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.

me at my worst

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 of the

other and joined in a three-person hug. It was so

I said to Anna, who said the

missed you both so much," Anna said. She kissed my cheek and then the top of Elva's

removed our bags and set them unceremoniously on the curb. If we lived in

those servants would see to our bags. As it was, we were now left to our own devices. This, especially, I did not mind. I was no closer to

the driver as he returned to his driver's side. He

to Anna, I noticed something off. Now that our initial excited greeting had worn off, she was having trouble looking me in

I asked. "What is

her bottom lip with her teeth. I

something happen?"

said. "The royals were paying a stipend for a while, for me to keep your room open. But I don't know if the

at my chest. Why would they stop paying Anna?

to make ends

Elva looked up at me

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

seemed worried. I squeezed her shoulder to show her it

new roommate

only a few necessities. We'd left

led us into the apartment, though she assured

the wall in the living

close to catch my reaction. Knowing they wanted me to

truth, I was upset. Not because Anna had to move forward with her life, but because my entire life up until this point fit so perfectly into three cardboard boxes. That was it. Three boxes,

little, and looked at Anna. "Which one has Elva's toys?" I knew she would

up right