로그인Edrick's POV“Now what?” I almost yelled. I looked back, and my eyes met Alina’s as I glanced at the door. She wasn’t coming, but she stood there, staring at me in confusion.“Look, Edrick,” John called. “Just calm down.”His words sounded ridiculous. Calm down? Calm down when I knew that catching this person was important? When I knew that this chapter would not be closed until this person was caught? Who knew what other evil things this person was out there doing? Who knew if they still wanted to harm my family?“Edrick…”“I cannot calm down. This is not the time to be calm, John,” I said.“I know you’re stressed. Everything is just so complicated. But right now, we cannot do much. Whoever is doing this must know that we are on to them. Hence, they are trying to cover their tracks. Just go back. Go back to your party. Enjoy your night. By morning, we’ll know where this person went. They can’t just disappear into thin air.”I nodded, but with all the experience we’d had with people d
Edrick's POVI had stood up to talk to the new investors, but with everyone who approached me, my eyes kept going back to Alina.I watched as different ladies approached her and talked to her, and I was nervous to the point of being unable to relax.I began to feel relief only after she had spoken to a couple of ladies and handled it well. It wasn't that I didn't trust her. I knew she would do well, but I was just so scared of throwing her into this world without the right head start. She deserved better than that.Soon, the music changed, and we were called to the dance floor.I held her close, and we twirled around the dance floor as the soft music played. It was a perfect moment of relaxation for me.I closed my eyes, pulled her closer, and she leaned against my chest as we swayed gently across the dance floor.This was peace.Of course, the peace didn't last long, as my phone began vibrating in my pocket.I paused.People were joining the dance floor at that moment, so there were
Alina’s POVThe moment I stepped into the hall, I couldn't help but smile.The place was beautiful. The colors blended perfectly with the decorations. The tables were covered in ivory cloth, with gold details and flowers arranged neatly at the center. Soft lights filled the room, making everything look even more beautiful.Everyone looked amazing in their champagne, ivory, and gold outfits, but I couldn't help noticing how perfectly everything came together.I glanced down at my dress, the silk top fitting perfectly before flowing into the lace below. It looked better tonight. Then I felt Edrick's hand tighten around mine.I looked up at him.“You ready?”A small smile crossed my face as I took in a deep breath.Of course, at that moment, the people I was seeing weren't just beautiful dresses and expensive suits. I was seeing people for who they really were: classy, judging, bougie people who had a lot to say and think about me.But I didn't care.They didn't matter. Nothing mattere
Alina’s POVSunday, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday. Days passed, and finally, it was the night before the engagement party.I was seated in the living room of the Vale mansion, jotting down the last few details of what to expect and what not to expect. I had written down a whole list of people I should talk to, what to say, what questions to expect, and how to carry myself throughout the night.It wasn't going to be easy, but damn, I was ready to crush this. After all, I am Mrs. Vale.I took a deep breath at the thought of it all.When I was done, I picked up my bag. It was already 1 p.m., and Jesse's plane would be landing in thirty minutes. That gave me enough time to get to the airport before she arrived.I drove to the airport as fast as I could and waited for only a few minutes before she appeared."Liana!"She ran to me, wrapping her arms around my neck."Look at you!" She cupped my face in her hands. “You're doing so well. You look so good, so stunning!" she said, almost laughing
Alina’s POV“I think all the invitations are set for now. Alina, have you invited all your guests?” Layla asked.We were at the fashion house, picking out all the necessities for my engagement party. As a designer, I should have designed a special dress for the occasion, but I just wasn't in the mood, so I picked out one of our recent designs instead.“Guests?” I asked.This thing kept getting more and more complicated.I racked my brain, trying to think of someone I could invite.“Oh, yeah. I'll send out my invitations,” I finally said when Jesse came to mind.Jesse was my only friend, and she was back in Tarrytown. I wasn't sure she'd be able to make it to an engagement party, but she was all I had to invite, especially since Mary was the only other person I knew, and she was a big no. I took a deep breath as I texted Jesse the details and sent her the invitation.Then I looked back at the mirror as the worker adjusted my corset.“Wow, that dress looks incredible on you,” Hannah sa
Edrick's POV"Your two o'clock meeting has been moved to 4p.m., sir," Patrick said the moment he entered my office."Why?" I asked."Mr. Anderson says something urgent came up."I didn't bother looking up from the document I was signing. "Did he say what the emergency was?""No, sir.""Then it isn't urgent enough to interrupt my work. Tell him I'll see him at four."Patrick hesitated. "And if he insists?""Then he can keep insisting until two."Patrick nodded, looking as though he wanted to say something else, but he wisely decided against it.Just as Patrick stepped out of the office, my phone rang.It was John. I picked it up immediately."Hey, are you free?" he asked, going straight to the point."Not really." I glanced at my wristwatch. It was noon already. "Well, the judge Aria bribed is back," he said. "Hold on." I said then called Patrick back. “Tell Mr. Anderson I'll meet him by 4pm.” "Really?" I got back to John. The godforsaken judge had been out of town since the court







