After She's Terminal The Alpha Regrets (Elaine and Lucas) novel Chapter 40

Chapter 40

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Chapter 40

Lucas had been told she’d be here. So why wasn’t she? He’s been pacing for the last thirty minutes, continuously checking his watch. He should be inside right now, winning over votes. Getting endorsements.

But no.

He was out here, waiting for her to show up. Hoping she’d arrive like his father said she would.

“She’s not coming,” Ayla said from behind him. Lucas let out a harsh breath. “You’ve been waiting for half an hour. I can go in with you, Lucas.”

He looked backward toward the event hall. It was some charity event, he hadn’t actually read all the details about it. Just some influential voices would be here tonight. Some he should want on his side.

Though some of his opponents were in there too, probably already sucking up to them.

“Come on, she’s not coming.”

Lucas sighed and ran his fingers through his hair.

“Maybe you’re right…” he trailed off, gaze lifting toward the parking lot as some old car pulled up. His gaze narrowed. Was that Harriet in the driver’s seat? Didn’t matter. Elaine was getting out of the passenger side.

Lucas straightened. “You actually showed up.”

Elaine closed the door and waved to Harriet, who then drove off.

“You sound surprised,” Elaine replied, walking toward him in a dress that was actually suitable. Almost like old

times.

Ayla, behind Lucas, stiffened. She stepped forward. “You know, I saw Liam enter a few minutes ago,” she said. Was she trying to stir up trouble?

Elaine just offered a smile. “Good to see you too, Ayla.” The sarcasm in her voice was hard to miss.

Ayla just huffed and turned to look the other way.

“You can go home, Ayla,” Lucas said.

She stiffened and turned to him. “What?”

Lucas held his arm for Elaine, ignoring Ayla. “Shall we?”

Elaine turned and started walking toward the event center. “Let’s just get this night over with.”

She still didn’t want to be here with him. Wouldn’t be here at all if it weren’t for his father. Only a little more of this. Just a few more events and she’d be done with Lucas for good. No more pretending in front of a crowd.

Lucas jogged up behind her, matching her pace as she climbed the steps into the event center. Elaine opened the door, and they both went in.

The air was warm, though not yet stifling. The murmur of conversation carried through the open space. A large room lay out before them. Silent auctions were along either wall, and at the back was a stage.

“Which charity is this for?” Elaine asked, glancing over her shoulder at Lucas.

“Not sure,” he replied.

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Chapter 40

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Elaine frowned. “Did you not read anything about this?”

“Didn’t you?”

“I wasn’t sent the information!” Elaine snapped. Then sighed and looked around for any signs that might give it away. Instead, her gaze met Liam’s from across the room. He stood on his toes above the crowd, waving at her.

Elaine had to suppress a smirk and roll of her eyes. Liam came over and Lucas stepped right up next to her, shoulder to shoulder.

“Liam,” Lucas greeted coldly.

“Didn’t know you were both going to come,” Liam said, his voice more warm. Elaine smiled at that. “Glad you’re here.”

Lucas straightened his spine, slipping a hand around Elaine’s waist. “As are we. You’ll have to excuse us. *My* wife and I should make our rounds.”