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.

had happened with David, I’d feared that their trust in my judgment had been irreparably damaged. But now, it seemed, they were beginning to see Alexander as I did–someone

asked suddenly, his voice drawing me out of my thoughts.

well,” I said, smiling sheepishly, “but I did

over to greet me with a kiss on the cheek. “The guests have already begun to arrive and

overslept so much. I’m so

Alexander said with an easy smile. It was no

knowing look before slipping out of

concern. His eyes searched mine, his voice quieter now. “How are you

I hesitated, but

was something in your voice… I’ll admit, I’ve

my chest flutter unexpectedly, though I tried

just can’t stop thinking about all of this. There’s a connection I can’t figure

admitted, frowning slightly. “Though I can’t imagine what

connection could be.”