Chapter 24
Chapter 24
The Beta looked at him in confusion and surprise.
Ellie grabbed another pastry and walked up the stairs. Nolan watched her go, those ridiculous pajamas almost making him smile for a moment.
“Sir the Beta said uncertainly. “I don’t understand. Why are you putting up with her? Why haven’t you gone through with the divorce? Why aren’t you even getting angry p>
“Why should I?” Nolan said dismissively.
“Two days ago, you would have had her in tears over such behavior. I just don’t understand – what’s changed? Could it be that she’s done something to get under your skin? It couldn’t be those ridiculous pajamas p>
Nolan shook his head. “It’s just about fulfilling our agreement. Ellie is my wife, my Luna, and she deserves respect. As for what she wears – I couldn’t care less, except for when we’re in public p>
“But sir p>
“Drop it,” Nolan said firmly. “We have work to do. This party is very important – I can’t leave any detail up to chance p>
“Yes, of course, sir,” the Beta responded reluctantly.
Up in her room, Ellie ate a light breakfast of sweet pastries and carefully combed her hair. She was annoyed by the interaction but mostly because she didn’t really know who that person was.
She knew enough to guess that he was Nolan’s brother- mostly because she’d heard mention of him coming from the maids – but his attitude made her so angry.
He was judgmental, dismissive, and rude. Then again, everyone around Nolan seemed to treat her that way.
But she had made a promise
a deal. She was going to play the part for Nolan, just long enough to get out of here with enough money to take care of herself and the baby.
She absentmindedly put a hand over her lower stomach. She couldn’t feel anything moving yet and wasn’t showing at all, but she knew that a little life was growing there, and she instinctively wanted to feel it somehow.
She was distracted from her thoughts by a maid coming into the room. The maid was carrying several garment bags. Ellie looked at her in confusion.
“I’ve brought some gowns for you to try on,” the maid said with a nervous smile. “You’ll choose the one you like, and then we can get it fitted in time for the party p>
“The celebration, right,” Ellie said as she remembered the big event Nolan had mentioned.
“I know that you don’t usually p>
Ellie cut off the maid’s statement, stepping forward and taking the garment bags from her. She almost looked excited as she laid them all out on the bed and unzipped them one by one, looking appreciatively at the colors and textures of the dresses.
The maid stood back and watched, confused, Ellie had always been so nervous about receiving expensive clothes
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Chapter 24
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from Nolan. Now she looked excited, examining each one carefully.
“Can I try them on?” Ellie asked.
“Yes, of course,” the maid said. “You just need to make a decision today so the tailor has time to make alterations p>
Ellie touched each of the dresses, feeling the fabric. She wanted to choose something that would be comfortable to wear for the entire evening while still looking good.
She chose a baby-blue strapless dress – long, but with a slit up the hip. It was beautiful, and the fabric was soft. She quickly changed into it, looking at herself in the mirror.
It was flattering, hugging her curves in all the right places, and the color looked nice against her skin tone.
“I’m going to walk around in it a little,” she said to the maid, “to make sure it’ll be suitable for an entire evening p>
“Okay,” the maid said uncertainly. “I suppose that’s fine p>
“I’ll be back in a few minutes,” Ellie assured her. She turned and walked out of the room, feeling how the silky fabric moved against her skin and how it didn’t feel too tight.
She went downstairs – she wanted to sit at the table and see if it rode up too much or felt uncomfortable
anywhere.
Just as she was turning down the hall, Nolan was stepping out of his office, a stack of papers in his hands. He paused, the irritated crease of his brow smoothing out as he looked at Ellie.
He seemed to freeze in place for a moment, his eyes glued to her in that dress.
She looked absolutely stunning.