The Alpha's Unexpected Bride

the building where the grand banquet was being held. It was a watershed moment, and although she had experienced social events all around the world, tonight had a special

hed with discreet but refined jewelry. Clara knew she couldn't stay hidden behind this simplicity for long; she would quickly become the center of attention, without her kno

me faces were already turning towards her, curious, intrigued. Examining eyes followed her every step, sizing her up with merciless eyes. The

feminine voice, casting a pi

m a village in the south, it seems. Nothi

must be quite impress

lipped over her like rain on asphalt. But somewhere, she felt a pang of frustration. She would have liked her skills, her achievements, to speak fo

ssential figure of the evening. Nothing seemed to escape him, and he followed the reactions of the guests with an enigmatic neutrality. When Clara entered, his gaze r

nd elegant, but his manner betrayed a certain condescending air. Clara guessed that

ening. I hear you're... um, a country girl? » he asked in a false

to let herself be destabilized. She gave a polite

scapes and the tranquility of the countr

ulled himself together, muttering a simple, "Interesting...". He walked away, no dou

presence here was as much a challenge to herself as it was to those around her. Looks, whispers... she had prepared herself for this. She felt Mr. Darc

n her. He didn't seem to be in a hurry, but the distance between them was slowly diminishing, each

y as he reached her, his

a smile, trying to hide the sl

as no smile, no contempt, just a latent, almost imperceptible curiosity. He seemed neither ann

ions well." Some people don't hav

ed, her voice light but tinge

hat he had taken note of this response. He glanced around, observing the curious

ect you. Here, they are used to

d her, as if he was extending an invisible hand to her, a form of support hidden behind his cold facade. But before she ha

rning to those who continued to judge her. Clara felt strangely supported, even though she knew her fiancé wasn't the ty

iarch, approached her, a falsely friendly smile on her lips

't expect... well, let's say you're... sur

th that same polite smile,

rises, Madam. Maybe eve

expecting this direct response. She finally turned away, clea

ning without fail. She took one last look at the illuminated room behind her, catching Mr. Darcy's gaze through the glass, his face lit by the bright lights