Was he prepared to meet her in the event?
He was.
But the moment he stepped out of the car and saw her right in front of him, waiting for him, meeting his eyes without even a flinch, Alaric was dazed.
She was wearing a sleek black dress, subtly trimmed with white along the collar, hem, and pockets. The gold button detail added just enough polish without trying too hard. She paired it with sheer black stockings, a blazer over her shoulders, and black pointed heels—sharp, clean, and effortlessly put together.
That was so her.
Total quiet but luxury vibe.
His legs moved before his thoughts did. But he couldn't pull his eyes off her.
From the cheerful girl to the wife who cried her heart out, to the woman now determined and aloof, Alaric saw it all.
Every change in her.
The change she needed to survive.
The change that would help her dream again.