Chapter 42
42
~Elara’s POV
“Here,” Darlon said softly, holding his tie out. “Knot this for me p>
I blinked, my fingers trembling slightly as I took it. “Uh… okay,” I whispered. My heart was already beating too fast. I fumbled slightly as I knot the tie.
“You’re doing fine,” he said, his voice low. “Just… gently. Don’t rush p>
I nodded, forcing my hands to steady. When I finally tightened the knot, he reached up and adjusted it himself, brushing my fingers lightly with his. My chest tightened at the touch, but I kept my eyes on the tie, refusing to look at him fully.
“There,” he said finally, stepping back. “Perfect. You did well p>
I swallowed. “Thanks,” I muttered, trying to hide how my heart was fluttering.
“Come on. Breakfast,” he said, turning toward the dining area.
I followed him quietly, feeling almost weightless and at the same time, like every step made me visible. In the dining room, the light made everything glow warmly. Breakfast was laid out, simple but perfect. He handed me a plate, and we began eating in silence.
I tried not to think, not to speak too much, but then… he leaned over at one point, wiping a crumb from the corner of my lips. My heart practically stopped. “Darlon!” I whispered, frozen.
He smiled faintly, almost teasing. “You missed a spot,” he murmured.
I flushed, looking down at my plate, silent for the rest of breakfast. Everything he did, every casual glance, made my heart jump and my thoughts scatter.
Finally, we finished, and he motioned for the driver. “Let’s go,” he said.
The car ride felt endless. I kept my hands folded tightly on my lap, staring at nothing, trying to calm the rapid beating of my heart. My mind kept replaying fragments from last night, the wine, the dancing. I shook my head slightly, trying to push the memories away, but they clung stubbornly. I wasn’t even sure what had really happened, and the thought made my stomach churn.
When the car slowed to a stop, I tensed immediately. The company loomed ahead, massive and glassy, and I could already imagine the gazes waiting for me. I hesitated, fingers brushing the door handle. Part of me wanted to escape, to slip quietly out of the car and pretend I wasn’t part of this world. I wanted to hide, to disappear into the crowd, and avoid everyone’s attention.
“Don’t,” Darlon’s voice broke through my thoughts, firm but low, almost a whisper. His hand lightly covered mine, and the warmth of his touch made my stomach flutter. “Stay with me p>
I blinked at him, my mouth slightly open, unsure what to say. My pulse raced, and I could feel my cheeks heat up. Before I could form a reply, he leaned down and pressed a soft, deliberate kiss to my forehead. My chest tightened so sharply that I thought I might actually stop breathing for a moment.
Darlon opened his door smoothly, stepping out with that calm, commanding presence that always made my heart stutter. He came around to my side, extending his hand. I hesitated, my body rigid with nervousness, but he gently took my hand and guided me out of the car. My mouth went dry, and I simply closed it, forcing myself to keep quiet. My legs felt heavy as I moved, as though every step toward the building weighed more than the last.
Employees’ eyes immediately found us. I felt their stares on my back and shoulders, the way they whispered and tilted their heads. My instinct was to shrink, to look down, to make myself as small as possible. I did just that, keeping my gaze fixed on the ground. Darlon’s hand brushed against mine occasionally.
We reached the elevator, and I let him lead. My hand remained lightly in his, feeling almost grounded by the simple, steady pressure. I wasn’t sure if I deserved it, if I belonged here, but I followed, silent and tense.
When we reached the office, the receptionist’s eyes widened just slightly, but she bowed politely. “Good morning, Alpha Darlon. Miss Lira and Mr. Ronan from Blueberries Company are here for a meeting p>
I stiffened immediately, my chest tightening. My voice came out in a barely audible whisper. “Why… why are they here p>
“Business,” Darlon murmured, his thumb brushing against mine. “Nothing for you to worry about p>
I let out a small, shaky sigh, gripping his hand tightly.
When the door opened, I froze for a second, taking in the sight of Lira and Ronan. Both of them had their heads slightly raised, and the first thing I noticed was the surprise on their faces. Their eyes widened almost at the same time, and their movements became slightly awkward.
They bowed quickly, yes, but… not to me. My chest tightened as I realized it; they had acknowledged Darlon, yes, but they hadn’t even considered me.
Lira’s eyes snapped to me almost immediately. Shock, irritation, and disbelief all mixed in the way she looked at me. “Alpha Darlon… why is she Her voice was sharp, accusing, but faltered mid-sentence.
Darlon’s jaw tightened, a slow, deliberate clench that made me feel the tension radiating off him. “You have no business with that,” he said, his voice firm, icy even. “We’re here to discuss the designs. Focus on that p>
I kept my gaze low, my hands folded together in front of me. I didn’t want to meet Lira’s eyes, didn’t want to see the mix of hatred and surprise. But I could feel Ronan’s gaze lingering on me from across the room. I froze under it, unsure if I should look, flinch, or just melt into the floor.
“Ronan,” Darlon said, his voice cutting sharply through the air. I felt it slice through the tension in the room. “Do not stare at my wife p>
Ronan froze, his eyes flicking down almost instantly. I exhaled quietly, letting a small shiver pass through me. My heart was still racing, but the warmth of Darlon’s hand on mine reminded me that I wasn’t alone.
Darlon’s expression hardened further, and I noticed something I hadn’t before: the sheer anger radiating off him. He stepped slightly forward, voice lower but controlled, almost a growl. “It is an insult to me that neither of you bowed to greet my wife properly. That is not acceptable. Show her the respect she deserves p>
Lira’s mouth opened, probably to argue, but she paused when she saw the intensity in his eyes. She swallowed and then lowered herself, bowing carefully toward me this time, her posture stiff and forced. Ronan followed, a little slower, but he too bowed, eyes flicking up at me briefly before quickly lowering again.
I remained frozen for a second, overwhelmed by the attention, the unexpected respect, and the quiet shock on their faces. I could feel Darlon’s gaze on me, steady and protective, almost as if he was daring anyone to disrespect me again.
“Good,” Darlon muttered, his jaw still tight but his tone softening slightly. “Now, we discuss the designs. You will focus on your work, not distractions p>