The Alpha King's Reluctant Bride (Ava and Grayson) novel Chapter 20

Chapter Twenty

Ava’s POV-

1 blinked, my heart skipping a beat. “What?”

The entire room felt like it was closing in on me. Three days? He was announcing our welding in three days? I hadn’t even had time to proc

Damien’s face remained calm, but there was a glint of amusement in his eyes. “I guess congratulations are in order?”

“Lilian are you there?”

Her words blurred as reality set in. In three days, I was going to be

Mrs. Grayson Blackwood to the ordinary world and Luna to the Alpha King

“I’ll call you back. Bels.”

I

I ended the call not finding the right words to say, I stared down at my phone, my heart pounding as I read the official statement over and ov

Damien watched me, the smile leaving his eyes and his brow furrowed. “Ava, are you okay?”

I looked up at him, my throat tight. “He should have told me first. He should have-“My voice cracked, frustration

bubbling to the surface.

Damien squeezed my hand gently, his voice calm and steady. “I know you’re upset, and you have every right to be. But before you do anyt

I nodded, but my mind was already racing. I couldn’t sit here anymore. I had to talk to Grayson.

“I need to see him,” I muttered, grabbing my things quickly. “I need to talk to Grayson. This isn’t something you just… announce without a

He stood

up

with me, concern etched on his face. “Do you want me to come with you? Or give you a

a ride?”

I shook my head, forcing a smile. “No, I need to handle this myself. I’ll call you if I need anything.”

He pulled

me in for a quick hug, his warmth grounding me for a moment. “Alright, but you know I’m always here if you need me. No matter what happ Thank you,” I whispered, pulling back. “Really, thank you.”

With a final nod from him. I hurried out of the restaurant. My heart was pounding, my paid a swirl of emotions

anger, confusion, hurt. Grayson should’ve told me. We should have discussed this together before he put it out there. Instead, I was blinds I hailed a cab, sending a quick text to Isabella, reassuring her that I was fine and that I’d call once I was settled. My mind raced as I directed One of the ment at the gate walked over to my window, his face unreadable as he gave me a message. “Mr. Blackwood instructed us to info Thu, Dec

The words hit me like slap to the face. He knew I would come looking for him, and he had the audacity to plan this out in advance. He could “Where is the company?” I asked, trying to keep my voice steady

The man gave me the directions, and I felt my anger flare even more Of course, he’d have everything perfectly planned out. If he could figu number and call me Everything about this situation felt cold, calculated, and I hated it.

She quickly regained her composure, nodding as she gestured for me to follow her. “Come on, I’ll take you to his floor.”

I thanked her and began following her toward the elevator, still feeling the weight of all the eyes in the lobby on me. As we waited for the ele “Ava.” I replied, giving her a small smile.

We stepped into the elevator, and as the doors closed, I couldn’t help but feel a surge of nerves. What was I going to say to him? The eleva

871%

The doors finally opened, and we stepped into a sleek, modern office space. It was quieter here, more controlled. Eliza led me down a long “He just fired his PA twenty minutes ago. I am sure you would have noticed he is not..urhmm really a fan of people?”

I found myself laughing softly, surprised by her openness. She led this warm energy about her that I hadn’t expected in a place that felt so

eye

Eliza cleared her throat, her smile fading slightly as she leaned in a little. “But, you know, since you’re his wife, I’m sure he won’t mind you j I grinned. “I found his office myself and I have never met you before.”

She laughed, her voice light and friendly. “Nice to meet you, Ava I guess I’ll be seeing you around.” With that, she turned and disappeared d growing sense of unease,

I took a deep breath, steeling myself. The door loomed in front of me, and despite the sudden lump in my throat, I knocked. No answer. The Finally, I pushed the door open, stepping inside carefully.

My heart dropped and I gasped.

Grayson was there, his back slightly turned toward me, but that wasn’t what made my stomach twist…

It was the fact that he was kissing a woman.

my