Contract Marriage With Alpha Snow novel Chapter 265

Chapter 265: Fake Identity

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Chapter 265

~Zara’s POV~

"Ella!" I repeated, panic lacing my voice as the silence stretched on.

Finally, she let out a shaky breath from the other end of the line. "Zara, I don’t know what to do."

My heart squeezed at the vulnerability in her voice. "Start from the beginning," I urged, gripping the phone tightly. "You said his name isn’t Styles. What does that mean?"

Ella hesitated, her voice trembling as she spoke. "It means... he lied. Styles isn’t his real name, among other things, I guess," she rushed out. _{ƒreeωebnovel.ƈom}

"What is it, then?" I asked, trying to keep my voice steady.

There was a pause before she whispered, "He said his name is Noel. Noel Slaton."

The relief that coursed through me was immediate and overwhelming. I sagged back against the pillows, exhaling sharply. "Noel Slaton?"

"Yes," she confirmed, her tone still uncertain and filled with worry. "Zar, what do I do?"

For a moment, I blocked Ella out while my mind reeled, piecing together the implications.

For a moment, my heart had seized with fear, worried that the man Ella was entangled with was connected to my—her past life—to Kent Wayne, the man who had led to her death. But this... this was different.

"Ella, listen to me," I said firmly. "This isn’t the end of the world. He lied about his name, sure, but that doesn’t mean everything he’s told you is a lie."

If there was anything I could do to keep her from ever meeting that guy, I’d do it. I had one chance to make her life right and keep her alive.

"How can I be sure?" Ella asked, her voice cracking.

"Because you know him," I said softly. "You’ve spent time with him. If you believe he truly cares about you, then trust that. Confront him, but don’t jump to conclusions."

Ella was quiet for a long moment before speaking. "You really think so?"

"I do," I said. But the truth was, right from the start, I wasn’t entirely in support. Ella was a smart and good lady. And she deserved the best, not some simple friends with benefits.

Still, who was I to judge? My friend was happy and I let her be, supporting her the best way I could.

I sighed. It was time to get her out.

"But if it doesn’t feel right, Ella—if your gut tells you something is off—you have to walk away, Ella. You deserve someone who is honest with you. You know I love you, bestie."

Her sigh was heavy, but I could feel her tension easing. "You’re right. As usual."

"Of course, I am," I teased lightly. "And listen, when I get back, why don’t you come stay with me for a while?"

"With you?" Ella asked, surprised.

"Yes," I said firmly. "You don’t have to deal with this alone. Come to Snow’s mansion. We’ll figure everything out together."

Ella’s tone softened, and I could hear the gratitude in her voice. "That sounds... nice. Thank you, Zara."

"Anytime," I said warmly. "Now go get some rest. We’ll talk more tomorrow."

Astrid’s voice broke through my thoughts. "What are you thinking?"

"I’m not sure," I admitted. "But at least it’s not Kent."

"That’s something to be grateful for," Astrid said. "Still, we need to be cautious. This could be more complicated than it seems."

He nodded grimly. "If Xavier’s bringing them up, it’s serious."

"Then we need to call him," I said, the urgency in my voice matching the tension in his expression.

Snow hesitated for only a moment before nodding. "Let’s do it."

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~Kaid’s POV~

The morning sun streamed through the large windows of the royal dining hall, its warmth doing little to temper the chill I felt.

Around the table, the royal family, myself, Delia, her mother, my advisor, my beta and a select few Lords were engaged in polite conversation.

The clink of silverware and the discussion were the only sounds as the morning unfolded.

Across the table, Zara sat beside Snow, her presence commanding all the attention even when she wasn’t speaking. She exuded regal charm effortlessly, and based on her history and lineage, it was evident that royalty was ingrained in her and it drew glances from everyone present—including me.

I hadn’t anticipated their announcement, but as Zara and Snow exchanged subtle looks, I braced myself.

"We have some news," Snow began politely. "Zara, Zade, and I will be leaving the palace today."

The table fell silent, the soft murmur of conversation dissipating like smoke. All eyes turned to them, and my jaw tightened.

"You’re leaving?" I asked, though irritation flickered.

"Yes," Snow confirmed, his sharp gaze meeting mine. "We appreciate your hospitality, but it’s time for us to return to our own responsibilities."