Ch Chapter 0088 Ella POV I barely touched the tea in my hands. My nerves were too frayed to enjoy it. The idea of standing beside Alexander while he made his statement to the press felt overwhelming Even though I wouldnât be speaking, I knew people would be staring at me, judging my every expression and my body language.
I knew that David would be watching. I was convinced now that he must be involved in this.
It was intense, almost nauseating to think of him watching me, hoping to see signs that I was hurt by the accusations against my new boyfriend. Would he stop at nothing to hurt me?
Maybe it was because I knew what we risked if Alexander didnât win the election. In the original timeline, scandal had been the thing that caused him to lose. I only hoped we had time to mitigate the damage now.
this And Alexander seemed so confident. He believed he could handle it. I should trust himâhe had followed through on every promise heâd made to me so far. There was no reason I shouldnât trust him, at least as far as I knew.
But I didnât like being left in the dark. I didnât want to be blindsided again.
I set my cup down on Alexanderâs desk and went out into the hallway. The building was mostly empty on this level. It was only offices up here. The elevator was empty when I stepped inside and hit the lobby button.
Alexander would already be there, speaking to the press and guiding them on where to set up their equipment. The ride down in the elevator felt like it took forever. It was so quiet, I could hear my heart beating in my ears.
I took slow, deep breaths, trying to steady myself. I needed to project confidence from the moment I stepped out of the elevator until the final member of the press had left.
I couldnât afford to look weak or unsure.
A sudden thought struck me, catching me off guard: I wish I had my wolf to reassure me.
I hadnât thought about my wolf in a long time, so it felt strange to miss her now.
But I did.
I shook the thought off. Now was not the time to go down that path.
By the time the elevator reached the ground floor, I felt more in control of myself. When I entered a few microphones set up, and Alexander stood off to the side.
the lobby, I saw He smiled with relief when he saw me approaching. He walked up to meet me, bending to kiss me on the cheek.
I smiled up at him, hoping it was reassuring. âSorry that took so long,â I said.
âYouâre just in time,â he replied. âWeâre about to start.â
I took another deep breath and smiled, though I felt awkward. âJust tell me what you need me to do.â
âJust stand next to me and pinch me if I start rambling,â he joked.
I tried to look amused, but a laugh wouldnât come.
Alexander took my hand and led me to the microphones. He stood in front of them, and I positioned myself to his -right. He loosened his grip, but I didnât let go. I couldnât explain it, but holding onto his hand made me feel more grounded.
âAre we ready to start?â one of the reporters asked.
+25 BONUS Chapter 0088 âReady when you are,â Alexander replied.
Two of the reporters looked at me curiously, then leaned into whisper to each other. I ignored them, knowing that Alexander hadnât informed them I would be there; he hadnât asked me to attend this press conference when he initially planned it. They were likely just surprised to see me.
Alexander rolled his shoulders a few times, trying to case is tension. Then, one of the reporters or maybe a cameramanâheld up their hand and slowly began lowering their fingers.
Once all of his fingers were down, Alexander began to speak âThank you for coming today,â he addressed the reporters I know there have been many questions about the situation you all have been reporting on for the last few days. I think itâs regrettable that my personal struggles have been made public in this way.â
+25 BONUS Chapter 0089