Another Chance for the Luna Queen by Aurora Starling

Chapter 0226

Ella POV

At some point, I managed to fall asleep, though far too late. When my mother knocked on the door to wake me for the rehearsal dinner, I was beyond exhausted. It took several attempts for me to stir, let alone keep my eyes open long enough to respond.

Somehow, I forced myself out of bed and spent a little time getting dressed and doing my makeup. The result was passable–not glamorous, but at least I didn’t look like a zombie.

By the time I made my way downstairs, Alexander had alreally arrived. I paused at the end of the hallway, unnoticed for the moment, and took the opportunity to observe the way my parents interacted with him in my absence.

My mother, whose initial reservations about Alexander had been so evident, now smiled warmly and genuinely as they spoke. It wasn’t the polite smile she gave out of obligation; it was sincere, the kind that made the corners of her eyes crinkle.

Alexander, to my relief, returned her expression with equal sincerity, his charm understated but natural.

Seeing them like this lifted a weight from my chest. My parents‘ concerns about my relationship with Alexander seemed to have melted away.

judgment had been irreparably damaged. But now, it seemed, they were beginning to see Alexander as I did–someone who was not only trustworthy but who

you sleep well?” Alexander asked suddenly, his voice drawing

laughed, realizing I’d been caught spying. “I don’t know about well,” I said, smiling sheepishly, “but I did sleep, so that’s something.”

a kiss on the cheek. “The

winced. “I didn’t realize I’d overslept so

worry about it,” Alexander said with an easy smile. It was no trouble to delay

parents. They exchanged a quick, knowing look before slipping out of the room without a word, leaving Alexander

Alexander’s smile faded, replaced by a look of concern. His eyes searched mine, his voice quieter now. “How are you

but

understandable but on the phone this morning, there was something in your voice… I’ll admit, I’ve been concerned about you all day.”

though I tried

thinking about all of this. There’s a

thought,” Alexander admitted, frowning slightly. “Though I can’t imagine what the

connection could be.”