Chapter 69

“Here, eat these. Finish them before you head back,” I said, handing Lucas the plate of pastries. Lucas took the plate and stared at me warily.

“Go on, eat,” I urged, glancing at him again. His pale, gaunt face tugged at my heartstrings.

The sounds of chatter and footsteps outside the rock garden grew louder. Turning my head, I caught sight of Alex standing by the fountain, his sharp eyes scanning the area as though he were looking for someone.

“Shit!” Panic jolted through me. I noticed his expression beginning to turn frustrated.

“Eat up and be careful on your way back,” I said hastily, not waiting for a reply before slipping away. I carefully circled around, coming up behind Alex. But when it came time to address him, I hesitated. Calling him “Mr. Hastings” felt too formal for this setting, given my role as his date. So, I cleared my throat and called out, “Alex.”

Alex whipped around, his gaze immediately landing on me. His brows drew together in frustration. “Where did you go?”

My mind raced for an explanation. Before I could say anything, I was pulled forward by a sudden force, and I found myself pressed against Alex’s chest. My eyes widened.

His scent was subtle yet intoxicating—a clean, alluring fragrance that seemed to envelop me entirely. I breathed it in before realizing what was happening. Alex released me just as abruptly, and I quickly fumbled with the folds of my gown to avoid meeting his eyes. I meticulously smoothed out every crease in the fabric until there was nothing left to fix. Only then did I dare to look up.

“I told you not to wander off. Didn’t you hear me?” Alex’s posture was rigid, his height adding to the authority in his tone.

I looked down, fumbling for an excuse. “I was bored. I just wanted to walk around.”

“Don’t leave my sight again. Do you understand?” he warned.

Nodding obediently, I slipped my arm through his outstretched one. The gala continued, but my thoughts were elsewhere. Alex had hugged me. I couldn’t understand why. Was it out of concern?

This wasn’t the first time Alex had done something misleading. Thinking back to past moments and this one, I felt warmth rising to my cheeks. Was it intentional, or was it…? If it was intentional, why?

A hundred questions swirled in my head, but I stubbornly avoided thinking of the answers. I lacked the courage to confront the possibility.

“What’s wrong?” Alex asked, his gaze dropping to meet mine. His brows furrowed slightly. “Why is your face so red?”