Chapter 221: Chapter 222

+25 BONUS Chapter 0222 Chapter 0222 Ella POV Just as I was beginning to lose myself in the kiss, the front door burst open. My mother’s surprised gasp cut through the moment, and I quickly pulled away from Alexander, heat rushing to my face in mortified embarrassment.

Alexander laughed under his breath–a soft, warm sound–and when I looked up, I found him smiling fondly at me, completely unbothered.

“My goodness,” my mother said, a teasing lilt in her voice I see the wedding is coming just in time–you two can hardly control yourselves.”

“Mother!” I exclaimed, my cheeks burning even hotter.

“My apologies, Mrs. Rowan,” Alexander said smoothly, his usual charming smile firmly in place.

“No need to apologize,” she replied, clearly amused. “I assume from your goodbye kiss that you won’t be joining us for dinner?”

Alexander shook his head. “Unfortunately, I have too much work to do. After all, we’re almost out of time.”

“True enough,” my mother said. “Does that mean things went well today?”

“Yes,” Alexander replied. “We’ve chosen the wine, and it will be delivered here tonight–if that’s still all right with you?”

“Of course,” my mother said. “We have plenty of space to store it.”

“In that case, I’d better stop procrastinating,” Alexander said, turning back to me with a soft smile. He leaned in and kissed me lightly on the cheek. “Have a good night,” he murmured, his voice low and intimate. “We’ll talk soon.”

“Good night,” I managed to say, my face burning all over again. He gave me a knowing look before turning and heading back to the car, leaving me flustered on the doorstep.

I went inside with my mother, feeling the weight of her amused expression.

“Don’t laugh at me,” I said, my embarrassment still fresh.

“I’m not laughing at you,” she replied gently. “I’m happy for you. Alexander truly seems to make you happy.”

“He does,” I admitted, the warmth in my chest softening the sting of embarrassment.

“Good,” my mother said with a nod. “Now, why don’t you get some rest? You look exhausted.”

“I feel it,” I agreed, letting out a long sigh.

The rest of the evening passed without much incident. Alexander and I exchanged a few texts confirming some final details for the wedding, but most of the work was done.

All that was left now was to wait for the big day.

Strangely, the waiting made me anxious, despite this not being my first wedding. Still, I managed to quiet my nerves as the night wore on, and by the time I crawled into bed, I felt more at ease.

That is, until I was awakened by strange sounds in the night I sat bolt upright, my heart pounding. The muffled shouts of our guards outside reached my ears, and fear gripped 1/2 +25 BONUS Chapter 0222 me like a vice. Throwing on my robe, I rushed downstairs, clutching it tightly around me.

My parents were already there. My mother immediately wrapped her arms around me, holding me close as though she feared I might run headfirst into the unknown danger outside.

I clung to my mother, my mind racing as fear coiled tightly in my chest. Whatever was happening outside, it was enough to rattle even our well–trained security. And that terrified me most of all.

“What is it?” I asked, panic thick in my voice. “What’s going on?“”

“An intruder,” my father said firmly. “You stay here.”

“But what if it’s David?” I asked, my heart racing.

“All the more reason to stay here,” he replied sharply, his tone leaving no room for argument. “I’ll be back in just a moment.”

I watched helplessly as he rushed outside, fear gripping my heart. My mother held me tightly, her presence the only thing grounding me as we both stood in tense silence, trying not to let our minds wander to the worst–case scenario.

The shouting outside eventually died down, but the tension only grew as my father returned to the house. His expression was grim, his shoulders taut with unspoken anger.

“What was it?” my mother asked, her voice steady, though the tightness in her tone betrayed her concern. “Sabotage,” my father said, his voice low. “The wine was stored in the guest house out back. Someone broke in and tampered with it.”

“The wine for the wedding?” I asked in disbelief, my voice trembling. “But... why? Why would anyone do that?”

“We’ll soon find out,” he said. “I’ve already ordered it to be tested and examined carefully to ensure it’s still safe.”

+25 BONUS Chapter 0223