I Forgot I Loved You Alpha (Ellie and Nolan) novel Chapter 131

Chapter 131

“Nolan,” Ellie’s voice cut through the noise like a blade.

I let go instantly, stepping back, the fury still humming through my veins. She looked between us, confusion and frustration etched across her face. “What’s going on?”

“Ask him,” I said tightly.

She turned to Kieran. “What did you say?”

“Nothing you didn’t already know,” he said smoothly, brushing invisible dust from his sleeve. “We were just having a friendly discussion about your future.”

Her brows drew together, but she didn’t respond. She looked tired-tense in a way that twisted something in my chest. I hated that this was happening here, in front of everyone. I hated even more that he’d made her feel cornered.

I took a step toward her. “Ellie. Can we talk? Alone.”

She hesitated. Then, slowly, she nodded.

We moved to the edge of the ballroom, into one of the quiet adjoining halls where the music dulled to a distant hum. The second we were out of sight, I finally let out the breath I’d been holding.

“Why didn’t you tell me?” I asked.

Her brow furrowed. “About what?”

“The pregnancy.” The words came out rougher than I meant. “Why did you hide it from me?”

Her eyes widened, and for a heartbeat, I saw pure panic flash there. Then she crossed her arms, her chin lifting defensively.

“You think that’s something I could’ve told you? After everything you did? After the way you looked at me like I was a burden you couldn’t shake?”

“I would’ve “I started, but she cut me off.

“You would’ve kept me here,” she said, her voice trembling but steady. “You would’ve used the babies as another reason to trap me. And I couldn’t do it, Nolan. I couldn’t spend the rest of my life being hated by the man I was bound to.”

The words hit harder than any punch. I opened my mouth, but nothing came out. Because she was right. That’s exactly what I would’ve done. Back then, I was too proud, too broken to let her go, even if it meant crushing her spirit to keep her.

I swallowed hard, my throat dry. “Ellie…” My voice cracked. “I don’t hate you.”

She didn’t answer, just stared at me, searching my face like she was trying to decide if I meant it.

Finally, I took a breath and forced the truth out. “I love you.”

Her eyes widened. “What?”

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“I love you,” I repeated, the words raw, real, terrifying. “I should’ve realized a long time ago, but things were… it all got away from me. I’m not good at this, at emotions. I was too angry, too proud to admit it, but it’s the truth. I don’t expect you to feel the same. I know that I don’t deserve anything from you after the way I treated you, but I need you to know.”

Her lips parted, but before she could respond, a hush rippled through the corridor. I turned my head and saw movement, figures at the edge of the doorway.

Two guests, standing frozen, wide-eyed. Then three more. Whispers were starting to spread like wildfire.

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