Chapter 203
Ellie's POV
But I couldn't let myself forget.
No matter how much I wanted to.
It had happened.
The past was real.
The pain was real.
And if I stayed here, if I allowed myself to get comfortable again, it would happen all over again.
No amount of warmth from Dominic's arms could change that.
No matter how much my heart wanted to believe otherwise.
I knew better now.
"Alpha Dominic."
A male voice suddenly called out.
Both of us turned.
Or rather, Dominic turned and pulled me with him.
I resisted immediately, digging my sneakers into the polished wooden floor as I tried to slow him down. The rubber squeaked loudly against the surface.
Dominic glanced down at me.
I ignored him.
"Alpha Brandon."
Dominic gave the man a polite nod.
Then he gestured toward me.
"Brandon, you know my wife, Ellie."
The Alpha smiled and extended his hand.
"Pleasure."
Unfortunately for him, my hand was currently occupied.
I was holding one of those tiny cocktail glasses filled with prawns and sauce.
Instead of putting it down, I grabbed another prawn, popped it into my mouth, and deliberately let my fingers get covered in sauce.
Then I reached out my hand.
"Likewise."
My voice was slightly muffled because I was still chewing.
Alpha Brandon stared at my greasy fingers.
Then at my face.
Then, wisely, decided not to shake my hand.
Dominic let out a quiet, frustrated breath.
His fingers pressed slightly harder against my back.
But he didn't say a word.
Good.
At least he was learning.
The two Alphas began talking.
I immediately stopped listening.
Their conversation was about territory matters, politics, and other things I had absolutely no interest in.
Instead, I focused on finishing my prawns.
Once the little glass was empty, I started searching the room for more food.
Because if I was going to ruin this evening, I might as well commit.
A waiter passed by moments later with another tray.
Perfect.
I reached out.
And then, intentionally, I knocked into it.
The entire tray went flying.
The room went silent.
The sound of glass and prawns hitting the floor echoed through the ballroom.
Everyone stared.
Including Dominic.
"Oh, shit."
I pressed a hand over my mouth like I was genuinely shocked.
Then I crouched down.
"I've got it. Sorry. Sorry, I'll clean it up—"
I began picking up the food with my bare hands.
A few gasps sounded around me.
Somewhere nearby, I heard phones clicking as people took pictures.
Perfect.
Exactly what I wanted.
"Ellie."
Dominic's voice was low.
Before I could grab another handful, he caught my wrist and pulled me to my feet.
I looked down.
My hands were full of shrimp.
Their tails stuck awkwardly between my fingers.
The sight must have been ridiculous because even I almost laughed.
The other Alpha stared at me like he couldn't decide whether I was insane or impressive.
Dominic just looked exhausted.
With a sigh, he carefully took one of the prawns from my hand and dropped it into a nearby trash can.
"Maybe it's time we go home."
I looked up at him.
Then nodded.
Trying desperately not to let the relief show on my face.
Good.
One more step.
Surely this would finally be enough.
Surely after tonight, Dominic would be done.
By the time we arrived home, I was almost certain divorce was finally on the horizon.
Yes, there had been moments tonight where things had felt...
Normal.
Almost good.
But there was no way Dominic could overlook everything I had done.
Not this time.
At least, that's what I believed.
The next morning, I woke up earlier than usual.
I made my way downstairs to the kitchen, still expecting the consequences of last night's disaster to come crashing down on me.
But of course...
Dominic was already there.
Sitting at the table.
Drinking coffee.
Reading the newspaper.
Like nothing had happened.
I ignored him.
I walked past, poured myself a cup, and turned away.
"Did you see this?"
His voice stopped me.
I looked over.
Dominic held the newspaper out toward me.
I hesitated before taking it.
Then I looked down.
My stomach dropped.
There I was.
Right on the front page.
A picture from last night.
Me.
In my oversized, mismatched outfit.
Crouched on the floor.
Holding prawns between my fingers.
I stared at the headline.
"Alpha Dominic's New Luna Makes a Statement."
I blinked.
Then read the article below.
Apparently, my complete disaster of an evening had been interpreted very differently.
According to the article, my actions weren't embarrassing.
They were a statement.
A performance.
A bold commentary on social expectations, etiquette, and female empowerment.
Somehow, people had decided I had intentionally challenged traditional standards.
Several women who attended the gala had even been interviewed.
And they all seemed to agree.
They thought I was inspiring.
One woman had said:
"She chose comfort above all else. So many women force themselves into uncomfortable clothes just to please the people around them, just to fit into what society expects. But she chose herself. She wore what she wanted, not what everyone else wanted her to wear.
I think we could all learn something from her."
I slowly lowered the newspaper.
And found Dominic watching me.
A smirk rested on his face as he looked at me over the edge of his coffee cup.
He looked far too amused.
"You're kidding."
His smile widened.
"No."
I stared at him.
"You can't be serious."
Dominic took another sip of coffee.
"I've never been more serious."
I looked back at the newspaper.
Somehow...
Somehow, my attempt to embarrass myself had turned into a movement.
And judging by the look on Dominic's face...
He was enjoying this far more than he should.