Marked By the Pureblood Alpha (Deanna and Luis) novel Chapter 229

**Chapter 229: You Can Buy Me a Meal**

**Deanna’s POV:**

I paused for a brief moment, trying to gather my scattered thoughts, my eyes fixated on the man standing before me.

His presence was both commanding and calming, an intriguing blend that instantly captivated me. He stood tall, exuding an undeniable confidence, his posture impeccable. There was something almost otherworldly about his features; they were finely chiseled, delicate in a way that made him seem both approachable and dignified. The glasses perched on his nose framed eyes that were deep and gentle, lacking the harshness often associated with a high-ranking Alpha. Instead, he radiated a serene sophistication, a testament to a man of culture and refinement.

While he might not possess the striking handsomeness of Luis, he had a charm that was simply magnetic.

If I had ever encountered a man like him before, I would have certainly remembered every single detail.

A frown creased my brow as I wrestled with the urge to place him. “I’m sorry, I…”

“Three years ago, we met at the Luminara Restaurant. You had reserved the entire venue for that evening,” Malcolm said, his voice smooth and soothing, just as I recalled it.

The moment he mentioned the restaurant, a torrent of memories surged through me, crashing over my senses like a wave.

It was Jake’s birthday, a night I had meticulously orchestrated. I had envisioned a candlelit dinner, hoping to create a magical atmosphere to celebrate him, to show him how much he meant to me.

But, as fate would have it, Jake had let me down once again.

I had waited for what felt like an eternity, my heart sinking deeper with each ticking minute that passed.

Finally, a waiter approached, a sympathetic look etched on his face. “I’m sorry, but we’re about to close.”

I stared at the cold, untouched meal on the table and the lonely cake, my heart heavy with disappointment and sadness.

Yet, I refused to surrender to despair. “Could I have just one more hour?” I implored the waiter, desperation creeping into my voice as I clung to the hope of holding on until midnight.

The staff found themselves caught in a dilemma, bound by their rules and the relentless ticking of the clock.

Then, unexpectedly, a man passing by overheard my plea.

He stepped forward, his voice firm yet kind. “Let the lady stay as long as she needs.”

I never imagined that this compassionate stranger would turn out to be Malcolm.

The realization struck me like a bolt of lightning. “So it was you,” I said, astonished and somewhat awestruck.

Malcolm smiled, his expression warm and understanding. “How are things with your boyfriend now?”

I shook my head, keeping my response simple and honest. “I’m single now.”

**Malcolm’s POV:**

As her words reached my ears, a smile crept wider across my face, a reflection of the bittersweet nostalgia flooding my heart.

I was transported back to that night three years ago, a poignant reminder of my own heartache. That evening, Winnie Tate, my first love, had chosen her dream of ballet over the future we had envisioned together.

Feeling despondent, I had sought solace in that restaurant, nursing my sorrows with a drink, the taste of regret lingering on my tongue.

I had reserved the venue for Winnie, a gesture of love for her favorite dish, hoping to celebrate her passion.

It was then that I overheard whispers about a girl who had reserved the entire place to celebrate her boyfriend’s birthday.

Not many would go to such lengths for love, and my curiosity piqued as I glanced over.

This had to be Silas Crawford, a name I recognized from my research.

He was a renowned expert in mall infrastructure, boasting over twenty years of experience in the industry.

I listened intently as Silas shared insights about the ongoing transformations in the retail world, each word hanging in the air like a precious gem.

Halfway through our conversation, his phone rang, and he had to excuse himself for an emergency.

Disappointment washed over me; I had been eager to absorb more of his wisdom and experience.

Then Malcolm spoke up, his tone persuasive yet respectful. “Mr. Crawford, since you had to leave today, why not make it up to us and visit Mistbane Group next time? You could share more of your expertise with Ms. Wiley then.”

Silas paused, a thoughtful expression crossing his face before he chuckled. “If Malcolm says so, it’s hard to refuse. Ms. Wiley, I’ll make it a point to visit in person next time.”

My eyes sparkled with gratitude as I quickly thanked him, feeling a rush of optimism for the future.

**Conclusion**

As the evening drew to a close, I found myself reflecting on the unexpected turn my life had taken. Three years ago, I had sat alone in a restaurant, heartbroken and clinging to the remnants of a love that had ultimately let me down. Now, here I was, sharing a meal with a man who had once offered me kindness in my darkest moment. Malcolm’s presence was a soothing balm, a reminder that even in the depths of despair, there existed the possibility of connection and hope. The warmth of his smile and the genuine interest he showed in my ambitions made me realize that I was no longer defined by my past but rather by the strength I had cultivated to move forward.

With each shared laugh and insightful conversation, I felt the weight of my loneliness begin to lift. The prospect of collaborating with Silas Crawford, thanks to Malcolm’s thoughtful introduction, filled me with excitement for the future. I could sense that this was the beginning of something new—an opportunity not just for professional growth but for personal healing as well. As I looked across the table at Malcolm, I understood that sometimes, life brings people into our paths when we least expect it, and those encounters can lead to unexpected joy. In that moment, I felt a flicker of something I hadn’t felt in a long time: the promise of new beginnings.

**What to Expect in Next Chapter?**

In the next chapter of *The Heart I Buried for You*, readers can expect to delve deeper into the burgeoning connection between Deanna and Malcolm. Their shared history and the emotional undercurrents from their past encounters will set the stage for a pivotal moment in their relationship. As they navigate the complexities of their individual heartaches, the anticipation builds—will Deanna allow herself to open up to Malcolm, or will her past fears hold her back? With Malcolm’s gentle encouragement and Deanna’s undeniable spark, the potential for something beautiful looms on the horizon.

Moreover, the dynamics of their professional lives will intertwine with their personal journeys, especially as Deanna’s role at Mistbane Group becomes more prominent. As they explore the intricacies of the retail world alongside industry experts like Silas Crawford, new opportunities will arise that could either strengthen their bond or introduce unforeseen challenges. The stakes are high, and readers will be left wondering: will Deanna embrace the possibilities that lie ahead, or will the shadows of her past continue to haunt her? The chapter promises to be a thrilling blend of romance, ambition, and emotional growth, leaving fans eager for what comes next.