In Bed With Her Shithead Boss (By Ellie Wynters) novel Chapter 222

Chapter 222

Chapter 222

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A murmur of laughter rippled through the small group, and Amelia felt her cheeks warm.

“Yes, quiet,” the Archbishop agreed. “Though we needn’t practice that part.”

“Shame,” Alexei teased, earning an elbow from his date.

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When the rehearsal concluded, they moved to a small reception room adjacent to the cathedral for a light dinner. Amelia found herself seated between Niko and Tessa, with Alexei, Isabella, and Lady Maria across from them.

“So, Niko,” Tessa said casually, as if addressing royalty was something she did every day, “Amelia tells me you collect rare books.”

Niko looked surprised but pleased. “Yes, I do. First editions, primarily.”

“Amelia’s always been a bookworm too. Did she tell you about the time she organized a sit–in at our college library when they tried to reduce the hours?”

“Tessa,” Amelia groaned. “I’m sure His Highness doesn’t want to hear about my rebellious phase.”

“On the contrary,” Niko said, his expression softening. “I find it rather intriguing. A sit–in, you say?”

Amelia shot Tessa a warning look, but her friend was already warming to her story.

“Three days,” she confirmed. “We brought sleeping bags and everything. Amelia was the ringleader–had us all organized in shifts. By day two, the Dean was practically begging her to negotiate.”

“I had no idea I was marrying such a revolutionary,” Niko said, a rare smile tugging at his lips.

“It was hardly a revolution,” Amelia protested. “We just wanted to study past midnight during finals week.”

“Always the practical rebel,” Tessa laughed.

Across the table, Isabella leaned forward. “I admire that kind of conviction. Sometimes the most important changes start small.”

“Isabella works with educational initiatives in third world counties,” Alexei explained, his eyes lingering on her. “Increasing access to education for rural communities.”

“That’s wonderful,” Amelia said sincerely. She could see from the expression on Niko face he was shocked by Alexei chose of date. From what Amelia understood from media reports, Alexei liked a very different type of

woman.

Lady Maria’s smile tightened. “How… charitable. Though I can’t imagine many farmers‘ children have much use for higher education.”

An uncomfortable silence fell over the table.

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Chapter 222

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“I suppose that depends on whether you believe education should be a privilege or a right,” Isabella replied evenly.

“Education creates opportunity,” Niko added unexpectedly. “Wystovia has one of the highest literacy rates in Europe because we invested in rural schools years ago.”

Amelia glanced at him, surprised by his support for a woman he had just met.

The conversation shifted to wedding details, but Amelia found herself watching the dynamics around the table. Alexei and Isabella seemed completely at ease with each other, exchanging small smiles and inside jokes but nothing sizzled between them. Lady Maria grew increasingly frosty as the evening progressed, her comments becoming more barbed.

“How did you two meet?” Tessa asked, gesturing between Alexei and Isabella.

“At a charity gala in New York,” Alexei replied. “Isabella was representing her foundation. I was there with Niko on official business.”

“He spilled champagne on my dress,” Isabella added with a laugh. “Very smooth.”

“I maintain it was the waiter’s fault,” Alexei protested, grinning.

“And yet you insisted on buying me dinner to apologize.”

Lady Maria set down her fork with a little too much force. “Alexei has always been gallant to a fault. Remember when you escorted me to the Winter Ball last year? Everyone said we made such a striking couple.”

“I remember escorting several members of our family that evening,” Alexei replied diplomatically.

Isabella hid a smile behind her napkin.

As dinner concluded, Niko excused himself to speak with his father, leaving Amelia momentarily alone. Lady Maria seized the opportunity, sliding into the vacant seat beside her.

“You must be feeling overwhelmed,” she said, her voice dripping with false sympathy. “All these traditions, all these expectations. And Niko can be so… distant.”

“I appreciate your concern,” Amelia replied carefully. “But I’m adapting well.”

“Of course you are, dear.” Lady Maria patted her hand condescendingly. “But if you ever need advice on handling the royal family, do come to me. I’ve known them my whole life, after all. Especially Niko. We were quite close once.”

Amelia maintained her composure. “How fortunate for you. If you’ll excuse me, I should check on my friend.”

As she stood, she nearly collided with Alexei, who had been approaching their table.

“Everything alright?” he asked, his eyes flicking to Lady Maria.

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Alexei laughed. “How did you guess?”

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