After One Night with the Alpha (Brad and Elle) novel Chapter 191

Chapter 191

Elle’s POV

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I stared at the elegant signature on the receipt, my hand trembling slightly as I handed the clipboard back to the steward. The box sat on my table, pristine white with a silk ribbon that looked far too expensive for

a casual cruise gift.

“What do you think it is?” Sophia asked, appearing in my doorway just as the steward disappeared down

the hallway.

“I have no idea.” I said. “But I’m starting to think this whole ‘random company perk’ story might be

bullshit.”

Abigail bounced in behind Sophia, practically vibrating with curiosity. “Are you going to open it or just

stare at it all day?”

thinking,” I said, eyeing the box suspiciously. “This feels way too coincidental. A mysterious captain sends gifts to the pregnant human? Come on.”

“Only one way to find out,” Sophia said, reaching for the ribbon. “May I?”

I nodded, stepping back to give her room. Sophia’s fingers worked quickly, and within moments she was lifting the lid to reveal layers of tissue paper. She peeled back the first layer and gasped.

“Holy shit, Elle.”

“What?” I leaned forward, and my breath caught. Nestled in the tissue was the most beautiful white sundress I’d ever seen. The fabric looked like it was made of sea foam, flowing and ethereal, with delicate beadwork that caught the light.

Sophia lifted it carefully, and I could see it was designed with an empire waist – perfect for hiding a growing belly. The craftsmanship was extraordinary, every detail perfect.

“This is… this is a Godhands piece,” Sophia whispered, er voice filled with awe,

“A what now?”

“Godhands. The designer’s signature is here on the labe. Elle, this dress probably costs more than most people make in six months. These pieces are handmade one-of-a-kind. Celebrities wait years to get on his

commission list.”

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Chapter 191

Abigail whistled low. “Damn. Someone really wants to impress you.”

I stared at the dress, my heart pounding. “I can’t accept this. It’s too much. I don’t even know who sent it.

“You already signed for it,” Sophia pointed out with a grin. “Besides, what are you going to do, mail it back

to mysterious ship captain’?”

“Sophia’s right,” Abigail said, taking the dress from Sophia and holding it up against me. “Oh my God, Elle, this is going to look incredible on you. The color will make your eyes pop.”

I hesitated, running my fingers over the impossibly soft fabric. “Help me try it on?”

Sophia clapped her hands together. “Yes! But we’re doing this right. The whole look.”

“It’s just trying on a dress, Sophia.”

“Trust me on this one. If we’re going to see how it looks, we need to see the full effect.”

Twenty minutes later, I was staring at myself in the mirror while Sophia worked magic with my hair. She d unpinned my simple ponytail and was weaving some of the pink lilies and baby’s breath from the room’s flower arrangement into loose waves.

“This is insane,” I protested as Abigail appeared with her makeup bag. “I’m just trying on a dress, not going

to prom.”

“Shut up and hold still,” Abigail said, brandishing a mascara wand. “The lilies need diamond earrings to complete the look.” She produced a pair of delicate studs from her jewelry case. “These will be perfect.”

“Seriously, what are you two doing? I’m not modeling for a magazine shoot.’

“We need to see the full effect,” Sophia said firmly, adding another flower to my hair. ‘You can’t judge a look when it’s only half-finished.”

“There. Perfect.” Abigail stepped back to admire her work. “Elle, you look absolutely stunning.”

I turned to look in the full-length mirror and barely recognized myself. The dress fit like it had been made specifically for my body, flowing gracefully over my growing bump while still maintaining an elegant

silhouette.

“Wow,” I whispered.

“Right?” Sophia grinned. “Now we need better lighting. The deck will be perfect for photos.”

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“Photos? I’m not a model, guys.”

“You’re prettier than most models,” Abigail said, grabbing her phone. “Come on, this is too beautiful not to

capture.”

Before I could protest further, they were practically pushing me out of the room and toward the elevator. The deck was bustling with activity as crew members set up for the evening’s festivities, but Sophia found a quiet corner with perfect ocean views.

“Okay, just stand naturally,” Abigail instructed, her phone already clicking away. “Don’t pose, just be

yourself.”

The sea breeze caught the dress’s flowing fabric, and I had to admit it felt amazing. The dress moved like water, and for the first time in weeks, I felt genuinely beautiful instead of just pregnant and exhausted.

“Turn slightly to the left,” Sophia called, taking her own photos. “The light is perfect on your face.”

“This is ridiculous,” I laughed, but I found myself relaxing into it. There was something freeing about being treated like I was worth celebrating instead of just tolerated.

“And… done!” Abigail lowered her phone, grinning. “These are gorgeous, Elle. I’m posting them right now.”

“Wait, don’t-”

“Too late,” she said, fingers flying over her screen. “Trust me, you look incredible.”

Then my stomach chose that moment to remind me I hadn’t eaten in hours. “Okay, enough photo shoot. I

need food before I pass out.”

“Right, the food festival!” Sophia said, immediately shifting into protective mode. “Let’s get you fed.”

We made our way to the main dining hall on the second deck, where the preparations were in full swing.

The space was filling with other passengers, and I could see Malcolm and Susan at a table near the windows. Susan waved us over, her eyes widening when she saw me.

“Elle, honey, you look absolutely beautiful,” she said, rising to hug me carefully. “That dress is stunning.”

“Thank you,” I said, settling into the chair Malcolm pulled out for me. “I’m starving though. When do we

eat?”

“Soon,” Malcolm promised. “They’re just finishing the setup.”

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I was eyeing the chef stations hungrily when a white-uniformed server appeared beside our table with a

small plate of delicate pastries.

“Wait,” I said, my patience finally running thin. “Let me guess compliments of the captain?”

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“Yes,” he said formally, setting the plate in front of me. He wanted to ensure you had something light to tide you over before the main service begins. These are specifically prepared to be gentle on the stomach – no heavy spices or rich ingredients.”

The pastries looked and smelled incredible – light, airy, with what looked like a delicate cream filling. My

stomach rumbled in response.

I stood up abruptly. “Okay, I need to know. Who exactly is your captain? And why is he so interested in

taking care of me specifically?”

The server looked flustered. “I… the captain prefers to remain… private during voyages. But he has a keen eye for guests who might need special attention.”

“This is bullshit,” I said, my voice rising slightly. “Either you people already know exactly who I am, or this whole ‘free company cruise’ thing is a setup. So which is it?”

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After One Night with the Alpha