The Luna Choosing Game by Jane Above Story

Chapter 0403

“I heard he had dated another person after he was with me,” she said. “Back then, he had a little more freedom so I suppose anything is possible.”

That wasn’t a compliment, but then, her entire demeanor had seemed to shift now that we were alone. Her smile had an edge. Her voice was curter. This felt less like the cute actress persona she had at the ready for the rest of the world, and more like this might be her true self.

“I wouldn’t have believed it if Nicholas hadn’t confirmed himself to me these past few days,” Bridget said.

I felt a hint of pride. Nicholas didn’t talk about Bridget, but he did, it seemed, talk about me.

“We had a very happy relationship together while we were at the Academy,” I said. “He is the kindest man I’ve ever known and he treated me with such respect and passion…” All of it was true, but I may have been talking it up a bit more than necessary, out of my jealousy.

“You had no idea who he was. Is that right?” she asked.

“He was Nicholas.”

“But you didn’t know he was a prince.”

“No. He didn’t tell me that.”

She smiled a bit as she tilted her head. “A shame that he thought to keep so many secrets from you. When I knew him, he prided himself so much on his honesty.”

“He is still an honest, stalwart kind of man,” I said, a little annoyed at her implication otherwise.

“Maybe he is now, after your split. But you must admit that the man kept secrets from you. His lineage, for one. His closeness to me, for another.”

Unfortunately, she was right. I did have to admit that. Even though I hated to.

“He had his reasons,” she said.

“I’m sure.” Bridget tilted her head, her movie star smile slipped back into place. “I suppose I have nothing to worry about then.”

I didn’t like the way she said that. Like she was crossing me off as a threat, just like she did everyone else. Maybe she truly did not know how Nicholas and I had

other in the gym just this

so confident that she didn’t think it

+15 BÔNUS

upset stomach, and my friendliness was much harder to fake all the sudden. Bridget didn’t seem

girls here don’t seem to like me. It

easily that I was obviously an outcast here. I had plenty of friends

did understand how isolating it could feel to believe none of the other girls liked

a huge following, but loneliness was a universal experience. Money and

interests weren’t exactly the same thing

Piper, to be my friend,” she said, and she seemed so da mned earnest. G od, she was a good actor. I wanted to believe

feel alone, not even someone I viewed

be lucky to be your friend, Bridget,” Julian says as he

the room.

bright and happy again, as if Julian’s flirtation has filled up

You are

was laying the charm on thick. His vow not to let Nicholas win again

didn’t once look at me. He didn’t acknowledge me at all. His entire focus was affixed to Bridget like she

with these princes? Bridget

214

+15 BONUS

I escort you to lunch, Bridget?” Julian offered his arm. “It would be my honor to dine with

girls ever

It looked painful, frankly, though it

he said. Was he thinking that she did, when she

not really anyway to find answers. I wondered if the cook Charlotte talked about would

help Julian, but it would be wrong to pry into his life more than I

For now, at least.

I was headed back to my