The sickened luna’s last chance

Chapter 40

Ella

Time seemed to stop. Alexander wasn’t kissing me, but with his cheek pressed firmly against mine like this, our faces were so close that to everyone else,

it must have looked like an intimate kiss.

And despite the lack of an actual kiss, being held like this in Alexander’s arms as he dipped me low made me feel like I was floating on clouds. His hand on my waist felt solid and secure. His breath was warm against my skin. His fingers gently dipping into the bare skin of my back felt both delicate and deliciously firm.

For a brief, ridiculous moment, I felt like a princess in some fairy tale, swooped off her feet by a handsome prince who was about to carry her away to his

castle.

If only we were a real couple. If only this wasn’t all just for show. If only this were a real kiss.

But it wasn’t real. None of it was real. And I was a fool for letting myself pretend, even for a second, that it might be.

Alexander pulled me back up smoothly, still holding me close. By now, the photographers were going wild, cameras flashing, clamoring to get a good shot of us together.

“That should give them something to talk about,” Alexander murmured, his lips brushing my ear as he spoke. I could only manage a tiny nod in response, although I inwardly chided myself for being so touched by the gesture.

For a little while, Alexander kept his arm around my waist as we moved through the crowd. Everywhere we went, people greeted us warmly, congratulating Alexander on his campaign, complimenting my dress, saying how beautiful our relationship was.

I forced myself to smile and nod, to play the part of the adoring Luna.

It was exhausting, even more so when I had to remind myself not to get too comfortable with the beautiful illusion.

Alexander played his part well, too. Perhaps a little too well. Every time I looked at him, he had that same handsome, charming smile plastered on his face–green eyes sparkling, creases around his mouth, sparkling white teeth.

It was a smile that I had seen on only a few occasions throughout our five years of marriage, one of those times being tonight when he told me he promised to stop paying my father.

Would he actually keep true to his promise, though? I doubted it–he was likely just saying that to shut me up for the night–but if he did, I would be grateful. My father didn’t deserve the money. And it would help me get out of at least one bind that I was in.

just hoped it wouldn’t backfire spectacularly on me or Stormhollow at

peace and quiet. I found a small alcove near the refreshment

like her life depended on it. I figured she was just not used to attending these sorts of parties

“There you are!”

thoughts, I turned to find Tara approaching. She had her entourage behind

with her. “Come with us! There’s this new club

in conversation with the Alpha, and it didn’t seem like they were going to finish anytime soon.

wanted to go. To experience a normal night out like any other woman my age. To dance and laugh

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08:39 Tue, 19 Aug

Chapter 40

only having one year

Alexander was here

and since he

reason I told myself. But deep

think I’ll stay after all,” I said, offering Tara an apologetic smile.

Come on, Ella. Live

know. Before it’s

Before I died.

talking to that Alpha, but he was

strengthen. Seeing that look in his eyes, his handsome form

I swore I could still feel her deep inside of me, pulling me toward him. I couldn’t bring myself

I said, turning back to Tara. “I

sighed dramatically but nodded. “Fine, be boring. But I’m holding you to that ‘another time.” She kissed my

leave, and a pang of regret unfurled in my chest. They looked so carefree, so… normal. A group of friends heading out for

die having never known what it was like to dance in a club, to laugh with friends until

“Ella.”

voice. My stepmother was gliding toward me, looking elegant as ever in her floor–length navy blue gown and a perfectly practiced smile on her face. Beside me, Lilith straightened, although she lowered her

look lovely tonight,” Margaret said, stopping a few feet away. She didn’t even glance at Lilith.

in my life. Not once. She was certainly being underhanded, or