#Chapter 6: The Red Dress

Ella POV “Shut up,” Alexander whispered. I halted my steps abruptly, furrowing my brow. “What?” Alexander shook his head, almost as if he hadn’t intended to say the words out loud. “Nothing,” he said. Beside him, Gabriel’s face reddened again. Alexander frowned. “Why did you pick that dress? You should change.” I bristled involuntarily at his words. Maybe the old version of me would have scurried away and changed into something more suitable—who was I kidding, I would have never worn this to begin with—but not anymore. “Oh, don’t be a prude,” I bit out. “I can wear what I want and you have no right to control me.” With that, I brushed past him, moving to enter the banquet hall. Alexander’s hand shot out, grabbing my arm. He pulled me back before I could reach the grand double doors. I whirled on him, prepared to tell him where he could shove his comments about my outfit, but found myself surprised when he simply looped my arm through his