Chapter 194: Chapter 195

Chapter 0195 Ella POV I stepped out of the car, and the expression on my mother’s face hardened instantly. She looked angry–furious, even–and I couldn’t imagine what I’d done to deserve it. My mind raced as I walked toward her, trying to figure out the reason for her mood.

Then it struck me. My stomach dropped as I realized the truth: I had gone straight from my doctor’s appointment to the capital without saying a word to my parents.

“It’s nice to see that you’re still alive and well,” my mother said sarcastically, crossing her arms. “You didn’t check in. I suppose you had different priorities?”

Guilt hit me like a wave as I considered everything that had happened recently–kidnappings, druggings, endless danger. My mother must have been worried sick when I didn’t come home. Yet... she hadn’t called or texted me? “I’m sorry I forgot to check in,” I said uncertainly, grasping for an excuse. “Something must be wrong with my phone. None of your calls came through.”

“I didn’t try to call you,” she replied, and a slight smile tugged at her lips.

“What do you mean?” I asked, my confusion deepening.

“I called Alexander,” she explained, her tone oddly amused “Actually, he called me. He said he invited you to the capital after some unpleasant news had upset you. So, I wasn’t too worried when you didn’t call–I knew you were safe. But I do think we need to have a conversation about this.”

“Okay,” I said uncertainly, following her as she turned and led the way into the house. We went to the living room and took our usual seats, though I felt far from comfortable My nerves spiked as she examined me closely, her gaze scrutinizing every detail of my expression.

Then, to my surprise, she started laughing.

“I’m very confused,” I admitted. “Am I in trouble or not?”

“Of course you’re not in trouble. You’re an adult, aren’t you?” she replied, a teasing lilt to her voice. “I just wanted to give you a hard time. It was a little inconsiderate not to reach out, considering everything that’s been going on.”

“I know,” I murmured, unable to meet her gaze as guilt weighed on me. “Everything happened so fast–it just slipped my mind.”

“I understand,” she said. “Alexander explained what happened with the message from Amanda and the venue.”

“He did?” I said in shock, unable to picture Alexander having such a casual conversation with my mother. For so long, she had seemed suspicious of him, and yet now she sounded... reassured? If he had gone out of his way to talk to her, perhaps it would go a long way toward winning her over.

I couldn’t help but smile slightly. “He’s winning her over.

taken care of everything for me today, hasn’t he?”

“Seems that way,” she agreed. “But what I actually wanted to talk to you about is your living arrangements. “What?” I asked, caught off guard.

Her expression grew serious again, and she shifted uncomfortably in her chair. “It seems to me that you’re spending a lot of time in the capital, and it’s become a nuisance for you to keep coming home. So, I’m wondering why do you insist on doing so?”

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Chapter 0195 “Well, it wouldn’t be proper for me to move in with Alexander until after the wedding, would it?”

“Maybe,” she replied, nodding slightly. “Is that your plan, then? To move to Alexander’s pack land after the wedding?”

“No,” I said, shaking my head. “We plan to stay in the capital.”

Her expression softened with what looked like relief. “Well that’s not too far, is it?” she said, her smile faint. “I understand that everything between the two of you has been happening so quickly, but I’d appreciate it if you made more of an effort to keep your father and me informed. I’m sure you understand.”

“I understand, and I’m sorry, sorry,” I said.

“Good,” my mother replied with a sigh. “I’m trying not to be overprotective, but you know how I worry.‘

“I know,” I said, feeling contrite. “I’ll do better about keeping you in the loop. Today was just hectic. In fact, everything’s been hectic since we returned from visiting Alexander’s family.”