Married To The Billionaire Alpha King-Chapter 136 - than money

136

~Elara’s POV

My team started coming up, familiar faces, anxious smiles, the ones who held scissors and pins and coffee cups at impossible hours. I felt something warm in my chest, like the night finally settled into place.

The host shifted toward Darlon. "And of course, Alpha Darlon. The Alpha of Alphas. Thank you for supporting this, for trusting this vision, for standing with her in it."

He nodded, not arrogant or boastful. Just... present. "I didn’t make the dresses," he said, almost lightly, "but I watched her make them happen. And that was something worth standing behind."

I don’t know why, but that line hit me harder than any compliment. Like, he didn’t need to be the center to still feel powerful. Like it was enough to hold the space beside me.

The clapping rose again. Louder this time. The kind that vibrates a little in your ribs.

I felt the urge to say something more, so I did. Not polished, not perfect, just honest.

"I hope you all enjoy the rest of the event," I said.

A Luna in the front row stood up first, clapping like she meant every sound. An Alpha followed. Then another. Before I realized it, the entire hall was on its feet.

A standing ovation.

The kind you don’t chase, the kind that finds you.

Behind me, one of my assistants whispered, "We really did it," like she was afraid saying it too loud would break the spell.

I smiled. "Yes. We did."

And for a second, just a heartbeat in all the noise and lights and cameras, it felt like the world slowed down enough for me to actually feel proud. Not nervous. Not overwhelmed. Just proud.

They said all these things as if they truly meant them. I wanted to let the words sink into me and stay there forever.

When the crowd started moving toward the food tables, the celebration energy softened into something warmer. Music played quietly. People mingled. Laughter rolled like a calm wave.

I should have been floating, but I found myself searching. Turning my head. Scanning the hall. I looked at the entrance. The corners. The tables. The balcony.

My father and his Luna were not there.

None of them.

My throat felt tight. I blinked a few times to clear my eyes before anyone noticed. I guess part of me still hoped that maybe tonight would be different. Just once.

Darlon noticed before I even realized he was watching.

"Sweetheart," he said softly. "What is going on in your head?"

I tried to smile. "Nothing. I am fine."

He lowered his voice just a little.

"I do not believe that. Talk to me. Please."

I looked down at my hands. "I thought that maybe today... he would come. I thought my father would be proud of me. For once. I thought he would look at me and say he was happy I am his daughter."

My voice sounded thin to my own ears. "But it seems like that will never happen."

Something inside me cracked when I said it out loud. Like the truth finally had space to breathe.

Darlon shook his head gently. "My love, you do not need his approval to be great."

"I know," I whispered. "But I wanted it. I still wanted it."

He stepped closer.

"You have me. And I am proud of you. More than you know."

I wanted to believe him. I really did. But the ache was still there, sitting heavy like a stone.

Then the crowd parted a little, and someone walked toward us. The atmosphere shifted. People whispered. I recognized the face. The most respected designer in the room. Someone whose brand was known in other kingdoms. Someone everyone wanted to work with, but few ever got the chance.

They reached us and bowed. "Luna Elara. Alpha Darlon."

The designer smiled. "I watched your show very closely. The craftsmanship. The identity. The storytelling. It is rare."

I blinked, unsure how to respond. Then they continued, calmly. "I would like to collaborate with your company. If you are open to it. Your vision has potential, and I want to be part of its future."

For a second, my mind just... stopped working. "You want to collaborate with me?"

"Yes. With you. With your brand. With your team," they replied. "If you will allow it."

I felt my heartbeat everywhere. In my chest, in my throat, in my fingertips.

Darlon looked at me, and his eyes were shining. "Sweetheart, this is everything you deserve. Say yes."

I swallowed. "Yes," I said quietly. "I would love that."

The designer smiled. "Then we will talk soon. Congratulations, Luna Elara."

They stepped back, and the world felt different. Like a door I never thought I could reach had finally opened for me.

The designer left, and I just stood there like my body forgot what to do next. My team stared at me with wide eyes. One of them finally whispered, almost breathless, "Did that really just happen?"

I let out a slow laugh. "Yes. I think it did."

The host’s voice came back over the speakers, playful again.

"Everyone, please enjoy the meal prepared. After eating, we will begin the auction. I hope you brought enough money. I do not want to see anyone crying in regret later."

People laughed. A few alphas joked loudly about not letting others outbid them. Someone from a nearby table shouted, "I came ready. My wallet is heavier than my armor tonight." That got even more laughter.

We moved toward the tables. Darlon’s hand stayed at the small of my back, guiding without pushing. Just steady. The way a wall stands behind you when you are tired. 𝒇𝒓𝒆𝒆𝙬𝒆𝒃𝓷𝒐𝓿𝙚𝙡.𝒄𝓸𝒎

The food smelled warm. Fresh bread. Grilled meat. Spiced vegetables. I suddenly realized I had not eaten all day. My stomach reminded me loudly. A soft growl. Darlon heard it.

"You need to eat," he murmured.

"I know."

We sat down to eat. Cameras still clicked every few minutes. People came to our table to greet us, bowed, and shook hands. Someone even asked for an autograph on their napkin, which felt strange and flattering at the same time.

The lights dimmed just a little more, shifting the mood from celebration to something sharper. The host stepped onto the stage again, her smile bright enough to reach the back of the hall.

"Ladies and gentlemen," she began, "we will start the auction in a few minutes. Please finish up your drinks, gather your courage, and prepare your wallets. I repeat, if you regret losing tonight, it will not be my fault."

Laughter rolled through the hall, but it carried a competitive edge, like a storm building behind a smile. Several alphas already looked ready to fight with their checkbooks.

I leaned slightly toward Darlon. "Is it always like this with auctions?"

He nodded. "Yes. Pride spends faster than money."