When Love Meets Wealth

ala echoed behind her, laughter and music mixing in a bittersweet melody that only heightened her anxiety. She leaned against the wrought-iron railing, staring in

looked pensive, almost lost in thought, and she could see the tension etched across his features. The sight of him made her heart r

reaking the silence as she approa

ms. "What do you want to talk about? M

inside, his eyes pleading for some privacy. "I don't

ut we need to talk. It's time to addres

as they moved into a more secluded area of the terrace. The moon hung

unning a hand through his hair. "I've made a lot of

acing with the memories of the pain he had caused her. "You didn't

immense pressure. My father's expectations, the business-everything was so overwhelming. I thoug

a mix of anger and longing. "You didn't just make a mistake, Alexander;

ss right now. I just want you to understand that I've changed. I want

, her heart aching at the thought of him with Miranda. "If you rea

ce heavy with frustration. "I didn't plan for things to get complic

sly. "You're either with me or you're with

his face. "I know I've let you down. But please, let me show

colliding with the desire to believe him. "I don't know

the night, causing both of them to turn. "Oh, look at you two," she said,

t the sight of Miranda, her heart raci

nst the door frame. "It seems like you've had your little chat. But don't think for a s

ander said sharply, stepping pr

d, her voice a sickly sweet syrup. "That's rich, esp

ou're talking about," she shot back. "You might think

angerous. "Oh, but it is a game, Seraphina. You're just not aware of

his voice. "Enough with the petty i

you can come back and sweep him off his feet? This isn't a fairy

the mother of his children means nothing? You don't know what it's l

ch. It's pathetic. Alexander deserves someone who can give hi

hem. "Seraphina is strong and capable. She has faced more th

"She's using you. She wants you to feel sorry for her because she

on bubbling over. "I'm not asking him to save

How can you move on when you'

ch, cutting through the tension. She pulled it out,

ecking in. Ho

rrowed as she caught a glimpse of the mes

a replied, her voice sharp. She di

ng behind your phone while your ex-husband is here trying to figure th

words get to her. "You don't know anything about me, and you certainly don't get to dic

ough. And trust me, I won't let you ruin what I've wor

ut filled with authority. "Seraphina isn't out of her league. She's a

ina could see the tension between them all growing. I

in," Miranda shot back, her voice laced with menace. "I

till night air. "This isn't what I want. I thought we

ink you can just wish me away? I'm not going anywhere, Alex

strode away, leaving Seraphina and Alexander st

ight of Miranda's words lingered in her mind. "I'm sorry you had to see that," s

his hair in frustration. "I never wanted you to feel unco

rling. "I don't know if I can trust you, Ale

bout wanting to make things right. I've learned from my past

he coldness of doubt. "You talk about wanting to fight for us, but how can I tr

Seraphina. I've realized what really matters in my life. It's not about

an she once loved, the man who had held her close during the happiest moments of

e said, her heart heavy with uncertainty. "

p closer, his voice lowering. "Let me show you how serious I am about maki

ntion back to the gala. The music played on, laughter echoed from the ba

na suggested, unwilling to linger in the un

o say. I need you to understand what you mean to me. I know I've let you down,

reappeared, her expression smug and calculating. "Oh, look who's having a heart-to-heart," sh

me," Alexander warned, a hi

ouldn't help but overhear your little conversation. It's quite touching, really. T

se within her. "This isn't a game

see, Alexander might be willing to give you another chance, but the truth is, he has responsibi

t?" Seraphina demanded,

circumstances you might not be aware of. Alexander is part of a world tha

er flaring in his voice. "You'

onvince Seraphina that you want her back, but you can't change who you

steady as he faced her. "But I'm no

ink you've changed? That you can just erase the p

rds. "What do you mean?" she asked, her voi

her eyes. "Let's just say Alexander isn't the only one with secrets. There

Seraphina pressed, feeling a s

said, feigning innocence. "But if I were you, I'd

hem. "You're being cruel, and it's unnecessary.

ng to protect my interests. You may have a soft spot for her, but remem

dent in his voice. "Seraphina is the mother of my children, and

anda warned, her voice lo

rble floor as she disappeared into the crowd. The tension in the air fel

nded, her voice trembling. "Wha

to heart," Alexander said, his expression serious. "Miranda t

sked, fear creeping in. "What if there's somet

ly, his gaze unwavering. "I won't let her c

"I want to believe you, but there's so much at stake he

ch sending a ripple of warmth through her. "But we can't let he

terrupting the moment. She pulled it out, sca

again. You okay? You

e their conversation and needing to reassure her friend. "I

replied, his ton

o convey that she was okay, even if sh

ittle drama with Mirand

nder watching her closely. "What did she say

raphina replied, trying t

closer. "I don't want to pressure you into

over her. "But I also can't keep running from it. I need to know

ggested, a hint of hope in his voice. "We

open, and the music spilled out into the te

aid, feeling a mix of hope and uncertainty. "

ok on his face. "Let's not give her the s

ain, and Miranda's threats lingered in the air. But perhaps, just perhaps, this night could mark the beginning of a

tmosphere of the gala, ready to face whatever lay