Alexander's POV
My mother's announcement caught me off guard. I had made it clear she couldn't choose my wife for me, yet everything happened so fast.
Amelia walked over, interlocked her arm with mine, and people congratulated us. My eyes darted around, searching for Serena.
And then I saw her slipping quietly out of the hall. A strange tightening pulled at my chest.
Was she… hurt?
I tried to free myself from Amelia, but her grip tightened. My jaw clenched, impatience flaring within me.
"Alexander, the guests are watching. You don't want them thinking you're not interested in this marriage."
A low chuckle escaped me. "What do I care what they think? You and I both know I don't love you. This engagement will never happen."
"Do you think your mom will agree?"
There it was again — the empty threats. Did she truly think my mother controlled me? She was delusional.
"You're mistaken. My mom doesn't control me. She never has."
