Married To The Billionaire Alpha King-Chapter 37 - don’t change

37

~Elara’s POV

I slammed the door behind me and leaned against it, my chest heaving, hot tears slipping down my cheeks. I didn’t even bother to lock it at first, just let myself sink to the floor. My fingers clenched into the soft carpet as I whispered, "Why... why did I even think that he would choose me over Lira?"

The dress lay in a crumpled heap beside me, glossy and red, the fabric mocking me even now. I yanked it off angrily, hating the way it had made me feel exposed and ridiculous. My shoulders shook as more tears spilled, and I pressed my face to my knees, wishing I could disappear.

"I must have looked... so stupid," I murmured into the floor.

Somewhere in the dark of my room, sleep came, shaky and uneven, and I let myself fall into it, though my dreams were messy, filled with him and that red dress and a million ways I could fail him.

Morning arrived like a slow, hesitant whisper. I dragged myself out of bed, eyes puffy, and dressed in my usual work clothes, baggy, dull, safe. Nothing that drew attention, nothing that would betray the softness I hated in my own reflection. My hair was pulled back loosely, makeup minimal, the colors muted.

Fridolf waited as usual outside the mansion, bowing politely as I slipped into the car. The drive was quiet, almost too quiet, and I focused on the road rushing past my thoughts, the city a blur.

The ride was short, and he dropped me off a good five-minute walk from the office. I stepped out, adjusted my bag on my shoulder, and started walking, the pavement warm under my shoes. I tried to straighten my back and look confident, but every step felt heavy, like I was dragging my own insecurities along.

The office loomed ahead, familiar yet somehow more intimidating after last night. I could already feel the eyes on me, the faint whispers brushing past me like cold drafts. I didn’t look up. I didn’t smile. I just kept moving forward, focusing on the door at the end of the street.

As soon as I stepped inside, the air felt thick with anticipation. I kept my head down, ignoring the few stares and murmurs. My heels clicked softly on the floor as I made my way directly to my office, shutting the door behind me with a sharp click.

And then I saw it, a huge bouquet, bursting with color, almost spilling out of the vase, and a neat little note beside it. I tilted my head, puzzled. Who would leave something like this? My fingers hovered over the card, ready to discard it when I heard a familiar voice.

"Don’t throw it away," Darlon said softly, stepping into the room. "You should read it."

I cleared my throat, suddenly self-conscious, and picked up the card. The handwriting was unmistakable. My heart thudded.

Elara, I wanted to explain last night, but you left before I could. The meeting with Lira, your parents, and me... it was only about the ownership transfer of Blueberries Company. Nothing more. I’m sorry if it upset you. —Darlon

I blinked at the note, feeling a little foolish and a little relieved. "He... he explained himself?" I whispered, mostly to myself.

Before I could even gather my thoughts, Darlon moved closer, eyes soft but steady. "I wanted to explain in person," he said, his hand brushing mine briefly, "but you didn’t give me the chance."

I opened my mouth to respond, but the door jerked suddenly, slamming against the wall. I pushed Darlon back slightly, startled.

"It’s fine," he scoffed, though the corner of his lips twitched.

"Good morning, Sire," a woman’s voice said, slightly breathless. "We need your signature on this file."

I grabbed the file, explaining that I would let her know when it’s ready. She stared at me awkwardly before leaving. I followed Darlon to his desk. My hands shook slightly as I handed it over, feeling awkward and painfully aware of every inch of myself. He signed it quickly, his pen gliding smoothly across the paper, and looked up at me.

"Hey," he said suddenly, his tone lighter, teasing almost. "Do you want to go clubbing tonight?"

I froze, my chest tightening. "W-what?"

"I said, would you come with me?" he asked, leaning back slightly, arms crossed but eyes locked on mine. "Please don’t say no."

I swallowed hard, cheeks burning. "I... I..." I stumbled, words failing me.

I just stood there for a moment, staring at him, completely blank. My mouth opened... closed... opened again. Nothing came out. My brain felt like it had gone on break without warning.

He waited, leaning slightly forward, eyebrows raised like he was trying not to pressure me.

"So?" he asked quietly.

I swallowed hard. "I... um... I... yes." The word slipped out before I even understood it myself. "Yes, I’ll... go."

His eyes softened instantly. "Good."

I nodded stiffly, turned around too quickly, and practically escaped his office. The moment I stepped out, air finally reached my lungs again.

Clubbing? With him? What would I even do there? Stand awkwardly? Hold his drink? Hide behind a pillar?

All these thoughts chased me through the day until it was finally time to go home. I didn’t even say goodbye to anyone. I just grabbed my bag and hurried out, my heart in my throat.

Fridolf dropped me at the mansion’s entrance, bowing as usual, and I rushed inside. My room felt too bright and too quiet at the same time. I threw my bag down, opened my wardrobe, and stared at the clothes.

"Great," I muttered. "Perfect. Wonderful. Absolutely nothing I can wear to a club."

After five minutes of panicking and pacing, I gave up and grabbed my phone.

I video-called Janae.

The moment her face appeared, she squinted dramatically. "Why do you look like someone stole your oxygen?"

"I need help," I whispered.

"With?"

"Clothes. I... I’m going to a club."

Her eyes burst wide open. "A club? With who?"

I looked down, embarrassed. "Who else? Darlon, of course."

She screamed. Actually screamed. "Elara! Why didn’t you...oh forget it. Show me your wardrobe. Now. I’m talking about the new set of clothes we bought." 𝓯𝓻𝒆𝙚𝒘𝓮𝙗𝓷𝒐𝓿𝙚𝒍.𝙘𝓸𝙢

I turned the camera. She groaned. "No. No. No. You’re not going to the club dressed like an undercover spy. Sit down."

I obeyed.

"Okay," she said, fingers tapping her chin. "Wear the short black gown we bought. The one you said was ’too exposed for breathing.’"

I blinked. "Janae, it’s too...."

"Elara. Wear it."

Next came the heels. Then the clutch. Then she made me redo my hair and insisted I add light makeup.

When I was finally dressed, she gasped loudly. "Girl. You look hot. Like... burning. Alpha is going to faint."

I shook my head, heart pounding. "I look weird. I think my thighs..."

"Elara, don’t start. You look stunning. End of discussion."

I didn’t believe her... not really. But I thanked her anyway and ended the call.

I was about to take off the gown, telling myself I looked ridiculous, when I heard a soft knock on the door.

My heart jumped into my throat.

I opened the door.

And there he was.

Darlon.

He froze the moment he saw me. His eyes widened just a little, and he didn’t speak. He just stared. Long enough that I almost panicked and reached for the zipper of my dress.

"I know I look strange, let me just..."

"No." His voice was rough. "Don’t change."

I blinked. "But..."

"That dress..." He exhaled slowly. "It suits you."