Alpha Eric's Promise, Protecting those he loves

Anniversary Gala

Ella's POV

I stepped out of the taxi, my children's hands grasped tightly in mine. The bright lights of London's evening reflected off the wet pavement. Aria and Alex chattered excitedly about their first trip to London.

I smiled, nostalgia washing over me. She hadn't set foot in London since leaving years ago. The hospital's anniversary gala tonight would be a test of my resolve.

My mother, Victoria, had invited me, insisting it was time to reconnect. Ella's doubts lingered, but her children's eager faces reassured her.

As they entered the grand hotel, my poise faltered.

The room swarmed with familiar faces, wealthy patrons, influential politicians. And billionaires.

My eyes scanned the crowd, instinctively searching for one face. Eric.

Rumors of his success had reached me.

Had he changed? I asked.

A gentle nudge reminded me of my children's presence.

"Mommy, look!" Aria exclaimed.

I followed my daughter's gaze to a stunning chandelier.

As they mingled, I sensed eyes on her.

I turned to face Eric.

Our gazes locked.

For a moment, time froze.

Eric's eyes widened, his stare drifting to the children.

Surprise. Confusion. Fear.

He took a step back, hesitation written across his face. My heart skipped a beat.

Would he approach me?

Or flee? The uncertainty was suffocating. "Champagne, madam?" 

A waiter interrupted the tension. I accepted a glass, my eyes never leaving Eric's.

The questions swirled in my mind: What did Eric want?

And why did his presence still stir my soul?

I stood frozen, my gaze locked onto Eric's. The years melted away, and I was transported back to that fateful night. His eyes, once burning with desire, now held a mixture of shock and uncertainty.

My children's presence seemed to stun him. I watched as his eyes darted between Aria and Alex, his expression softening.

Aria tugged on my hand, breaking the spell.

 "Mommy, who's that man?" Alex asked.

I hesitated, unsure how to respond. "Just someone I knew a long time ago, sweetie."

Eric's gaze snapped back to mine, a flicker of emotion crossing his face. He took a step forward, then halted, as if unsure of his welcome. My heart raced. What did he want?

"Mommy, can we go see the chandelier?" Alex asked, tugging on my other hand.

I smiled, grateful for the distraction. "Of course, baby."

As we walked away, I felt Eric's eyes on me. I couldn't help but wonder what he was thinking.

We mingled, exchanging pleasantries with the other guests. But my attention kept drifting back to Eric. He stood alone, sipping his drink, his eyes never leaving mine.

The air seemed charged with tension. Suddenly, a well-manicured hand grasped my arm. "Ella, darling."

My mother's voice.

"Victoria," I replied coolly.

My mother's eyes narrowed. "I see you've spotted Eric. He's quite...interested in you."

I raised an eyebrow. "Really?"

Victoria's smile was calculated. "Yes. And he's not the only one. Several billionaires are vying for your attention tonight."

My instincts prickled. What did my mother have planned?

"I'm not interested," I said firmly.

Victoria's laughter sent a shiver down my spine. "We'll see about that." As she walked away, Eric's eyes locked onto mine once more.

This time, I saw a spark of determination.

Was he ready to face the past? Or did he want something more?

The evening wore on, the crowd growing thicker. Eric and I continued to exchange glances, the tension between us building.

My mother reappeared, a sly smile spreading across her face. "Ella, I have a surprise for you." She said.

Before I could react, she grasped my arm, propelling me toward Eric. "Eric, darling, I believe you know my daughter," Victoria said, her voice dripping with malice.

Eric's eyes narrowed, but he offered a charming smile.

"Ella. It's been...enlightening."

I shot my mother a warning glance. "Victoria, stop."

But she had already melted into the crowd, leaving Eric and me alone.

The silence was oppressive.

"Your children are beautiful," Eric said finally. I softened, my guard dropping.

"Thank you. They are my world."

Eric's gaze lingered on mine.

"I had no idea," he whispered.

The emotion in his voice caught me off guard.

Did he truly care?

Or was this another game?

As the music began, Eric offered his hand.

"Dance with me?"

My heart skipped a beat.

Should I trust him? Or flee?

I hesitated, Eric's hand extended before me. The music swirled, a sensual melody that seemed to pull us together.

Aria and Alex, oblivious to the tension, twirled around us, laughing. "Mommy, dance!" Aria urged.

I couldn't resist their smiles.

I placed my hand in Eric's, and he drew me close.

Our bodies swayed to the rhythm, the distance between us dissolving.

Eric's eyes locked onto mine, searching.

For what?

Forgiveness?

Understanding?

Or something more?

His hand on my waist sent shivers down my spine again.

"Eric," I whispered, "what do you want?" I asked.

His breath caressed my ear.

"I want to know what happened, Ella. Why you left."

The past surged forward, threatening to overwhelm me.

"I couldn't stay," I replied, my voice barely audible.

Eric's grip tightened. "Because of me?" He asked.

I nodded, my eyes welling up.

The music swelled, and we moved in perfect sync.

For a moment, the world faded away.

Leaving only us.

And the secrets we shared.