Alpha Eric's Promise, Protecting those he loves

The dance ended, but the tension lingered.

Eric's eyes still held mine, demanding answers.

"Let's talk," he said, his voice low.

We found a quiet corner, the children happily occupied with a nearby magician.

"Tell me everything," Eric urged.

I took a deep breath.

"After that night, I was scared. Your lies...she—"

Eric's face darkened.

"What did I do?"

I hesitated, unsure how much to reveal.

"You call boy instinct threatened me, Eric. Told me I wasn't goig to fall for a call boy, the night was enough for me." Eric's jaw clenched.

"I'm so sorry, Ella. I had lied to you, I betrayed you." I want you to forgive me.

His eyes burned with determination.

"I'll make it right. I promise."

Could I trust him?

Or would the past repeat itself?

As I searched his face, Aria and Alex bounded over.

"Mommy, look! We won prizes!" The interruption broke the spell.

But Eric's words lingered.

"I'll make it right."

Would he?

As we admired the children's prizes, Eric's words still resonated within me.

"I'll make it right."

Could he undo the pain of the past? The lies, the betrayal and everything?

"Eric, how did you find out about the children?" I asked, curiosity getting the better of me. His expression turned sheepish.

"I didn't know, Ella. Not until tonight." I raised an eyebrow.

"And now that you do?"

Eric's gaze locked onto mine, intensity burning within.

"I want to be a part of their lives. And yours."

My heart skipped a beat.

Was this a second chance?

Or another mistake?

"I need time," I said finally. "To think." Eric nodded.

"I understand. But can I see them again? Tomorrow?"

I hesitated.

"Okay," I agreed. "But slowly. For their sake."

Eric's smile lit up his face.

"Thank you, Ella."

As we parted ways, I couldn't shake the feeling that I was stepping into unknown territory.

The next day, Eric arrived at our hotel, bearing gifts for the children. Aria and Alex adored him instantly.

I watched, torn between wariness and wonder.

As we strolled through Hyde Park, Eric asked gentle questions about our lives.

I found myself opening up, sharing stories.

The connection between us grew stronger.

But doubts lingered.

What secrets was Eric hiding?

"Eric, what do you know about my mother's hospital?" I asked, testing the waters.

His expression turned serious.

"Only rumors. That it's a front for something shady."

My instincts prickled. "What kind of rumors?"

Eric's eyes locked onto mine.

"I'll investigate. For you and the children." Was he genuine? Or playing his game on me again?

That evening, Eric invited us to dinner.

As we sat down, I noticed a familiar face across the room. Julian, my mother's arranged fiancé.

Watching us with calculated interest. "Eric, who's that?" I asked, unease creeping in.

Eric's gaze followed mine.

"Julian Blackwood. A business rival."

More than that, I sensed.

But Eric's expression revealed nothing.

As dinner progressed, I felt trapped.

Between Eric's charms and Julian's sinister presence.

What game was Eric playing?

And what did Julian want?

Julian's gaze lingered on us, his smile cold and calculating.

"Ella, seems you've caught the attention of two powerful men, it could even be three or more. Eric whispered, noticing my unease.

"Julian Blackwood and I...we have history," I replied, my voice barely above a whisper. Eric's eyes narrowed.

"What kind of history?"

I hesitated, unsure how much to reveal.

"He was supposed to be my husband," I said finally.

Eric's face darkened.

"Arranged marriage?"

I nodded.

"Victoria's doing."

Eric's jaw clenched.

"I won't let him hurt you."

As dinner concluded, Julian approached, his eyes locked onto Eric.

"Eric Drake. I see you're still chasing lost causes." Eric's smile was icy.

"Julian. Always a pleasure."

The tension between them was palpable.

"Mind if I steal Ella for a dance?" Julian asked, his voice dripping with malice.

Eric's gaze met mine, seeking permission.

I nodded, sensing a storm brewing.