Another Chance for the Luna Queen by Aurora Starling

Chapter 0328

Ella POV

I finished my workout, showered, and by the time I left the gym, I felt a little better. I had almost convinced myself that the blonde woman I'd seen wasn't Sabrina. It seemed too far-fetched that she would suddenly show up here, of all places.

As I stepped onto the sidewalk, I glanced at my phone. Two missed calls-one from Alexander and one from Elizabeth. Alexander had also sent a text letting me know he was on his way home. I sent back a heart emoji so he'd know I'd seen it.

But there was nothing from Elizabeth. No text. No voicemail.

I didn't want to jump to conclusions, but every time she called without leaving a message, it usually meant trouble was brewing. Without overthinking it, I tapped on her name and hit call.

I realized I was holding my breath when she answered.

"What is it?" I asked, my concern bleeding into every word

"Calm down," Elizabeth said quickly. "I wasn't calling about anything bad."

"Are you sure?" I asked, feeling a little ridiculous for my overreaction. "You're positive? The sky's not falling? Aliens aren't invading?"

Elizabeth laughed. "Not as far as I know." There was a long pause, then her voice dipped into something guiltier. I'm sorry I couldn't warn you about Amanda ahead of time. I didn't know until it hit the news."

"Your father didn't give you a heads-up?" I asked, surprised.

"No," she sighed. "I wasn't home. I guess that's why."

"Where were you?" I asked casually, waving at James as he approached from the coffee shop across the street. Having a bodyguard shadow me still felt strange, but after the last time I ditched him, I wasn't willing to take any chances.

"I was with Damien," Elizabeth said, and I could hear the giddy smile in her voice. "Ohhh," I teased with a laugh. "That explains why you're in such a good mood." "Actually, that's why I called," she said, barely able to contain her excitement. “I have some big news."

"What is it?" I asked, suddenly curious.

"We're engaged!" she practically shouted into the phone.

I stopped mid-step, staring at the screen in shock. Engaged?

That hadn't happened in the original timeline. My chest tightened with unexpected emotion before I finally managed to say, "I'm so happy for you."

"We're not making it public just yet, but we will soon," Elizabeth said. “Which is why I'm calling. Some friends are going out this weekend to celebrate, so obviously, you have to come."

hesitance

me. Elizabeth had no idea about the latest kidnapping-Alexander wanted to handle it himself, which meant we couldn't

the thought of going out without him right

me nervous.

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Chapter 0328

best friend. She was getting married. I couldn't sit this out.

forcing my voice to sound light.

didn't pick up on anything unusual in my tone. She

much joy in her voice was reassuring. It reminded me that there were

things could turn out well. But Elizabeth was right-good things

just had to stay strong a little while longer. And if I did, maybe-just maybe- everything would work

Alexander POV

Amanda," I said,

car beside August, I tilted

studying the grainy video over my shoulder,

the woman with

the million-dollar question," I

low over her head. She wore

impossible to distinguish any

identifying features. She wase

she

forced it down. I needed to think clearly. Getting

be someone with connections in the

with that kind of access-at least not enough to cross the border without issue," August replied. "But

questions. Find out if anyone had contact with

Amanda plan the kidnapping?"

the footage and staring at the shadowy figure beside Amanda. "Hard to say. It was reckless-exactly the kind of thing Amanda would insist on. But I doubt she found someone willing to help on just her word. She

right.

she has

fully understanding how the rogue world operated. If only he'd informed

I could do was minimize the damage and protect

discreet photo of Ella. She was smiling at her phone, completely unaware of the chaos surrounding