In Bed With Her Shithead Boss (By Ellie Wynters) novel Chapter 294

Keira stared at the velvet box in Alexei's hands, her heart hammering against her ribs. Now this… him giving her a ring made it seem so real.

"Alexei." Her voice came out smaller than she intended.

"It's not what you think," he said quickly, reading her expression. "Not yet, anyway." He opened the box to reveal not an engagement ring, but a delicate gold chain with a pendant. "This belonged to my mother. She left it to me."

The pendant was exquisite, a small sapphire surrounded by diamonds in an intricate setting that looked vintage and precious. Keira's breath caught.

"Your mother's?" She looked up at him, searching his face. "Alexei, I can't—"

"You can." His voice was gentle. "She would have wanted you to have it. To wear it tomorrow night."

"But what if—"

"What if what?" He stepped closer, the box still open between them.

"What if your father changes his mind about me? What if I make some horrible mistake tomorrow and embarrass your family?" The words tumbled out before she could stop them. "What if Maria is right and I don't belong here?"

Alexei's expression darkened at the mention of his cousin. "Maria doesn't get to decide who belongs in my life. My father doesn't get to decide. Hell." He cupped her face with his free hand. "You belong here because you choose to be here. Because you're brave enough to try. You know this isn't going to be easy, but you still came."

She leaned into his touch, drawing strength from him and his belief in her. "I'm terrified I'm going to mess this up."

"Then we'll mess it up together." His thumb brushed across her cheek. "Will you wear it?"

Keira looked down at the necklace again.

"Tell me about her," she said softly. "Your mother."

Alexei's expression grew distant, thoughtful. "She was... fierce. Like you. She married into this family as an outsider too, and she never let them change who she was at her core." A smile ghosted across his lips. "My father said she could charm diplomats and intimidate generals in the same conversation."

"She sounds formidable."

"She was. But she was also kind, generous to a fault. She believed the crown existed to serve the people, not the other way around." He looked at Keira directly. "I think she would have liked you very much."

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