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.

my worst so

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 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 my hand,

we all rushed toward each other and joined in a three-person hug. It

said to Anna, who said

cheek and then the top of Elva's head. "It hasn't been the same

set them unceremoniously on

own devices. This, especially, I did not mind.

called to the driver as he returned to his driver's side. He nodded in acknowledgement, started the car, and then

something off. Now that our initial

asked. "What is

down as she worried her bottom lip with her teeth.

happen?" I

were paying a stipend for a while, for me to keep your room

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

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

don't have our room?" Elva looked up

okay," I told her. To Anna, I said, "It's okay, Anna. We weren't here. You did what

shoulder to show her it would be

the new roommate is in our room, where did you

taken everything with us, only a

the apartment, though she assured us

seemed, three cardboard boxes stacked against the

Knowing they wanted me

but because my entire life up until this point

to break a little, and looked at Anna. "Which one has Elva's toys?" I knew she would want to see those

up right