Chapter 67
~Elara’s POV
It was meeting after meeting. Each department wanted its time, and I made sure to give it. Marketing, sales, HR, finance, it was all essential, but nothing compared to the design team. That was where my heart was, where I felt alive, where I could really contribute.
“Good morning, everyone,” I said, standing at the front of the room, my designs carefully laid out. “Today I’ll be presenting the seasonal line I’ve been working on. I hope we can discuss, adjust, and find what best fits our upcoming fashion gala with Alpha Darlon’s company p>
Heads nodded, eyes focused. The air was tense but excited. I began explaining each design, the concept, the color palette, and the inspiration behind every stitch.
Theo leaned in, pointing at one of my sketches. “I really love how you incorporated the lunar themes here. It’s bold but elegant p>
I smiled. “Thank you. I thought it could reflect our pack identity while staying sophisticated. I want every piece to tell a story p>
Marcy raised an eyebrow, flipping through her own stack. “I’ve got some ideas too, based on client feedback and trending styles p>
I gestured to her designs, encouraging her to present. She explained, we discussed, and then I showcased more of my work. Every time I presented, I noticed the team nodding, taking notes, and occasionally looking at each other in quiet approval.
“Honestly,” I said, holding up one of the sketches, “I think this piece can lead the line. The others are great, too, but this could be the centerpiece p>
Theo smirked. “You really have a knack for this, Elara sorry, Miss Elara. I’ll admit it, your designs stand out p>
I laughed softly. “Well, that’s why we collaborate, right? I want to blend ideas, but if we’re honest… yes, I do hope the centerpiece shines p>
Just as we were wrapping up, a soft buzz came from the office intercom. “Miss Elara, a delivery has arrived for you,” the receptionist’s voice announced.
I glanced up, curious. “For me?” I asked.
“Yes, ma’am. Please confirm your ID, and the delivery will be cleared for entry,” she said.
I nodded quickly and called out, “Yes, this is Elara. You can let him through p>
A few moments later, a well-dressed deliveryman appeared at the door, holding a neatly wrapped package. He handed over his ID and signed the digital log, following the proper protocol before stepping into the office. “Lunch for Miss Elara,” he said politely, bowing his head slightly.
“Uh… thank you,” I murmured, smiling. I accepted the package and set it on the table, careful not to interrupt the meeting. I peeked inside, and my eyes widened. fresh sandwiches, a crisp salad, and a small chocolate tart, neatly arranged.
“Darlon I whispered under my breath, a small laugh escaping me. I could practically hear his teasing voice in my head. I couldn’t resist; I quickly grabbed a sandwich, taking a small bite as I continued discussing the color palettes with the team. “Sorry, everyone, I need to eat a bit,” I said, cheeks flushing slightly.
The deliveryman nodded respectfully, then retraced his steps back through the secured doors, the procedure complete, leaving me with my little moment of surprise and delight. I looked at the food again, smiling fondly. It was these little gestures, these thoughtful details, that made my heart swell.
“No worries,” Marcy laughed. “You work hard; you deserve it p>
Hours passed, and I barely realized the time. Every meeting, every discussion, every suggestion, it all felt like pieces of a puzzle falling into place. By the time the closing hours came, my legs were sore, my head buzzed, and I could barely keep my eyes open.
“Fridolf,” I called when the last meeting ended, “I think it’s time to head home p>
“Right away, your Majesty,” he replied, bowing before leading me out.
Back at the house, I changed into a comfortable nightie, the soft fabric brushing against my skin, then began my evening skincare routine. I smiled at the thought of Darlon, imagining him busy in his office, probably thinking about me. As I reached for my favorite serum, one of my perfumes fell off the shelf, rolling across the floor. I bent down to pick it up when I heard a faint creak behind me.
I froze, glancing up. The door to the room was slowly opening, and I blinked in confusion. “How I whispered. My eyes landed on the floor near my shelf, and I noticed a small, almost hidden button. Curiosity gnawed at me, stronger than caution.
With a deep breath, I pressed it. A panel slid open, revealing a narrow, dimly lit tunnel. My heart thudded, a mix of fear and excitement. “Darlon… what is this?” I muttered, stepping in. The walls were lined with polished stone, cool against my fingers, and the tunnel seemed to stretch on forever.
As I walked, unease settled in my stomach. “Why is there a tunnel under our room?” I whispered, each step echoing softly. But my curiosity pushed me forward. Finally, the path opened into a small chamber, walls covered in framed photographs. My breath caught.
Every photo was of me. Not just random pictures, but intimate moments, some from my childhood, some from work, some from walks I didn’t realize were captured, and even from our honeymoon at the beach. My hand trembled as I ran it over one of the frames. I saw photos of my younger self, candid shots that Darlon had clearly taken, and even images of someone I recognized from high school, my stalker. I remembered that I heard news about the stalker being arrested then.
“So, that means Darlon was the one who got him arrested p>
I stepped closer to the wall of monitors. CCTV footage showed different angles, tracking my daily routine. A mix of shock, awe, and an odd sense of safety washed over me. “He… he’s been watching over me?” I whispered, voice cracking. “All this time p>
At that moment, a shadow fell across the room. I turned sharply. “Darlon?” I gasped.
He stepped in, his usual calm expression replaced by a rare flicker of worry. “Elara… I can explain,” he said softly.
I ran to him, throwing my arms around his neck. “You don’t have to,” I said, tears brimming. “I understand… I see now. You’ve been protecting me… all of it. Even from her.” I pressed my face to his chest, feeling the steady beat of his heart, the warmth radiating from him.
“I… I wanted to keep you safe,” he said, his voice rough. “I never wanted you to feel alone or unprotected. Every step, every moment… It’s been about you p>
I pulled back slightly, looking up at him with wide, teary eyes. “And now… now I know. And I… I can’t even describe how grateful I am. You’ve done everything, everything… for me p>
His hands cupped my face, and I kissed him, long and heartfelt, tears mingling with our lips. “Thank you,” I whispered against his mouth. “Thank you for loving me, for protecting me. I… I feel so safe with you p>
“I will always protect you,” he murmured, holding me tightly.
I nodded, resting my forehead against his, and for a moment, the world outside the room ceased to exist.
“I… I just I paused, my voice trembling, “I want to thank you. For everything p>
He smiled softly, pressing a kiss to my temple. “You don’t need to thank me, Elara. I’m yours, and that’s all that matters p>
I hugged him again, burying my face in his chest, my tears finally releasing. “I love you,” I whispered, over and over, my voice muffled.
“And I love you,” he replied, holding me close. “Always p>