Contract Marriage With Alpha Snow novel Chapter 180

Chapter 180: New Bloom

**************

Chapter 179

~Zara’s POV~

By the time we returned to the mansion, the afternoon sun was high in the sky.

Scott greeted us at the door, his usual composed demeanor intact. "Welcome back, Alpha, Lady Zara."

"Thanks, Scott," Snow said, his voice lighter than it had been earlier.

I smiled at Scott, the events of the morning already feeling like a distant memory. Snow led me to the lounge, where a tray of refreshments awaited us.

As we settled onto the plush couch, Snow pulled me close, his arm draping over my shoulders. "Let’s forget about the morning for now," he said, his tone gentle.

I nodded, leaning into him. For the first time all day, I allowed myself to relax.

*****************

The next day dawned peacefully, with sunlight spilling through the curtains in golden streaks. Snow and I spent the early hours indulging in a rare moment, but by midday, we were ready for our outing.

The restaurant Snow had picked was quaint and intimate, nestled at the edge of a scenic park. As soon as we stepped inside, the hum of chatter and the clinking of glasses greeted us.

But then, it didn’t take long to spot Kevin and Diane—mostly because their heated bickering was loud enough to turn heads.

Zara sighed as Snow placed a protective hand on the small of her back.

"What now?" I murmured under my breath, observing Kevin gesturing wildly while Diane sat with her arms crossed, her expression shifting between that of annoyance and defiance.

Snow’s lips quirked in amusement, though the glint in his eyes suggested he was ready to intervene if necessary. "Shall we?"

As we approached their table, Snow’s aura flared subtly but effectively. A wave of silence swept over the restaurant as heads turned toward him.

Kevin, mid-sip of his drink, choked, coughing violently as his eyes darted to Snow. Diane’s lips curled into an amused smirk as she leaned back in her chair, clearly unimpressed by Kevin’s reaction.

"Good afternoon," Snow said smoothly, his commanding presence filling the space as he pulled out a chair for me.

"Hi," I added, settling in beside him.

Kevin’s face turned red, and he hastily placed his glass down, while Diane arched a brow, giving Snow a pointed look. "Nice of you to join us," she said, her tone dripping with sarcasm.

"Pleasure’s all mine," Snow replied, his tone deceptively light.

I sighed inwardly as I glanced between them. "So," I began, hoping to diffuse the awkwardness. "What’s going on here? You two seem... lively."

Diane rolled her eyes. "Ask him."

Kevin bristled, leaning forward. "Oh, come on! I only said—"

"—That I have a habit of making everything about me," Diane interrupted sharply.

"Well, you do," Kevin shot back.

I blinked, watching the exchange with a mix of amusement and exasperation. Snow, meanwhile, seemed thoroughly entertained, his gaze flicking between them like he was watching a sporting match.

"You two do realize this is supposed to be a friendly lunch, right?" I interjected.

Kevin sighed, running a hand through his hair. "Sorry. It’s just... Diane drives me insane."

Diane smirked, still keeping her arms crossed underneath her bossom. "Likewise, genius."

Snow chuckled, his deep voice cutting through the tension. "You’re both passionate. That’s not necessarily a bad thing."

Kevin shot him a look of disbelief. "You call this passion?"

Diane leaned forward, her eyes sparkling with mischief. "He’s got a point. Passion is better than indifference, don’t you think?"

I couldn’t help but smile at that, noticing how Kevin’s expression softened, even if he was trying to mask it.

The conversation gradually shifted, the earlier tension dissolving as we discussed lighter topics—the mistake that occured, if they had gotten the compensation as promised and what their choice was concerning staying in the house Snow had given to them to stay in for the meantime.

As the meal progressed, I couldn’t help but notice the way Kevin and Diane’s interactions became less combative and more playful.

~Aira’s POV~

Zade: Hey, Aira. Would you like to grab a drink or a meal with me tonight?

Me: Tonight? Are you sure you’re free?

Zade: Completely. Unless you’re not up for it?

Me: Alright. Where should we meet?