جميع فصول : الفصل -الفصل 190

Cassandras pov I watched Alexander all night, waiting for the perfect chance to get him to have a drink with me. My mate and I had come up with the perfect plan, one that couldn’t fail and would lead no suspicion back to me because we both would drink from the same bottle. Alexander stepped away from the people he was talking to, and I knew that this was my chance. Taking a deep breath, I made my way toward him, the silk of my gown whispering against the floor. I held the mandarin duck wine pot in my gloved hands, an invention of both elegance and deception. “Alexander,” I called my voice melodic yet laced with feigned innocence. He turned to look at me, irritation clear in his eyes. “What do you want, Cassandra?” “I was wondering if you might have one last drink with me for old times sake?” I said. He let out a loud sigh before turning away from me. “I made it clear to you, Cassandra, I want nothing more to do with you. My heart belongs to Olivia.” The mention of Olivia's name

Alexander's POV The moment the dark wine spilled across the table, I knew I had to maintain my composure. Every interaction with Cassandra recently had been laced with suspicion, her every move calculated, her motives always hidden beneath a veneer of charm. I had hesitated allowing her into such close proximity, but I needed to gather conclusive evidence. Tonight, it seemed, was the climax of her duplicity. "Ethan," I ordered, not bothering to turn my head, "get the Elders here immediately." From the corner of my eye, I saw Ethan bow slightly before he disappeared to execute my command. Cassandra’s grip around the glass tightened, and her face paled ever so slightly—a sure sign she was rattled. I caught her trying to edge away, but my hand shot out, grabbing her forearm. Rage simmered under my skin, threatening to break free. “Where do you think you’re going?” I demanded, my voice a low growl. Her eyes met mine, filled with a mix of defiance and fear. “Alexander, let me go,” sh

Alexander’s POV I sat in my room, replaying the night over and over again. If I hadn’t had my suspicions about Cassandra, then tonight could have had a very different ending. The aftertaste of betrayal lingered bitterly in my mouth as I stared at the ceiling, my mind swirling with rage and regret. A sudden knock on the door snapped me from my spiralling thoughts. I rose, every movement calculated, fuelled by my tension. As I opened the door, I found Olivia and Lidia standing there. “Is everything alright?” I asked cautiously, sensing an unspoken urgency between the two of them. Olivia’s eyes softened slightly. “Everything is fine, Alexander, but Lidia and I need to talk to you. May we come in?” I stepped aside, allowing them to enter. They took a seat, the heavy air between us thickening with unspoken words. I couldn’t shake off the uneasy feeling clinging to my spine. Once we were all seated, I looked at Olivia expectantly. “What’s this about?” Olivia cleared her throat, casti

Olivia's POV The gentle hum of the cafe offered a stark contrast to the storm raging within me. Seated by the window, I stared out at the bustling street, trying to organise my thoughts. The rich aroma of freshly brewed coffee filled the air, mingling with the delicate scent of pastries. It was a warmth that contradicted the cold reality I was about to face. My fingers traced the rim of my coffee mug as I waited for Reed. My heart quickened with each passing second, performing an intricate dance of guilt and resolve within my chest. I knew what had to be done: I had to tell Reed the truth. A soft chime signalled the arrival of a customer. My breath caught in my throat as I watched Reed walk through the door, his tall frame moving with deceptive ease. His eyes scanned the room until they alighted on me, a small smile curling his lips as he approached. "Olivia," he greeted warmly, pulling out a chair and sitting across from me. "Reed," I managed, my voice just above a whisper. His

Cassandra's POV The days that followed became a blur of stolen moments and secret rendezvous. Each encounter with him felt like a forbidden dance I couldn’t resist. Alexander's kingdom was our stage, every shadowed corner and hidden alcove a backdrop for our growing connection. The risk of being discovered only added to the intoxicating allure of our meetings. Weeks turned into months, and my deceptive double life began to take its toll. The guilt of sneaking around behind Alexander's back gnawed at me, but the pull towards my mate was too strong to ignore. Every touch, every whispered promise filled the void inside me that Alexander could never reach. But it wasn't just about passion; it was the undeniable bond that bound us, transforming my very essence. One night, the weight of all my secrets and lies became too much to bear. I felt the nausea hit me like a wave, and my heart thudded with anxious anticipation. My mind reeled with the possibility of what was happening inside me.