no time, Ella joined Sam. The two of them began talking to Alexander as if they wanted to get to know him. At least it kept him occupied and away from me for a few minutes."Serena, I must be off now. It was lovely being here," Mrs. Simpson's voice broke into my thoughts.I turned to her and smiled warmly. "Thank you ever so much for dropping by, Mrs. Simpson. It really did mean a lot."We stepped outside together. Mr. Simpson was already standing by the car, talking to Damien. I stood with them there until the couple got into their car.I waved goodbye as they pulled awa