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.

their trust in my judgment had been irreparably damaged. But now, it seemed, they were beginning to see Alexander

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

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

just in time,” Alexander said as he walked over to greet me with a kiss on the cheek. “The guests have already begun to arrive and are enjoying hors d’oeuvres. It’s high time we start making

“I didn’t realize I’d overslept so much. I’m so sorry.”

with an easy smile. It was no trouble to delay

murmured, glancing at my parents. They exchanged a quick, knowing look before slipping out of the

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

hesitated, but he pressed gently.

there was something in your voice… I’ll admit, I’ve been concerned about

chest flutter unexpectedly, though I tried to push the feeling aside.

thinking about all of this. There’s a

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

connection could be.”