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CHAPTER 7
~Zara's POV~
I wasn't expecting much from this, really as I was exhausted from the day's activities and I knew time wasn't on my side. I needed to see Ella while her patience was still intact.
Ivan's endless missed calls and texts remained unanswered. And there was Clarissa who wanted to meet me. For that, I wasn't interested. I glanced at my phone just as we entered his car. Ella's message glared me in the face.
'What rich call boy are you talking about?' She was late. I mentally sighed and opened the message. 'The one I hired complained he never met you. Zar, don't tell me you ma…'
She added an emoji of shock following her next words.
'Oh my gee! Were you kidnapped? Or did you stow away with a rich uncle?'
I nearly choked on my breath and burst out laughing but managed to hold it in and shut my phone.
Snow drove us home in silence, but I could feel his eyes on me now and then, as if he was sizing me up, calculating. I braced myself for what was waiting.
When we arrived, he led me up to a large room, pushing the door open to reveal a massive walk-in closet already filled with rows of designer dresses, shoes, and accessories.
I blinked, stunned. "This was… prepared for me?" I asked, turning to look at him.
Snow leaned casually against the doorframe, his expression calm, though I caught a flicker of something in his eyes. "Of course. Did you think I'd let you come to a family dinner unprepared?"
I smirked, stepping inside and running my fingers over the soft fabric. "It seems you've thought of everything," I remarked, glancing back at him. "I'm almost impressed."
He chuckled, but I could see he was trying to keep his distance, to remain indifferent. "It's just practical," he replied. "I needed to make sure you had what you needed."
"Practical, right," I teased, pulling out a black and blue gown that caught my eye. It was sleek, form-fitting, with a slit up the side that added just the right amount of edge. "How about this one?" I asked, holding it up.
His eyes skimmed over the dress and then back to me. "That'll do," he stated flatly but I saw a hint of appreciation in his gaze. "It suits you."
I smiled, enjoying his reaction. "I'll go with your choice, then." I gave him a mock bow.
He raised an eyebrow, a small smile tugging at his lips despite himself. "You might just survive tonight after all," he murmured, turning to leave. "I'll see you downstairs after I've freshened up."
I watched him go and shook my head. He was a mystery, always trying to keep his cool, but I had a feeling I was getting under his skin.
Astrid stirred within me but other than that, there wasn't any more noise from her.
With each rebirth, Astrid's presence had grown fainter, but this time, her silence was more pronounced. Was she merely resting, or had she been wounded in some way?
I tried to speak to her but was met with silence. Shaking my head, I decided to get on with things and deal with her issue later. As a lady, our dress-up time was longer than that of a guy.
After a quick shower, I slipped into the black and blue gown, letting the fabric hug my curves. The slit ran high up my thigh, adding a daring flair.
I let my hair fall in loose waves around my shoulders and applied a touch of makeup, just enough to highlight my eyes. When I was satisfied, I took a deep breath and headed downstairs.
As I reached the bottom of the stairs, Snow was already there, waiting.
He was dressed in a crisp black suit, tailored to perfection, a deep blue tie that matched his sapphire blue eyes, which sparkled under the chandelier lights.
His rich black hair was combed back, giving him a sleek, polished look—like he'd just stepped out of a high-end fashion magazine. For a moment, I was almost breathless.
Once more, I felt Astrid awaken sluggishly. He had a huge effect on her, I must say.
Snow turned as he heard my steps and I could see his gaze lingering on me, taking in the gown, the slit, the way it moved with me.
His expression was carefully controlled, but there was no denying the flash of something in his eyes—surprise, maybe even admiration.
"You look… different," he stated, his voice steady but softer.
I raised an eyebrow, descending the last few steps. "Is that a compliment, or are you just trying to find the right words?"
Snow smirked. "Take it however you like." He stepped closer. Then, before I could react, he reached for my hand and gently slid off the simple ring I'd bought for our wedding. "This won't do," he muttered.
"What are you doing?" My voice caught slightly but Snow ignored my question and pulled out a small box from his pocket.
Opening it, a diamond ring with a pearl gem nestled in the centre stared at me and I was breathless.
His voice cut through my thoughts. "Replacing it." He slid the ring onto my finger with a precise, deliberate motion. "Something more fitting for my wife."
My breath hitched and for a moment, I couldn't find words. He looked up, his fingers brushing mine for a moment longer than necessary.
"Your turn," he urged softly, offering his hand.
I took the ring from the box, my fingers trembling slightly as I slipped it onto his finger. The gesture felt strangely intimate, like a promise neither of us was ready to break.
Snow's eyes softened and he gave a small nod. "Let's go."
We turned and headed to the car, his hand lightly touching the small of my back as we stepped out into the night.
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The pack house was as grand as Snow's mansion, if not more. Tall, imposing, and filled with a kind of heavy, old-world charm that spoke of generations of power and wealth.
We were led to the dining room. I could feel the tension even before we went in. Snow's hand rested lightly on my lower back, reminding me of his presence.
As we stepped inside the pack house's dining room, a hush fell over the room. Eyes turned toward us, some curious, judging, surprised and others wary.
Snow's hand on my back guided me forward. I kept my head high, refusing to let the weight of the stares get to me. But then my eyes locked onto someone I hadn't expected to see.
Ivan.