Alexa's POV
Nobody seems to move for a few seconds more. Nobody says a word or anything of the sort. Lane remains hanging by the door as if waiting to see the response of everybody first before he bolts with his beloved. I feel sick to my stomach. Lina appears put of nowhere and hands me a champagne which I take a large gulp from.
Setting the glass down noisily and drawing attention to me, I rise from the couch and walk to Xander. Wrapping my hand around his, his eyes snap away from Lane toward mine and I smile at him. Our eyes seem to communicate for a few seconds before his face returns back to normal.
Xander still hasn't spoken to me about what happened with his ex-fiance but the way he had reacted told me a lot. Most importantly, the room had responded to the announcement. However, I don't let that deter me as I force Xanders with me and walk up to the duo hanging by the door.
“Hi, you must be Lane Russell. Welcome to our home. My husband has talked about you a lot in the past few days.” I tell him, watching as his eyes snap from me to Xander to the rings on our fingers.
“Lane,” Xander calls, clearing his throat.
“Xander,” Lane calls with a fake smile as he steps up to hug Xander, albeit awkwardly. The exchange is a far cry from the exuberance the others had exchanged with.
Still, I will take it. I turn my attention to the ex, smiling warmly at her before I grab my husband and announce that it's time to go for dinner. It's earlier than we should but the lightness in the air has already been ruined.
While the other couples file out to the dining room led by the maids, I wait with Xander. As soon as they are gone, I turn to him to check if he is okay.
“I'm fine,” he tells me, his lips twitching into a smile.
“You will be,” I hiss, as I folded my hands over my chest. Leaning in, I whisper in a not-so-sorry tone, “Your friend, Lane, is an asshole.” I say to him.
Xander's eyes twinkle with laughter. “I know,” he shrugs.
“An even bigger asshole than you are.” I add.
He cocks his brow at me. “Still think I'm an asshole?”
“I don't know. If you are, then you are my asshole.” I grin at him.
Xander shakes his head like he can't believe me. He grips my wrist again and we walk to the dining room with smiles on our faces. There are a lot of delicacies to choose from, I made sure of that. So, I watch the food go round. The room isn't quiet though which is a good thing.
We start with the appetizers, seared scallops with truffle oil and microgreen. There is another option which is why I glare at Sawyers date, Calista, when she complains about not wanting scallops.
“I'm sure if you look closely, you will find that there are other options to choose from. I made provisions for that.” I say with a deceptively sweet smile. Dinner hasn't fully started yet and I'm already craving wine.
Dave smiles at me before continuing his conversation with Sawyer with Lane occasionally chipping in. I breathe in the scent of the scented candles, feeling satisfied with myself about everything.
Sofia moans a few moments later, drawing attention to her. “You guys really need to try this. Do you know that Alexa made the meals we are eating? She is a chef.” Sofia announces proudly, drawing attention to me.
“Really?” Reed asks, putting down his fork.
“Yeah,” I nod with pride.
“And here I thought I could borrow your private chef for a few weeks,” he says which makes me smile. It isn't a compliment but it makes me smile.
YOU ARE READING
HIS PRETENSE BRIDE
RomanceAlexa Richardson was the true definition of tardiness. She lost her job, had an accident, and found herself in a stranger's mansion and in a sticky situation. Xander Gold was a half-Italian and half-American billionaire. He took Alexa to his mansion...