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.

at my worst so

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 car, I closed the door. Then, holding her hand, we gently ushered through the camera crew until we were neared to Anna. Elva tugged on

at once, we all rushed toward each other and joined in

Anna, who said the same to

cheek and then the top

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

bags. As it was, we were now left to our own devices. This, especially, I did not mind. I was no closer to being accustomed to having someone waiting on me hand

to his driver's side. He nodded in acknowledgement, started the

Anna, I noticed something off. Now that our initial excited greeting had worn off, she was having

I asked. "What

her bottom lip

something happen?" I

for me to keep your room open. But I don't know if the checks got

Anna? I had to look

said. "But I had to get another roommate to make ends

have our room?" Elva looked up at me for

Anna. We weren't here. You did what you needed to, to survive. Of course,

I squeezed her shoulder to

roommate is in

a

into the apartment, though she assured us that the key

stacked against the wall

catch my reaction. Knowing they wanted me to get angry, I kept my face

her life, but because my entire life up until this point fit so perfectly into three cardboard boxes. That was it. Three

and looked

perked up right