Chapter 168

Chapter 168
Renée’s POV

After begrudgingly accepting to talk to Alex, we explained everything to her, backing it up with the proof we had. 
Well, it was safe to say she couldn't believe her ears. 
Literally. 
She just kept arguing, her skepticism obvious. 

Until we played Sasha's recording. 

Cara was silent. Even after it ended, she was still so quiet. She just stared out the window.

“Cara, please, you need to believe that we aren't lying to you. There are things that Sasha said that she couldn't have known beforehand.” I tried to convince her.

I could imagine the turmoil in her mind. Trying to suddenly accept that all she had known for years was all a lie. 

Alex sighed, and I turned to him as he leaned forward, his hands clasped together on the table, his head hung low, like he was deep in thought. 

After a beat of silence, he raised his head and looked straight at her. 
She was still staring out. I just knew she was breaking apart. 

“Lily,” Alex suddenly said and I watched as Cara stiffened. She was clearly shocked, which was completely understandable as I was shocked myself. 

She slowly turned to him. 
A beat of silence passed between them. 

“We really did look for you…” he said softly, before sighing again. 
“I'm so sorry.” he finally whispered. 

Tears cascaded down Cara's face like a waterfall, as if she had been holding them back forever. I watched, helpless, as she completely fell apart.

We stepped out to give her the space to vent everything. 
Hearing her muffled sobs through the door was so sad. 

“Well, I think she believes us now,” I said with an awkward chuckle, in a failed attempt to lighten the mood .
Okay, maybe not a completely failed attempt. A hint of a smile grazed his lips. 

“She needs time to process everything” he said and I nodded in agreement. 

We filled Detective Ben in with a summary of what was going on. We were still trying to be careful. We didn't really know who to trust or not yet.
Alex gave the orders to unshackle Cara and to feed her properly. I could tell just how bothered he was about it. 

We decided to wait until the next day when Sasha was going to see her. However, we told the detective to let us know if Cara requests to see any of us. 

On our way back to the quarter, I took a detour. 
I could tell Alex was confused but he followed me wordlessly nonetheless. 

I slowly made my way to my favourite place in the palace. Yes. That balcony with the view and flowers, my sanctuary.

As I walked into the space, I sighed in satisfaction. My nostrils tickled with the scent of flowers, and I took a deep, indulgent breath.

“I remember the first day I came here,” I started as I leaned against the railing, Alex following suit. 
“It was with your mother” I stated and Alex looked at me, his brows shooting up as surprise clouded his features.

“My mother?” He asked and I nodded, amused at his reaction as a giggle escaped my lips. 

“It was my first day here, just minutes before I met you. She gave me a little… well, a little pep talk, I guess. About you.” I said and his eyes widened dramatically. 

“Dear goddess, what did she say?” He asked and I shrugged. 

“Oh you know… something about you being hard headed but deep down, you were a total softie.” I said and he closed his eyes sharply. 

“No. She did not” he said, clearly embarrassed. 
I laughed at the sight. 

“She was right, you know. You were a total jerk,”

“Hey!” He protested.

“But she was also right about you being a total softie” I ended and he groaned, earning a warm bubble of laughter from us both. 

“You changed my life, Alex. It was already in shambles and yet, you turned it completely upside down. You wrecked it, completely destroyed it. Only to pick up the pieces and slowly rearrange it the right way. The way it was supposed to be from the very start.” I paused and Alex sighed in relief. 

“Scared me for a second there” he noted and I smiled.

“I hated how you had complete control over my life, that even I had no control of. I just wanted to take the reins back from you, but somehow, you helped me see that I was holding them all along. You helped me embrace myself.” I said as I turned to him.

“I can't believe how far we've come. It's almost over now. I can't believe we used to hate each other's guts” I said, a light chuckle following suit. 

“I never hated you” Alex said and I raised a brow.

“I never did. I mean, I knew you were my mate from the start. I just didn't want you to get hurt. I didn't want Bryan to hurt you, so I pushed you away” he said and I smiled sadly. 

“I've always loved you Renée, right from the start” he said and I bit my lip as I looked away. 

He reached for my face and gently turned it to his again. 
“Oh come on, don't go soft on me now” he said and at that point, I was already so red. 

He laughed “You're so easy to tease” 

I cleared my throat and stuck my tongue out at him childishly. 
He laughed again and studied me for a second, before holding my hands. 

“Renée…” he trailed off with a sigh and I immediately got worried. 

“Hey, what's wrong?” I asked, concern etched on my face. 
Alex shook his head, his eyes locked on mine.

“I just… this isn't how I wanted to do this. I had it all planned out but, it just feels right to do it now,” he said, his voice filled with emotion.

I cocked my head to the side, curiosity getting the better of me. 
“Do what?” I asked, my voice barely above a whisper.

His eyes sparkled with emotion as he took my hands in his. 
I was so confused as I watched him suck in a sharp breath. 

"Renée, from the moment I met you, I completely lost my bearings. I suddenly didn't know how to live my life without you in it. Renée, you light up my world in ways I never thought possible." 

I felt my heart swell with emotion. His words made me melt and I could feel tears pricking at the corners of my eyes. I squeezed his hands gently, hoping he knew I felt the same way. 

"I want to spend the rest of my life making memories with you and building a life with you. I cannot imagine living life without you. It's just impossible. " he said and somehow, what was about to happen finally started to dawn on me. 

My heart was racing, and I could feel my breath catching in my throat. Is it?…

Alex's eyes locked onto mine, and he took a deep breath. He gently released one of my hands and reached into his pocket, pulling out a small, velvet-covered box. My eyes widened in surprise. What…

He opened it, revealing a stunning diamond ring and he sank down to one knee.
By now, tears were falling down my cheeks in waves and I could barely focus on the ring.

"Renée Sinclair, will you do me the honour of being my wife, my queen, and my partner forever?" he asked, his voice trembling from nerves and emotion.

"YES, YES, A MILLION TIMES YES!" I screamed, tears streaming down my face as I jumped happily. 
He smiled brightly, his eyes shining with happiness, and slid the ring onto my finger, before getting on his feet again.

It fit perfectly, and I gazed at him in wonder before throwing my arms around his neck and kissing him fiercely. 
"I LOVE YOU, I LOVE YOU, I LOVE YOU!" I exclaimed, my voice hoarse from screaming.

He laughed as he picked me up and twirled me around, before setting me down again.

“I love you so much” he whispered against my cheek, his warm breath sending shivers down my spine. His hand cradled my face, his fingers tracing my jawline as he leaned in, his lips brushing against mine in a soft gentle kiss that sent sparks through my entire being.

“You're perfect. You're mine” he said, like he couldn't believe his words. 

I couldn't quite believe it myself. I was engaged but like, for real this time.