Chapter 22

Chapter Twenty-Two

Dominic

M orning light spilled through the gauzy curtains, casting a glow over Alexa's sleeping form. She lay peaceful, her chest rising and falling with the steady rhythm of slumber, her blond waves fanned out across the pillow like a halo. I stood at the threshold, watching her, the turmoil of last night's confessions still echoing in my heart.

"Alexa," I whispered.

Her eyelids fluttered open, revealing those clear blue pools that could see right through to the darkest corners of my soul. A smile graced her lips, the red lipstick from yesterday now just a faint stain, evidence of our late-night reconciliation.

"Good morning," she murmured, stretching languidly as she sat up. The sheets pooled around her waist, exposing the soft curve of her shoulders. There was an innocence to her movements, a contrast to the shadows that lingered in my world.

"Throw something on and let's go downstairs."

I threw a simple sundress on the bed and watched her slip it over her head.

"Today's a new day," I said, offering my hand to help her rise. "And it's time to start planning for the future."

She took it, her grip warm and sure. As she stepped out of bed, I couldn't help but marvel at how she navigated this life with me—a life so far removed from the one she had envisioned for herself.

"Come," I urged gently, guiding her toward the door. "There's someone you need to meet."

We walked together down the hallway. At the kitchen, I paused, allowing Alexa to enter first. There, standing by the stove, was Lizzie, her brown hair perfectly coiffed, her posture commanding yet welcoming.

"Lizzie, this is Alexa. She'll be working with you to plan the party."

"An honor to finally meet you," she said, her tone imbued with warmth and authority.

"Thank you," Alexa replied. "I look forward to planning this with you."

"Then let's get started." She pulled out a notepad and pen with practiced ease.

I watched as they began discussing themes, menus, and decorations, Alexa's input thoughtful and measured. But as they spoke of guest lists, her expression faltered, and my chest tightened.

"Who would you like to invite, Alexa?"

She hesitated, her bright facade dimming for just a moment. "I can't invite my mother, not yet." She looked over at me, not wanting to say more in front of Lizzie, but I understood. She didn't want her wrapped up in this world.

"My family is your family now, I'll invite everyone," I declared, stepping closer, the weight of my statement heavy in the air.

A flicker of gratitude lit up Alexa's face, and she reached out, her fingers lacing with mine. In that simple gesture, a silent vow passed between us—a promise to forge a new path together, away from the specters of solitude that haunted our pasts.

"Thank you," she said, her eyes shining with a resolve that matched my own. "For everything."

As Lizzie continued to outline the preparations, I remained by Alexa's side, a silent sentinel. The dark tendrils of my former life seemed less menacing with her near, her presence a beacon in the gloom.

Together, we would cast away the shadows, and amid the chaos of our worlds colliding, we would carve out a sanctuary—a place where love, however tainted, could thrive.