Ella & Alexander

Ella

64%1

+33)

The charity auction was everything I’d expected it to be–packed with socialites who were all dressed to the nines, elegant white linens and crystal chandeliers, and tables full of auction items lining the walls.

Alexander and I had been making the rounds for about an hour, his hand never moving away from its position on my lower back as we moved from table to table, examining the various items up for bid.

A weekend getaway to the mountains. A vintage wine collection. A private dinner with a celebrity chef.

All of it felt hollow and meaningless when so many other couples were bidding on the more intimate options, and all the while I was wearing a fake mark and pretending to be madly in love with a man who could barely stand to touch me.

“Smile,” Alexander murmured in my ear as a photographer approached. “Look interested in the jewelry.”

I plastered on my Luna smile and leaned closer to examine a diamond tennis bracelet on the table in front

of me. The photographer snapped a few pictures, and I made sure to angle my neck so the fake mark was clearly visible.

Just another performance in our endless charade.

Once the photographer grew tired of us, we moved to the next table, where Alexander struck up a

conversation with another Alpha about some business deal while I perused a collection of rare antique

books. I was actually reading the spines, trying to find something that Lilith might like, when I felt something slam into me from behind.

I stumbled forward, catching myself against the edge of the table, but I felt something catch on the corner

and snap against my neck. The delicate chain of Lilith’s locket broke, and I watched in horror as the piece of jewelry fell to the floor.

“Oh my Goddess, I’m so sorry!”

I turned to find Sophia standing behind me. She was wearing a stunning red dress, and her blonde hair was

swept up into an elaborate style.

“I didn’t see you there,” she said. “How clumsy of me!”

Before I could react, she stepped forward as if to help, but her heel came down directly on Lilith’s locket with a sickening crunch.

“No!” I gasped, hand flying to my throat as I stared down at the necklace. The delicate engravings were

1/4

11:30 Sat, 23 Aug

Chapter 59

beyond repair, and

304%

the heel of Sophia’s shoe in the span

night.

Sophia said

Quaint.

knew exactly what she’d done. This wasn’t

+33

moment, I seriously considered slapping that smug

glasses of champagne. Causing a scene at a charity auction wouldn’t help anyone, least of all me. It would only give the gossips more ammunition and make Alexander

my

us. “Well, at least you’re surrounded by

with.”

to that. Without another word, I turned and stalked away, weaving through the crowd toward the bathroom. I could feel Alexander’s eyes on me, but

Sophia

bathroom was mercifully empty when I reached it. I locked the door behind me and finally

fall.

had these days, the symbol of someone’s unconditional love

destroyed.

had to go back out there,

the room suddenly tilted sideways. My knees went weak, and I had to grab the edge of the sink to

before.

the dizziness to pass. My reflection in the mirror looked pale and drawn, and for a terrifying

hands were still trembling. I splashed cold water on

2/4

11:31 Sat, 23 Aug

Chapter 59

I plastered that smile back on and returned to the

64%

33

Alexander

up the broken pieces of the necklace and felt

heirloom. Ella was so upset she had just run off

picking it up.

pieces of the locket.

damaged silver. “It’s pretty

the moment I had overheard earlier, when Lilith had given it to

nodded and pocketed the necklace. “Very well. I’ll take it to the jewelry

“Good.”

locket, I found myself wandering aimlessly through the auction displays, my mind spinning. I couldn’t spot Sophia anywhere, as if she had left abruptly

Ella’s tastes, but one piece caught my eye: a simple silver bracelet with a small charm in

a ridiculous impulse. Ella didn’t need more jewelry, and she certainly didn’t need gifts from me. Our relationship was contractual and temporary. I had no business buying her presents on a

The Novel will be updated daily. Come back and continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

Comments ()

0/255