*Alexander's POV* The morning light streaming through Westvale Manor's windows caught Elena like a spotlight, illuminating every detail I'd memorized over seven years of careful observation. She stood frozen beside her mother, still in yesterday's clothes, her dark hair escaping its ponytail in soft waves that Vivian never allowed. "Alexander." Evelyn recovered first, her voice pitched too high. "What a lovely surprise. We weren't expecting you until—" "The ceremony." I stepped further into the morning room, my eyes never leaving Elena's face. She looked terrified. Guilty. Beautiful in a way that made my chest tight. "I came to discuss final arrangements." Elena's throat worked as she swallowed. When she spoke, her voice carried Vivian's confident tone, but her hands trembled. "Darling, you shouldn't see me before the wedding. It's bad luck." Darling. The endearment sounded foreign in her mouth, practiced rather than natural. Vivian had called me that countless times, usually
Last Updated : 2025-08-18 Read more