Chapter 137

Alexander’s POV The rain tapped against the tall windows of my room. I sat in the armchair near the fireplace, though the flames had long since died out. My fingers were wrapped tightly around a glass of whiskey I hadn’t sipped in over an hour. It just sat there—like me—motionless. Eliza. Her name hurt me and it brought me peace at the same time. Every second that passed, I felt more heartbroken. I leaned forward, elbows on my knees. Her face played in my mind. I remembered everything—the last time I saw her, the hurt in her eyes, the way her breath hitched just before she turned away. Like she was choking on the betrayal. She looked at me like she didn’t know me anymore. And maybe she didn’t. Because I didn’t know myself anymore either. Every moment I had spent with Isabella had felt like a betrayal of everything real in my life. I had played my part well—the good prince, the perfect partner in a fake love story. All for duty. All to protect my father. I once told myself this was nobl