CHAPTER 177: CHAPTER 177 ALEXA WEDDING (3)

Bella was fuming.

Even as the ceremony was just about to begin, guests settling into their seats and soft music filling the air, Leonardo hadn’t let go of her waist. Not even for a second. His hand still rested firmly on her side like it belonged there. And no matter how many times she shifted, huffed, or tried to wiggle away—he didn’t budge.

She kept glaring at him.

Silently.

Boldly.

Again and again.

And yet, Leonardo remained calm, standing straight in his tailored black suit, like he didn’t even notice the little bunny next to him throwing daggers with her eyes.

But he did notice.

He leaned down slightly, voice low enough that only she could hear.

"Stop glaring at me," he said smoothly, "or everyone will think you’re very fierce and mean."

Bella’s eyes widened in shock. Huh?!

She immediately looked away, cheeks puffed and ears turning red.

Tch! This devil man... always whispering embarrassing things right in my ear like it’s nothing!

She glanced toward the food section across the lawn, where tables were elegantly lined with fresh desserts, tiny glasses of mousse and strawberry tarts and chocolate cupcakes calling her name. She had been planning her sweet escape the entire time but how was she supposed to move when he kept holding her like this?!

The music changed.

A soft, dreamy piano tune began to play as the guests stood up.

The bride had arrived.

Gasps spread gently through the crowd as Alexa appeared at the end of the aisle, holding her father Emilio’s arm. She looked absolutely stunning—her white gown flowing like clouds, delicate lace wrapping around her shoulders, her veil catching the sunlight like a soft glow. Her hair was pinned with tiny pearls, and her expression looked poised and calm.

Archer—the groom in the white suit—stood at the front, his hands clasped loosely in front of him. His cold, expressionless face didn’t move, but his eyes—just for a second—softened as he looked at her.

Bella smiled faintly, watching them.

But then...

The bride’s gaze didn’t stay on Archer.

As she began walking down the aisle, her eyes slowly scanned the crowd—left... right... searching.

And then, they stopped.

On Leonardo.

She didn’t blink and She didn’t look away.

Even as she walked with her father, step by step, veil fluttering behind her—her eyes stayed locked on Leo like he was the one waiting at the end of the aisle.

As the bride walked down the aisle, still looking at Leonardo like no one else existed, soft whispers began to stir through the crowd like leaves rustling in wind.

Guests leaned toward one another, speaking behind handkerchief, their curious eyes flicking between the bride, the groom... and Leonardo.

"Is she... looking at Leonorado?" one woman whispered, her voice tight with surprise.

"I thought she was marrying Archer?" another muttered, adjusting her pearl necklace.

"I heard she used to know Leonardo before... maybe something happened back then..."

"Scandalous," a man murmured, sipping his drink too slowly to hide his smirk.

"I mean, look at her," someone added quietly. "She hasn’t taken her eyes off him. Not even once."

"And the groom?" someone asked from the back. "He’s not even blinking. That’s... kind of scary."

"It’s the Wyatt family," another guest whispered. "They never show emotions. Even if someone stabs them in the heart, they’d still just nod politely."

"But she’s staring at Leonorado like—like he’s the one she’s about to marry!"

"Poor Archer," someone sighed softly. "That’s a horrible thing to see on your wedding day."

And standing right in the middle of it all, Bella heard every word.

Not clearly, not completely.but enough.

Enough to feel the strange weight building in her chest.

She stood beside Leo quietly, her hands now folded in front of her, her gaze lowered, even as the whispers kept curling around them like smoke.

And Leo was Still silent and expressionlesss as always but his grip on her waist grew just a little tighter.

Leonardo’s face had turned slightly ashen.

Why was Alexa looking at him like that?

Why were her eyes still on him... even as she walked toward another man to marry?

It wasn’t like he didn’t notice it—no. He felt it from the very first step she took down the aisle. Her gaze had wrapped around him like a thread he hadn’t asked for, one he had no desire to hold.

And the longer it lasted, the colder his chest began to feel.

It wasn’t romantic.

It wasn’t beautiful.

It was creepy.

There was something strange in her eyes—too intense, too direct and it left a quiet unease resting heavy in his chest, like a breath he forgot to release.

He clenched his jaw.

Suddenly, Leonardo’s phone buzzed in his pocket.

He checked the screen with a calm expression, though his eyes darkened slightly.

Bella noticed.

He looked at her silently.

She raised an eyebrow but then gave a small nod. "Go," she whispered, waving her hand casually. "Finally. I can breathe."

Leonardo gave her one last glance, then turned and walked away from the wedding crowd, his steps quick but silent. He moved toward the far side of the venue—a quiet corner beyond the rose archway, near the edge of the garden where the music and voices faded into the background.

Bella sighed in relief and plopped herself onto an empty chair. "Phew..." she mumbled, stretching her legs. "Finally I can sit without being gripped like a bodyguard holding a stolen necklace."

She leaned back, looking at the aisle just as the priest began the vows.

The ceremony was starting.

Alexa stood beside Archer, holding her bouquet, but her eyes were still glancing around—searching.

And her face frowned slightly when she didn’t see Leonardo in the crowd.

**

Meanwhile, Leonardo stood in the shadows, his phone pressed to his ear, face cold as ice.

"Yes?" he said lowly.

"Sir," came the voice from the other end—one of his most trusted men, his tone sharp. "We just received intel. Pablo’s men are moving. He found out you’re attending the DeLuna wedding. He’s planning to strike while you’re away."

Leonardo’s eyes narrowed.

"Where?" he asked, his voice quiet but deadly.

"Our warehouse, sir. South pier. He’s making a move on the shipment. He thinks you’re distracted."

Leonardo clenched his jaw.

"I should’ve known that rat would try something during a celebration."