Chapter 179

Chapter 179
ISABELLA

The car sped down the highway toward New York, the city skyline coming closer with every mile, yet the journey itself felt slow. Asher sat across from me, focused on his stack of files, his eyes moving steadily over each page. Every now and then, I glanced at him, feeling the mix of emotions that had become my constant companion—hope, uncertainty, and a touch of nostalgia for the bond we once had.

I leaned back, trying to relax, but it was no use. My hands were fidgeting with the sleeve of my jacket, and every little bump in the road made me shift restlessly in my seat. Asher seemed to pick up on it, closing the file he was working on with a soft click, his gaze sliding over to me.

"Long drive for you, huh?" he said, a small smile lifting the corner of his mouth.

I chuckled, trying to keep it light. “Well, not all of us brought a mountain of paperwork along to pass the time.”

He laughed softly, that familiar warmth returning to his eyes. “Alright, I get it. I’m neglecting you.” There was a playful glint in his gaze as he leaned in. “Let’s talk. Tell me… anything. Your favorite memory from our first year together?”

The question caught me off guard, but I rolled my eyes, leaning into the banter. “Well, you mean besides the fact that I had a crush on you that was wildly obvious? I’m amazed you didn’t pick up on it faster with that ‘alpha’ intuition.”

He feigned shock, pressing a hand over his heart. “Hey, I was always sharp on details. Even back then.”

“Oh, right,” I teased, nudging him. “Sharp on details, but you’re just now noticing all that gray sneaking into your hair. Are you going to admit you’re getting closer to forty?”

He laughed, the sound rich and deep, and suddenly I felt some of my tension slip away. “That ‘salt-and-pepper’ look, as you called it, makes me distinguished. And forty? I’ll have you know, I’m already planning the most understated, dignified birthday celebration ever.”

“Understated and dignified?” I raised an eyebrow, suppressing a grin. “Somehow, I don’t buy it.”

Asher leaned back, sighing with a dramatic flair. “Alright, you caught me. I’ll leave ‘understated’ for someone else.” He paused, glancing over at me, his expression softening. “But maybe you’ll be there to keep me humble.”

I felt the comment settle warmly in my chest, but alongside it came a lingering hesitation. I wanted to believe in him, in this version of us that seemed to be slowly rebuilding itself. He was so careful with me now, so attentive to every little shift in my mood, as if he wanted to earn back all the trust I’d lost. And for a moment, I could almost feel it—the ease we used to have, the laughter and shared secrets.

But the past hadn’t disappeared, and the questions I kept tucked away refused to vanish completely. Was it wise to trust again? To allow myself to feel like this again with him?

Sensing my silence, Asher reached over, his hand gently brushing mine. “Hey,” he said softly, grounding me in the present. “Whatever happens tonight, just be yourself. You’re going to do amazing.”

I looked over at him, feeling a smile spread across my face, genuine and warm. “Thank you, Asher.”

When we finally pulled up in front of the hotel, the driver opened my door, and I stepped out, taking in the grand entryway, the impressive architecture, and the flicker of lights from the lobby windows. This was where he wanted to introduce me—to show the world who we were, together. It was as exciting as it was nerve-wracking, but somehow, with Asher beside me, it didn’t feel quite as overwhelming.

As I turned to face him, he held out his hand, his expression open and full of hope. I took it, feeling the connection between us, fragile yet steady, like a bridge slowly being rebuilt. Whatever happened tonight, I knew I’d face it with him.

ASHER

I adjusted my tie one last time, catching my reflection in the suite’s mirror. Everything was in place, but I barely noticed, too aware of the anticipation building. Tonight meant more than just a public event—it was a statement, a return to the strength of “us.” The knock on the bathroom door came almost instinctively, the words falling out before I could temper them: “Isa, if you take any longer, we’re going to be late!”

I heard her laugh softly on the other side of the door, a light sound that set my nerves at ease. And then the door opened, and Isabella stepped out.

The moment I saw her, words felt clumsy and irrelevant. The green dress was perfect—the deep, almost emerald shade that highlighted the unique green of her eyes and the gentle waves of her dark hair cascading over her shoulders. Every curve, every inch of her was striking, like she’d been crafted just for this moment. She looked like the queen she was, and yet… she was mine.

I couldn’t hold back a grin, stepping closer as she took a small, uncertain breath. She was stunning, and she had to know it. “Isabella…” My voice sounded a little rough, and I cleared my throat, taking her hands in mine. “You’re incredible. They’re not going to know what hit them.”

A blush rose to her cheeks, and she gave me a playful look, but I didn’t miss the gratitude in her eyes. This was still new for her, all of it, and as proud as I was to have her on my arm tonight, I knew it was about more than that. Tonight was about letting her shine in front of others the way she always shone to me.

“I mean it,” I added, brushing my thumb along her hand. “Though, I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t tempted to stay right here with you.”

She laughed, a little nervously, but she didn’t pull her hand away. “If you keep saying things like that, we might never make it downstairs.”

Her teasing almost undid me, and I leaned closer, resisting the urge to kiss her right there and abandon the gala altogether. But there was something stronger in me tonight—a desire to share this moment with the world, to let everyone see her for who she was. So, I took her hand in mine, straightening a little.

“Come on,” I said, pulling her gently toward the door. “Tonight, I get to show everyone the woman I love.”

The way she looked up at me, a small, genuine smile on her lips, reminded me just how lucky I was. As we walked down the hallway together, my heart felt full, overflowing with pride and a fierce kind of devotion. She wasn’t just the woman I loved; she was my partner, my equal, my queen. And tonight, I would make sure everyone knew it.