Chapter 48

[Evelyn’s POV]

I agreed to Alexander’s deal.

I almost didn’t, though.

I know for the last several days he and I had been working rigorously on my etiquette lessons and ensuring my success when the time came. But, I didn’t actually think that such a time would happen so soon!

The very thought of being paraded around another event hall in some over-the-top outfit made my skin crawl. But, then again, that had been what I was specially training myself for. All these lessons had been for the sole purpose of properly preparing me for said occasions.

But was I really ready for that?

Do I really think I have a legitimate choice in the matter?

Then again, Alexander didn’t come off as though he was really giving me much of a choice to begin with. It was either go with him to this mysterious event or I wasn’t going to be able to make my trip back home. But, perhaps, it wouldn’t be so bad. I didn’t exactly hate the idea of getting a chance to spend an evening at his side. I was still faintly disappointed that he had canceled our lessons together yet it allowed me the chance to finally give him that tea I wanted him to try.

I couldn’t place it in my mind but something felt off about the whole event.

It took every ounce of my self-control to leave Alexander's office and not bombard him with questions. What was this so-called ‘private function’ even for? Who was hosting it? Why hadn’t I been told about this event sooner?

I mindlessly made it back to the kitchens where I was met with a questionable glance from both Wendy and Nina. They had been chatting about something between themselves but instantly went quiet as soon as they saw me.

“Hey!”

Nina called me over and poured me my own mug of tea and patted the wooden stool next to her. I gladly took a seat and slowly sipped at the tea while trying to ease my nervous thoughts.

“So, did he like the special tea you made him?”

“Oh, uh, he hadn't actually tried it in front of me. It’s alright. I’ll ask him about it later,” I brushed off. “In any case, I mainly went to see him this time to ask about taking that trip back home.”

“And?” Wendy pressed.

My shoulders deflated at the recollection. “I could tell that he wasn’t too keen on the idea of me heading back there.”

Wendy gave me a supportive smile and nodded her head in understanding. “Alexander has always been hyper-aware of the people around him. When he first encountered your family at the wedding, I’m fairly certain that he caught on to how poorly your family members treat you.”

I didn’t know why I was blushing. Surely, I wasn’t feeling embarrassed by this fact. Perhaps, it was shame...

I knew Isabella and Samantha took their own personal pleasure in making my life difficult when they could. I always sort of ignored how my father acted and never put too much thought into how he treated me. However, when I learned just how easy it was for him to think about replacing Edward, his Alpha son, with a new one, I began to see the man in a completely different light.

“So, is he letting you take your trip back?” Nina inquired.

“Well, it’s become a little more complicated than that apparently,” I muttered.

Both Nina and Wendy shared a look with themselves.

“Complicated how?”

I let out a long sigh and took a tentative sip from my mug.

“He says I’m free to go under one condition. Apparently, there’s this ‘private function’ that we need to attend tomorrow night,” I explained.

Wendy gave me a quizzical look. “I wasn’t made aware of any such event happening,” she commented.

Nina shook her head. “Me either. Who’s hosting?”

“I’m not sure. Alexander didn’t exactly give me any real details,” I explained. “He said that it would be a good chance for me to display all that I’ve been learning from my lessons here.”

Wendy narrowed her eyes in contemplation. “I see. Well, I have no worries that you’ll conduct yourself just fine. I’m sure Nina will make sure that you’re properly dressed for the occasion and all that.”

I watched the gradual smile spread across Wendy’s face as she took another sip from her mug. Her eyes were glimmering with a particular kind of sparkle that had me guessing.

Why do I always feel that this woman knows far more than me at all times?

...

The following day came with little to no sleep once more. Only this time, my thoughts were too focused on this sudden event I was being dragged to. Nina, sticking to her word, had shown up to my rooms during the afternoon to help me sort out a viable outfit.

After what felt like hours, we settled on a dark blue gown that had a modest, yet alluring neckline. I had my hair loosely braided back and allowed for there to be a light brush of makeup to be applied. But what truly shocked everyone was that I had openly agreed to wear a pair of heels.

When I had made my descent down the stairs, I felt a brush of déjà vu hit me like a wall. It brought me right back to the evening when he and I were meant to head to the Luna gathering together. He wore a very nice-looking dress shirt and pants while his hair was slightly slicked back.

I wish he wasn’t wearing that mask.

Now that I knew what he looked like without it, I was fixated on the idea of getting a chance to see him without it once more.

He greeted me with a small smile all while glancing over my appearance. His gaze lingered a few seconds longer when he saw the type of shoe I was wearing.

“Very nice,” he said, appeasingly.

“Glad I meet your standards, Mr. Kingston,” I said, jokingly.

Alexander’s smile deepened in which he let out a deep rich chuckle. From there, we headed to the venue. Much to my pleasure, the atmosphere felt a lot different since the last time the two of us were in the car together.

I wasn’t sure what to expect when I stepped out of the car, but it wasn’t to see a quaint-looking restaurant.

I was a bit bewildered by this and turned to glance at Alexander who merely pressed on toward the entrance.

The head waiter escorted us to a private table in the back that was clearly set for just two people.

“Alexander? What exactly is this about?”

“I told you, I’m testing you on your progress.” “

You called this whole thing a private function, I thought...”

“You thought I would try and parade you around some random group of people?”

I instantly felt sheepish. “Perhaps.”

“I wanted to see how you would fair being out in public, that much is true. However, as far as dealing with other people...Your attention is the only thing I’m seeking.”

At that moment, I felt as though all the air had been sucked from my lungs. An overwhelming warmth filled my chest and spread to my cheeks.

Oh my God...Was this a date?