The Luna Choosing Game

Chapter 0615

As the car entered the neighborhoods that I recognized, I grew more and more tense. Nicholas squeezed me tighter, likely trying to offer what comfort that he could. But there was little comfort to be had.

I didn't mind the smaller place. I didn't even mind the harsher lifestyle.

But I didn't want to do any of it anymore, without Nicholas

I would, of course, if forced to. I would give my all to raise Elva to the best of my ability, no matter the environment. And now that the Oracle had cured her of her curse, we didn't necessarily need to be at the palace, since Elva didn't need such intense medical care.

I wanted Nicholas, Elva, and I to be a family. Full stop. It didn't matter where.

Finally, the car came to a stop in front of our old apartment building. A camera crew was already set up outside, waiting. There, standing among them, chatting them all up, stood Anna. She looked much the same as when I had last seen her.

God, I missed her so much. I didn't even realize how much until this moment.

Nicholas cupped my face and lightly kissed me on the lips. The windows were tinted, the cameras wouldn't be able to see.

"I will see you soon," he said. His eyes were creased with worry, his mouth heavy with sadness.

I kissed him again, offering comfort as he tried to do for me. "Soon," I promised.

Nicholas nodded and turned to Elva. He kissed the top of her head.

I sucked in a sturdy breath, then exited the car. The cameras were immediately on me. The crew pushed Anna back behind them, even though she was the one Elva and I were here to

see.

here. Likely under the King's orders, they wanted to catch me at my worst so the footage could be

all times. With my head raised high, I walked around the car and opened the door enough for Elva to hop out, while keeping Nicholas hidden. No one needed to know of Nicholas's favoritism but Elva and me. After Elva was out

other and joined in a three-person

to Anna, who said

much," Anna said. She kissed my cheek and then the top of Elva's head. "It hasn't been the same

them unceremoniously

own devices. This, especially, I did not mind. I was no closer to being

he returned to his driver's side. He nodded

something off. Now that our initial

asked. "What

bottom lip with her teeth. I

something happen?"

were paying a stipend for a while, for me to keep your room open. But I don't know if the checks got lost or if they

at my chest. Why would they stop paying Anna? I had to

get another roommate to make ends meet. They took over your old room. I'm

Elva looked up at me

I said, "It's okay, Anna. We weren't here. You did what you needed to,

her shoulder to show

roommate is in our room, where

us, only a few necessities.

into the apartment, though she assured us that the key still

three cardboard boxes stacked against the wall in

to catch my reaction. Knowing they wanted me to

entire life up until

part of me that wanted to break a little, and looked at Anna. "Which one has Elva's toys?" I knew

perked up right