The Luna Choosing Game

Chapter 0435

That night, Nicholas and Julian joined the rest of the candidates and me in the dining room for dinner together. Elva was tired from the day’s events, so I returned her to our room where the nanny was waiting to keep an eye on her. Julian joined me at the door, to walk down to the dining room together.

When we entered, Bridget had taken her usual spot, with Nicholas on her one side. The other side was open, presumably for Julian. She spotted us as we came in, and tried to wave us or, well, Julian – over.

“She wants you to sit next to her,” I whispered to him.

“I need space from her tonight,” he replied.

Nodding, I led him away from Bridget and over to where my usual spot was beside Susie, and across from Tiffany and Veronica. Since Elva was absent, her seat was empty. Julian sat down in that seat now.

Bridget watched us from her spot at the table. Her ever–present smile seemed slightly dimmer than before.

“You should have been the lead, Prince Julian,” Tiffany said. “No offense to Prince Nicholas, but you are a true actor. It’s like you were born to be on stage.

The compliment seemed to puff Julian back up and he returned to life. His grin slid right back on his face very easily.

“Thank you, my dear,” he said.

“I like Bridget,” Tiffany continued, “But I’m not so convinced about her giving the perfect. roles to everyone. Piper, didn’t she try to make you a maid?”

I groaned, and everyone around me chuckled a little. Even Julian.

“God, I forgot about that,” he said.

Maybe he forgot. Or maybe he’d been so blindsided by love that he hadn’t noticed Bridget’s slights against me to start with.

Bottles of champagne came out then, and glasses were filled all around.

Nicholas, holding his glass, stood up. He held it up like he was going to make a toast.

Yet before he could speak, Bridget bounced to her feet and held up her own glass. “Nicholas

1/4

+15 BONUS

this event has been. Granted, I haven’t been around for the other events, but this truly seems like the

that had

eyes at me for a fraction of a second before continuing.

only through everyone’s great effort that this event will be a success. Yes, Nicholas and I

back over her shoulder. “Is this supposed to be

gave her

didn’t notice this time.

a hardy thank you.” She lifted her glass. “You should all pat yourselves on the back for your accomplishments here. To

to sip at hers, then slipped some of it into my glass under the table when I motioned her to. No one was the wiser.

at Nicholas. He gave

cleared his throat.

everyone for their hard work. Though some roles are smaller than others, there are no unimportant parts in this show. Your dedication to this event has been seen and appreciated. Thank you

the words absent when Bridget had toasted. Her smile tightened at little, but by the time she had finished drinking, it was

we continued to drink and have a good time. Though, not too long later, Julian kissed me on the cheek.

he said. “I want to turn in early.”

at him.

you tomorrow.”

me. Then he stood and left the room.

nice to see him having some fun,” Tiffany said. “He hasn’t really been himself lately.”

2/4

+15 BONUS

“He has been absent from

tilted my head a little. “Does he usually visit you there?”

said. “At least for a little

hope I didn’t offend him when I caught him counting. Though he

Whether he hung out with the three of us for romantic pursuits or for friendship, those relationships began to wilt the moment she returned to

doesn’t smile as much,” Susie said,

until the champagne ran dry and people began to yawn. We truly had a long day and would likely have an even longer one the next day. The real party could happen when the event

stayed a bit longer, chatting up Jessica beside her.