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.

the King's orders, they wanted to catch me at my worst so the footage

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

other and joined in a three-person

Anna, who said

much," Anna said. She kissed my cheek and then the top of Elva's head. "It

removed our bags and set them unceremoniously

see to our bags. As it was, we were now left to our own devices. This, especially, I did

you!" I called to the driver as he returned to his driver's side. He nodded

that our initial excited greeting

asked. "What is

she worried her bottom lip

something happen?" I

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

scratched at my chest. Why would they stop paying Anna? I had to look into that as soon as I

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

don't have our room?" Elva looked up

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

seemed worried. I squeezed her shoulder to show her it

the new roommate is in our

only a few necessities. We'd

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

cardboard boxes stacked against the wall in the living room behind

Knowing they wanted me to get

forward with her life, but because my entire life up until this

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

perked up right