Another Chance for the Luna Queen by Aurora Starling

Ch

Chapter 0088

Ella POV

I barely touched the tea in my hands. My nerves were too frayed to enjoy it. The idea of standing beside Alexander while he made his statement to the press felt overwhelming

Even though I wouldn’t be speaking, I knew people would be staring at me, judging my every expression and my body language. I knew that David would be watching. I was convinced now that he must be involved in this.

It was intense, almost nauseating to think of him watching me, hoping to see signs that I was hurt by the accusations against my new boyfriend. Would he stop at nothing to hurt me?

Maybe it was because I knew what we risked if Alexander didn’t win the election. In the original timeline, scandal had been the thing that caused him to lose. I only hoped we had time to mitigate the damage now.

this

And Alexander seemed so confident. He believed he could handle it. I should trust him–he had followed through on every promise he’d made to me so far. There was no reason I shouldn’t trust him, at least as far as I knew.

But I didn’t like being left in the dark. I didn’t want to be blindsided again.

I set my cup down on Alexander’s desk and went out into the hallway. The building was mostly empty on this level. It was only offices up here. The elevator was empty when I stepped inside and hit the lobby button.

Alexander would already be there, speaking to the press and guiding them on where to set up their equipment. The ride down in the elevator felt like it took forever. It was so quiet, I could hear my heart beating in my ears.

slow, deep breaths, trying to steady myself. I needed to project confidence from the moment I stepped out of the elevator until the final member of the press had

look

struck me, catching me off guard: I wish I had my

long time, so it felt strange

But I did.

was not

the elevator reached the ground floor, I felt more in control

Alexander stood off to the side.

I

with relief when he saw me approaching. He walked up to

was reassuring. “Sorry that took so long,”

he replied. “We’re about

took another deep breath and smiled, though I felt awkward. “Just tell me what you need me to

stand next to me and pinch me if I

to look amused, but a laugh wouldn’t

microphones. He stood in front of them, and I positioned myself to his -right. He loosened his grip, but I didn’t let go. I

grounded.

start?” one of