Page 68 of Her Alien Owner

“Yes,” I say more confidently now. “They make the best pastries I’ve ever tasted. And they employ locals who need work.” I meet his gaze, determination filling my voice. “I want to invest in them.”

He studies me for a moment before nodding slowly. “Then that’s where your investment will go.”

“Really?” The relief and excitement in my voice are unmistakable.

“Yes,” he confirms with a nod. “Your instincts are good, Ariana.” He pauses, then adds with a hint of mischief in his tone, "And if they make such great pastries, maybe they can cater our mating ceremony."

I laugh softly, feeling lighter than I have in days. "Deal."

“There’s one more thing,” he says, his voice dropping an octave.

I raise an eyebrow. “Oh? What could possibly top investing in a bakery?”

He leans back, folding his arms across his broad chest. “I want you to take over overseeing the estate’s staff.”

My mouth drops open slightly. “You’re serious?”

“Dead serious,” he replies, his expression unwavering. “You know the job better than I do by now. No more maid work for you. You’ve shown leadership, empathy, and efficiency in ways that have impressed everyone—including me.”

A warmth spreads through my chest at his words. “Valen, I... I don’t know what to say.”

“Say you’ll accept,” he says simply.

His confidence in me is almost overwhelming. I nod slowly. “Alright. I’ll do it.”

Valen’s smile widens, and he reaches out to squeeze my hand gently. “Good.”

For the first time since coming to this estate, I feel like we’re truly equals—partners in every sense of the word.

The future suddenly seems much brighter with him in it.

CHAPTER 28

ARIANA

My mom fusses over the hem of the dress, her fingers nimble and practiced despite the years. “Hold still, Ariana. You’re wriggling like a fish.”

I chuckle, trying to stand still but the excitement bubbling inside me makes it hard. “I can’t help it, Mom. This is... surreal.”

“Surreal or not, you need to let me finish.” Her voice is firm but affectionate.

My best friend, Kaitlyn, pops her head into the room, her eyes sparkling with mischief. “Hey, you two! How’s our bride doing?”

“Getting scolded by my mother,” I reply, grinning.

Kaitlyn laughs and steps in, holding a bouquet of wildflowers she must have gathered from the estate gardens. “These are for you. Figured you’d want something simple and beautiful.”

I take the bouquet from her, my heart swelling with gratitude. “They’re perfect. Thank you.”

Kaitlyn winks. “You’re welcome. Now, how’s that dress coming along?”

Mom straightens up and takes a step back to admire her handiwork. “Done. What do you think?”

I turn to look in the full-length mirror, my breath catching at the sight. The dress is modest compared to Valen’s world of opulence—a simple white gown with delicate lace sleeves and a flowing skirt—but it feels right. It feels like me.

“It’s beautiful,” I whisper, tears pricking at the corners of my eyes.

Mom’s eyes glisten as she nods in agreement. “I've been saving it for so long hoping you'd want to wear it, too.”

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