Chapter 0201 Chapter 0201 Ella POV The castle was even more incredible than I had imagined. Alexander and I arrived early Saturday morning, just as planned.
Though it was only a twentyâminute drive from his office in the capital, it felt like we had been transported to another world.
Surrounded by dense forest and perfectly manicured gardens, the castle looked like something out of a storybook. It was majestic, with towering spires and intricate stonework that seemed to whisper secrets of a long ago time.
I stared up at the high windows, my mouth hanging open in unabashed awe. I couldnât help itâseeing the castle in person was breathtaking.
âIt is impressive,â Alexander admitted, though there was a begrudging tone in his voice. âAnd itâs certainly going to impress at our wedding.â
âI think it might influence my dress choice,â I said, my gaze fixed on the tallest spire. âI might need to go for a princess dress this time.â
Alexanderâs lips curled into a faint smirk. âI have to admit, itâs hard to picture you in something like that.â
I laughed, shaking my head. âNot so long ago, I wore nothing but frills and sparkles. Itâs funny to think you canât imagine it nowâ
itâs a good reminder of how much Iâve changed.â
His expression softened as he regarded me, but he didnât comment further. Instead, he extended his arm toward the grand entrance ahead. âShall we?â
Taking a steadying breath, I said, âLead the way,â and we started down the cobblestone path toward the towering front doors.
We didnât even get a chance to knock before the doors swung open, revealing Christopher Slater in yet another exquisitely tailored suit. His grin was as wide and charming as ever.
âPunctual as always,â he said to Alexander before turning to me. He extended his hand, but when I reached to shake it, he bent down and kissed my knuckles instead.
I was slightly amusedâit only confirmed Alexanderâs earlier warning about how today would go. âItâs nice to see you again,â I said graciously. âThank you so much for opening your home to us.â
âYes, of course,â Christopher replied. âNow, come in, come in. Thereâs so much to show you.â
He stepped aside, allowing us to enter, and closed the doors behind us. The entranceway was vast and echoing, with a vaulted ceiling that seemed to stretch endlessly upward.
âSo, this is where your guests will arrive,â Christopher said, gesturing grandly. âFrom here, theyâll be led into the main hall. I can set up a coat check here since it will be cold. Your guests will need a place for their outerwear, and Iâm sure you wonât want bulky jackets cluttering up the photos of the ceremony.â
âIâll make sure to bring staff to handle that,â Alexander said smoothly.
âThereâs storage here thatâs currently unused,â Christopher continued, pointing to a side door. âI can have some clothing racks and hangers brought down.â
âPerfect,â I said, smiling.
Christopher returned my smile warmly before stepping ahead to open a pair of tall oak double doors with a theatrical flourish.
âOnce theyâve checked their coats, your guests will enter this area,â he said, gesturing inside.
1/2 Chapter 0201 +25 BONUS The room was breathtakingâlarge and elegant, with walls adorned by stunning paintings and a glittering crystal chandelier hanging overhead.
âI think this will be ideal for a cocktail hour,â Christopher explained. âPeople can mingle, enjoy a drink, and have some hors dâoeuvres while they wait for the ceremony to begin.â
âYouâve put a lot of thought into this,â I said, genuinely impressed.
âYes,â Alexander agreed. âConsidering you donât typically host events here, itâs interesting how thoroughly youâve accounted for the details.â
Christopher gave a selfâassured smile. âWeâve filmed several movies here, and many of those films included elaborate party scenes. I know what looks good on camera.â
âThatâs an interesting insight,â I said, intrigued.
âThis will really be your chance to feel like a movie star,â Christopher said with a warm smile directed at me. âI must say, you certainly look the part. And Iâm sure whatever you do with your hair and makeup will only add to that.â
âThatâs kind of you to say,â I replied politely, feeling a little selfâconscious under his gaze.
âHave you chosen a dress yet?â he asked, his tone curious. Iâd love a little insight into what to expect.â
Chapter 0202 Chapter 0202