The Luna Choosing Game

Chapter 0433

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The next day was the dress rehearsal for the performance event. All of the candidates, Nicholas, Julian, Elva, and I were in our costumes in the ballroom at the base of the stage, chatting and getting ready. Everyone’s spirits seemed to be high.

In our costumes, we made for a colorful bunch. Many of the choices were vibrant and bombastic. We’d surely catch a lot of strange looks if we had been anywhere other than on a theater stage. I wondered if every show was like this. I’d always been so busy and watchful of money, that I’d never been to a show.

I’d successfully managed to bottle most of my hurt, especially with Elva around.

Many times today, Nicholas tried to get me alone, but I’d always managed to deflect him, either by dragging Susie around with me, or sticking to Veronica and Tiffany like glue.

He must have noticed. I could practically feel his stare burning holes into the back of my head, but after the night before, I wasn’t ready to face him. There was still too much hurt between us. It took everything inside of me not to run to another closet to hide and cry. 1

The com

Elva needed me strong. The competition needed me strong. I wasn’t going to lose points and face early expulsion just because of my inner scars.

Elva needed to be here for her health, and I had to make sure she stayed for as long as possible.

Oddly, Julian also seemed to notice me avoiding Nicholas. Once, when Nicholas nearly caught me alone, Julian himself stepped in, draping his arm around my shoulders. I hadn’t. made a joke, but he laughed like I had.

As Nicholas went away again without saying a word, Julian leaned into me and whispered in my ear, “Stay close to me. I’ll keep him at bay.”

“Thank you,” I replied.

And Julian, true to his word, stayed near me.

I had thought it would be a temporary measure. I was sure that as soon as Bridget batted her eyelashes in his direction, that he would veer off and chase after her.

giving direction to Nathan, I hadn’t thought too much about it. I was grateful to have Julian’s help for

came over, and, casting her big blue eyes at Julian, asked, “Can

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to move around some of the props on stage while I stay back and watch from where the audience would sit.

and his feelings, instead I took his hand in mine and squeezed,

It wasn’t my place to stand in his way. I

Julian said instead. His cool smile never faltered. 1

before. Her face mirrored my

arm fell around my waist and he

long minutes to recover, even with her supreme acting ability. “I’ll

a moment. Yet when he glanced at

take too much credit for that,” he

would I?” I said, smiling back at him. Inside, I was reeling. Maybe my lessons had taken with him after all. Was he beginning to see he was worth more

the opportunity to lean in and kiss his

he asked. He seemed pleased.

reason, really. “I guess I’m

He laughed.

Bridget had roped Tiffany into helping her move the props. Tiffany did everything that Bridget suggested, only

to sau

hopped up and down trying to see over everyone else standing, but to no avail. I was going to pick her up and set her on my hip, but Julian moved faster. He snatched her up himself and put her on his

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only do this for the scenes I’m

“Okay.”

you say, Elva?” I prompted.

“Thank you, Jul–an.”

“You are

Julian said. My heart melted for