The Luna Choosing Game

Chapter 0403

“I heard he had dated another person after he was with me,” she said. “Back then, he had a little more freedom so I suppose anything is possible.”

That wasn’t a compliment, but then, her entire demeanor had seemed to shift now that we were alone. Her smile had an edge. Her voice was curter. This felt less like the cute actress persona she had at the ready for the rest of the world, and more like this might be her true self.

“I wouldn’t have believed it if Nicholas hadn’t confirmed himself to me these past few days,” Bridget said.

I felt a hint of pride. Nicholas didn’t talk about Bridget, but he did, it seemed, talk about me.

“We had a very happy relationship together while we were at the Academy,” I said. “He is the kindest man I’ve ever known and he treated me with such respect and passion…” All of it was true, but I may have been talking it up a bit more than necessary, out of my jealousy.

“You had no idea who he was. Is that right?” she asked.

“He was Nicholas.”

“But you didn’t know he was a prince.”

“No. He didn’t tell me that.”

She smiled a bit as she tilted her head. “A shame that he thought to keep so many secrets from you. When I knew him, he prided himself so much on his honesty.”

“He is still an honest, stalwart kind of man,” I said, a little annoyed at her implication otherwise.

“Maybe he is now, after your split. But you must admit that the man kept secrets from you. His lineage, for one. His closeness to me, for another.”

Unfortunately, she was right. I did have to admit that. Even though I hated to.

“He had his reasons,” she said.

“I’m sure.” Bridget tilted her head, her movie star smile slipped back into place. “I suppose I have nothing to worry about then.”

didn’t like the way she said that. Like she was crossing me off as a threat, just like she did everyone else. Maybe she truly did

just this morning. His scent was still all

was so confident

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me an upset stomach, and my friendliness was much harder to fake all the sudden. Bridget didn’t seem to care one way or

girls here don’t seem to like me. It can feel

was saying it, suggesting so easily that I was obviously

I looked under my initial irritation. Yes, she was right. I did understand how isolating it could feel to believe none of the other

have been a famous movie star with a huge following, but loneliness was a universal experience. Money and fame didn’t matter if no one near you

but… potential love interests weren’t exactly the same thing as

to be my friend,” she said, and she seemed so da mned earnest.

want anyone to feel alone, not even someone I

be your friend, Bridget,”

the room.

has filled up some

You

he walked farther into the room, moving right up to her. He was laying the charm on thick. His vow not to let Nicholas win

to put the blinders on him. He didn’t once look at me. He didn’t acknowledge me at all. His entire focus was affixed to Bridget like

at all. What was it with these princes? Bridget comes back

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to lunch, Bridget?” Julian offered his arm. “It would

girls ever tell you no?”

grin grew wider. It looked painful, frankly, though it was still attractive

that

anyway to find answers. I wondered if the cook Charlotte talked about would

It wasn’t my business. I wanted to help Julian, but it

For now, at least.