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.

to catch me at my worst so the footage could be

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

all rushed toward each other and joined in a three-person

said to Anna, who said the same

much," Anna said. She kissed my cheek and then the

unceremoniously on the curb. If we

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

you!" I called to the driver as he returned to his driver's side. He nodded in acknowledgement, started the car,

to Anna, I noticed something off. Now that our initial excited greeting

I asked. "What

bottom lip with her teeth. I recognized that as her embarrassed

something happen?"

while, for me to keep your

Anna? I had to look into that as soon as

to get another roommate to make ends meet. They took over your

room?" Elva looked up at me for

We

shoulder to

"If the new roommate is in our room, where did you put

a few necessities. We'd

into the apartment, though she assured us that

the

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

Not because Anna had to move forward with her life, but because my entire life up until this point fit

pushing down the part of me that wanted to break a little, and looked at

perked up