7

Back at Alex’s mansion.

Alex stepped out of his room, already dressed in his nightwear. Exhaustion clung to him, but at the same time there was also a strange sense of relief settling in his chest.

He didn’t fail his grandmother, he wasn’t humiliated because of anyone. Even if he didn't marry the woman of his choice, the best part was that he married someone.

He sat at the edge of his bed, his mind replaying everything that had happened. He had left the Harrington mansion happily, believing he was finally about to marry the woman he loved.

But she left him, she told him; “I’m twenty-four, I still have a long way to go. I can’t let marriage slow me down.” Her words echoed in his head, sharp and irritating.

Alex let out a dry chuckle. She had a long way to go and he didn’t? He was only twenty-six. It wasn’t like he was desperate or trying to trap anyone into marriage.

They have been together for good three years. Three years of building something he thought was real, only for it to collapse right before the finish line.

He loved her, to.the extent that she said she wasn't ready to get intimate until they got married. Yet, she spent on her without touching her, his friends told him but he was just being a lover boy.

He dropped back onto the bed, staring at the ceiling as his weight sank into the mattress.

She had shown all the signs, every single green flag. Like she was ready, like she wanted forever with him. If she had doubts, she could’ve ended things earlier. Before he proposed to her. Before the wedding day.

But she didn’t.

He dragged a hand through his hair, frustrated. No, he wasn’t doing this. He refused to sit here and drown in thoughts about someone who clearly didn’t value him enough to stay.

He wasn’t that kind of man. Moving on wasn’t easy, but he wouldn’t let his heart rot over one person.

He remembered the picture she posted on her I*******m an hour ago.

He scoffed under his breath, pushing himself up. The image of her and her so-called “male best friend” lingered. He didn’t believe that nonsense for a second.

“Best friend, my ass,” he muttered.

Shaking it off, he walked out of his room and headed downstairs, his steps slow, hands buried in his pockets.

The moment he stepped off the last stair, his eyes landed on her.

Elara was walking straight toward him.

His breath hitched slightly.

She wore a thin, sleeveless nightdress, dangerously short, barely covering her thighs. The fabric clung to her body just enough to leave very little to imagination. Her long hair was parted into two, falling neatly over her shoulders.

Alex’s lips parted as his gaze dragged over her, first her face, then lower her chest, the soft curve of her cleavage, the outline beneath the fabric, then down to her exposed thighs, her legs and back up again.

She almost walked past him like he didn’t exist.

His hand shot out, grabbing her wrist and pulling her back.

“I want to address something. Come with me,” he said, his voice firm, filled with impatience.

She yanked her hand away instantly.

“Address whatever you want. It has nothing to do with me,” she replied, her voice weak.

He paused, studying her properly this time.

Her eyes were slightly swollen.

“Did you cry?” he asked, brows knitting.

She rolled her eyes, clearly annoyed.

“Mind your business.”

She tried to walk away again, but he caught her hand once more, gripping it tighter this time.

“You cry a lot. Are you always this sensitive?” he teased.

She opened her mouth to snap back, but he winked, cutting her off before she could even begin.

“Let go of me!” she yelled. "You annoy me!"

“I need to settle this tonight,” he said, his tone more serious now. “I won’t have time tomorrow. I’m going to the office.”

Before she could argue further, he started dragging her toward the living room.

The maids were already there, lined up neatly, waiting for Alex.

Elara glanced around, clearly uncomfortable. She twisted her wrist, trying to free herself, but his grip didn’t loosen.

Then suddenly she bent down and bit him.

“Ahh!” Alex groaned, immediately letting go.

“Stay away from me!” she snapped, stepping back.

But before she could escape, he grabbed her again—this time by the waist, pulling her flush against him, her back pressing into his chest.

Her eyes widened.

“Let go of me!” she struggled trying to bite him.

“If you bite me again, I’m biting your neck,” he murmured, his lips already brushing against her skin.

She stiffened, struggling harder, but he held her firmly.

“Alex, you’re insane,” she snapped, breath uneven as she fought against him.

He smirked, his grip tightening slightly.

“I like it when someone’s this stubborn,” he said, his voice low, almost amused, his breath warm against her neck.

Her cheeks flushed instantly.

He lifted his head slightly, smiling as his hand slid up, loosely circling her neck. She grabbed his hand, trying to pull it away.

“Alex!” she shouted suddenly, her body going rigid.

He leaned closer, his voice dropping to a whisper.

“Stay still,” he murmured, dangerously calm. “You can feel it, right?”

Her eyes widened, panic flashing across her face. She could feel his dick poking her butt.

“Let me go!” she struggled again, her butt rubbing his zipper.

“If you don’t stay still…” his voice hardened, “…I swear, I’ll pin you to that wall and make you regret it.”