Another Chance for the Luna Queen by Aurora Starling

Chapter 0268

Ella POV

The test

rest of the week was a whirlwind. News outlets hounded Alexander for comments about the king's rumored retirement, speculating wildly about his next move. Meanwhile, the hunt for Dr. McIntyre weighed heavily on my mind, especially since there seemed to be no progress.

Alexander's late nights persisted-perhaps not every night but close enough-and he refused to tell me much. It seemed that nothing had progressed.

The only thing Alexander told me about was the fact that he'd arranged a dinner with his mother and Michael. It was necessary, but I wasn't looking forward to it.

By the time Saturday night arrived, I was already worn thin from the week's stress. Our opera date loomed, and while I wasn't quite in the mood, Alexander had seemed genuinely excited. I didn't want to disappoint him, so I dutifully slipped into a floor-length red gown, carefully styled my hair, and applied my makeup.

I wanted to look my best, even if my heart wasn't entirely in it.

As I was fastening a necklace and deliberating over which earrings to wear, Alexander entered the bedroom. He was dressed in an impeccably tailored suit, exuding effortless charm as usual.

"You look gorgeous," he said, approaching me with a warm smile.

I managed a weak smile in return. "Thank you."

"You don't seem excited," he observed, his brow furrowing slightly.

I shrugged, unable to muster a convincing denial. Alexander glanced over my shoulder at the open jewelry box on the vanity. "Still deciding on earrings?"

"I am," I admitted, staring down at the glittering options. Perhaps it was just my sour mood making it impossible

to choose.

"Try these," he said.

and noticed he was holding a small jewelry box tied with a

gift?" I asked, taking the box from him. "What's

occasion," he replied smoothly. "I

a stunning pair of ruby rose earrings. They sparkled brilliantly, complementing my dress perfectly. Without hesitation, I fastened

said warmly, my tone

replied, his

I felt the tension in my chest ease just

he picked my shawl up from the back of my chair. He wrapped it gently around my shoulders, his fingers brushing

"I'm ready," I confirmed.

around me, and together we

downstairs.

Chapter 0268

away, Alexander began talking animatedly about the opera. He explained that it was performed in a foreign language, so I wouldn't understand the lyrics, but assured me the plot was straightforward. "If you have any questions, just ask me. I know this opera well. I can't translate every word,

was something Alexander was genuinely passionate about. It didn't seem to fit the personality he

he first suggested the opera, I assumed it was one of those polished activities he'd grown accustomed to for business purposes.

opera house, my mood soured as I spotted reporters and photographers gathered near the entrance. Their cameras clicked away as glamorous couples walked inside. I rolled

was it another

made sense, of course. With so much attention

would work wonders for our public image as a couple. It was good for the election. Still, wished he had been upfront about the reason, rather than presenting this as an

stepped out of the car with a practiced smile, holding my head

we made our way toward the entrance. We paused every few steps to pose for photos, ignoring the barrage of shouted questions. Most of them were directed at Alexander, and nearly all

you running for

building, greeting a few other Alphas, Lunas, and high-profile individuals on our way upstairs. But with

the campaign that was just beginning-but it wasn't an apology. And it certainly wasn't a date. It wasn't for me, as he'd claimed

our private box, the carefully practiced smile slipped from my face. I sank heavily into the plush seat, staring down at the empty stage with a mix