Chapter 174: The Memory Card Ivy Left Behind

Eleanor wasn't surprised. She smiled faintly. "I always knew you were hiding something. But it's in the past now. It doesn't matter anymore. Still, can I see what's on that memory card?"

Alexander hesitated. "You're not in good shape right now. It's better if you don't watch it."

Eleanor wanted to insist, but she stopped herself. She could feel how weak her body had become. If she watched the video, she would break down again.

And if her condition got worse, it might hurt the baby.

"Fine. Forget it. Ivy and Luna have both been avenged. I swore I'd do it with my own hands, but in the end, I didn't do anything. I feel like I still owe them."

She leaned back into Alexander's arms and let out a long sigh. Now that her enemies were gone, she felt strangely empty.

"They probably didn't want you to get blood on your hands. If you're happy, I'm sure they're happy too." Alexander gently tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. His eyes were full of love.

"So much has happened since my divorce, but it hasn't really been that long. I've lost so much. My friends. My daughter. Even my enemies. It feels like I've lost my reason to keep going."

While Eleanor was lost in her thoughts, Alexander suddenly stood up. He knelt in front of her, pulling out a small velvet box.

He opened it with a smile. Inside was a stunning diamond ring that sparkled brilliantly.

"What's this?" Eleanor asked, confused.

His voice was soft and tender. "Before I met you, my life was gray and colorless. You were like a ray of light that broke through the darkness. The moment you appeared, you defined everything my life could be. Every single day since then, I've been absolutely certain that I love you."

"So, Eleanor, will you marry me?"

Eleanor reached up and touched her face. Somehow, tears were already streaming down her cheeks.

She laughed through her tears and held out her hand. "Yes."

Alexander took her hand. His own fingers trembled as he slid the ring onto her finger.

Who would have thought that this man, known for being cold and ruthless, would tremble while putting a ring on the woman he loved?

Eleanor threw her arms around him and kissed him.

Alexander quickly took control, pulling her onto his lap and deepening the kiss until time seemed to stop.

When they finally broke apart, Eleanor was so exhausted she wanted to sleep. But Alexander insisted on dragging her out of the house to see a therapist.

He said witnessing a car crash could cause psychological trauma. Eleanor didn't think she was traumatized. Watching the woman who killed her best friend die in front of her was satisfying, not scarring.

But she couldn't win against Alexander's stubbornness, so she went along with it.

...

After Diamond's death, everything seemed to return to normal.

Eleanor and Alexander set a wedding date. The original engagement party was canceled and replaced with a full wedding ceremony scheduled for one month later.

Eleanor had suggested just turning the engagement party into the wedding, but Alexander insisted on giving her the grandest wedding in the world. Plus, she needed time to recover, so they pushed it back.

Eleanor didn't mind. Alexander had made the arrangements. All she had to do was go along with them.

During that month, Eleanor resigned from her position as design director at Prescott Group. She preferred painting freely over going to work every day.

After quitting, she spent her days resting at home and painting whenever she felt inspired.

In just one month, she completed four paintings. They were displayed at Ruixin Gallery and attracted countless admirers.

She also received an invitation from the World Painters Association to become their youngest jury member.

Her fame skyrocketed, and she gained countless fans.

...

Inside the bridal shop, Eleanor stood before a wall of mirrors as staff helped her into yet another wedding dress. She glanced at Daphne, who was nodding approvingly from the side, and sighed. "This is the eighth one today. How many dresses did you design? How long is this going to take?"

Alexander had originally hired a world-renowned designer to create Eleanor's wedding gown. But when Daphne found out, she begged and pleaded with Eleanor, claiming she had always dreamed of designing wedding dresses and wanted Eleanor to help make that dream come true.

She pestered Eleanor until she gave in.

Now Daphne had dragged her here for a fitting that had stretched from morning until night. Eleanor was exhausted.

Daphne swirled her champagne glass and took a sip. "There are only three more after this. No rush."

"What?" Eleanor's eyes went wide. She quickly stopped the staff member adjusting her dress. "I'm done. I'll take this one."

"You can't do that. What if you like one of the other three better? You have to try them all." Daphne signaled for the staff to bring out the remaining dresses.

Eleanor wanted to cry.

"Alright, that's enough. Save those dresses for your own wedding someday. Stop torturing Eleanor." Alexander pushed aside the curtain and stepped in, shooting Daphne a cold look.

Daphne immediately shut up and told the staff to put the dresses away.

"Fine, I just remembered I have something to do. I'll head out first." She set down her champagne and fled.

Before leaving, she had the good sense to take all the staff with her.

The dressing room was suddenly empty except for Eleanor and Alexander.

His gaze landed on her. The diamonds on the dress sparkled, but they couldn't outshine the woman wearing it.

He walked over and wrapped his arms around her gently. "Beautiful."

"I think so too. Daphne actually does have some talent."

"I meant you."

He kissed her forehead, his eyes overflowing with love.

"I've dreamed about seeing you in a wedding dress so many times. Back then, I thought it would never happen. But here we are. It feels like I'm still dreaming. Too happy to be real."

Eleanor reached over and pinched his arm, trying to show him that pain meant it was real.

But Alexander didn't react at all. Eleanor frowned and turned away. "You didn't even flinch. No pain means it's a dream. So I guess you'll just have to marry me in your dreams."

Alexander laughed softly. He clutched his arm dramatically and pretended to wince. Eleanor burst out laughing.

Once she was smiling, Alexander led her to the couch and sat down with her.

"I have a gift for you," he said.

"What a coincidence. I have one for you too."

"Oh? What is it?"

Eleanor pointed at a canvas covered with cloth nearby. "Go take a look."

Alexander retrieved the painting and brought it back. He sat beside her before removing the cover.

The painting showed a romantic wedding scene. Alexander was leading his bride down the aisle toward their happily ever after. But the bride's face was blank.

He chuckled. "Why didn't you paint your own face?"