Abandoned While Pregnant, Claimed by the Alpha novel Chapter 41

Chapter 41

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Chapter 41

I tugged the corners of my mouth into a faint smile, but it didn’t reach my eyes. Watching Silvia embarrass herself, seeing her use Brian’s money to clear up after her stupidity-it did bring a fleeting sense of satisfaction. But it was the kind of satisfaction that dissolved instantly, like a bubble popping, leaving behind nothing but hollow exhaustion. There was nothing truly victorious about it. The whole thing was just a pathetic mess, and all I’d done was push someofre already sinking deeper into the

mud. This wasn’t what I wanted.

“Alright, Vicki,” I said, pulling her still-shaking arm. “That’s enough laughing. We’ve got a ‘battle dress’ to find.”

“You’re absolutely right, my queen.” Vicki wiped the tears from her eyes and looped her arm through mine again. “We need to find a dress so stunning that it makes that blind idiot Brian have a heart attack the second he sees you!”

About an hour later, we found it in another boutique that was understated yet sophisticated.

It was a black gown.

Unlike the shining, attention-grabbing silver dress from earlier, this one was like the quietest midnight, hanging there as if it absorbed all the light around it. The velvet fabric shimmered faintly under the lights, like the feathers of a black swan. Its design was strikingly simple, free of any unnecessary embellishments, yet the clean, sharp lines gave it an aura of cool elegance and strength.

“This is it,” Vicki said with a mix of awe and certainty in her voice. “Ashley, forget about that goddess dress. That one made you look like a fragile art piece, but this? This makes you the queen who sets the rules. This is you.”

I walked up, gently brushing my fingers over the cool, smooth fabric. Vicki was right. I didn’t need to play the part of some goddess just for others to admire. I just wanted to be myself again, the one who could take charge of her own life.

“Thank you, Vicki,” I said sincerely. “Thanks for sticking with me today.”

“Hey, between us, no need for thank yous.” She pulled me into a warm hug and whispered near my ear, “We’re allies, remember? Always standing shoulder to shoulder.”

Just then, Vicki’s phone rang, breaking the moment of calm. She glanced at the screen, her face showing a hint of apology. “Oh no, it’s the hospital. An emergency surgery-I’ve got to rush back.”

“Go, don’t worry about it.” I urged, “A patient’s life is way more important than my dress.”

After saying goodbye to Vicki, I was left alone, carrying the bag with my black suit of armor, ready to head home.

But as I reached out to flag down a taxi, my phone buzzed in my hand.

The name flashing on the screen: Herbert.

I took a deep breath and answered.

“Hello?”

“Ashley,” his voice greeted me, low and smooth, like the deep notes of a cello, carrying a calming warmth. “Hope I’m not interrupting. Do you have a moment?”

“I just finished shopping.”

“Perfect,” there was a hint of amusement in his tone. “I’ve run into a bit of a problem and could really use your help. Any chance you’re free right now?”

His tone was so polite and respectful, completely different from Brian’s commanding and entitled demeanor. I agreed almost without thinking. It wasn’t just because he helped me retrieve my mother’s belongings, or because he stood up for me at the gallery. It was more because, with him, I felt like an equal-respected as an independent individual.

“It’s my pleasure,” I replied.

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Chapter 41

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“I’ll be at the ‘Blue Coast’ French restaurant in Santa Monica,” he said.

Twenty minutes later, I found myself standing outside the renowned restaurant, known for its romantic ambiance and privacy. Through the large floor to ceiling windows, I immediately spotted Herbert by the window. He wasn’t wearing a suit today; instead, he had on a high-quality dark gray cashmere sweater. It gave him a softer, scholarly vibe, far removed from the assertiveness of an Alpha.

He noticed me too and quickly stood up, a gentle smile on his face as he walked to the door.

“You’re here,” he said, pulling open the heavy glass door with effortless and natural grace. His manners felt comforting in a way I hadn’t experienced in a long time.

“Hope I didn’t keep you waiting too long.”

“For a beautiful lady, any wait is worth it,” he said with a playful wink, his deep, captivating eyes shining with charm.

We walked into the restaurant side by side, and the waiter guided us to a prime Seat by the window with a fantastic view.

I had no idea what he meant by “troublesome matters,” but right here, under the warm Southern California sun, with this man’s steady and reassuring presence beside me, the chaos in my heart caused by Brian and Silvia unbelievably settled into calm.

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