Another Chance for the Luna Queen novel

Chapter 0221 Chapter 0221 Ella POV The rest of the tasting passed in quiet tension , though I didnt think Alexander was mad at me .

We eventually agreed on a red and a white wine .

Alexander filled out the form and handed it to the employee as we made our way out .

When we reached the car , he opened the door for me , placing a gentle hand on my back as I stepped inside .

The light contact was reassuring , but I still kept my eyes down as he got in and shut the door .

For several minutes , silence filled the car , stretching between us like a fragile thread .

Are you all right ? Alexander asked finally , breaking the stillness .

Fine , I said automatically , though my smile felt tense and unnatural .

Oh , thats convincing , Alexander said , his voice dripping with sarcasm .

I couldnt help but laugh , despite myself .

I just feel like I made a fool of myself , thats all .

I didnt mean to get drunk .

Youre not really supposed to swallow the wine at a tasting , Alexander replied , his tone casual .

My eyes widened , and I turned to stare at him in disbelief .

Why didnt you tell me that ? I wanted to see what would happen , he said with a shrug , a mischievous smile spreading across his face .

I didnt expect you to be so flirty when youre drunk .

I- I began to argue , but the words faltered .

There was no denying what had happened , and Alexanders smug expression wasnt helping .

Its interesting to note , thats all , he said , his smile growing as he glanced at me .

I crossed my arms , trying to hide my embarrassment .

And here I was , planning a great surprise for you , so excited to tell you about it , and youve spent the whole day teasing me .

Surprise ? he asked , his expression shifting to confusion .

Yes , I said with a huff , turning to look out the window .

And now I have half a mind to cancel the whole thing .

Alexander chuckled softly .

You wont cancel it , he said confidently .

Youre too curious to see my reaction .

I fought back a smile , refusing to let him win so easily .

Maybe , I muttered , but my tone gave me away .

You dont have to give me anything , Alexander pointed out .

I wasnt expecting a wedding gift from you .

Its not about that , I said , shaking my head .

Its just something nice to thank you for all the hard work youve done and for always being so supportive of me through this .

Alexanders expression softened .

I gave you my word , thats all .

But its not , I argued , leaning forward slightly .

Youve gone far beyond what our contract dictates , and I appreciate it a great deal .

Neither of us could have predicted how many threats would crop up over the course of this … arrangement of ours .

You wouldve been well within your rights to back out , considering how complicated things have gotten , but you didnt .

Youre always there when I call and always ready to help .

Ive never really had anyone besides my parents show that level of care for me .

The look on Alexanders face was hard to read , and his unwavering gaze made it difficult for me to maintain eye contact .

Still , I didnt look away .

For reasons I couldnt quite explain , this moment felt important , like it carried 1/3 +25 BONUS Chapter 0221 more weight than either of us was willing to acknowledge .

So , he said finally , redirecting the conversation , whats the surprise ? Well , there are a few parts to it , I began , relaxing slightly First , you need to go to the tailor shop and pick up the gift Ive had made for you .

Youve been to my tailor behind my back ? he asked , a smile tugging at his lips .

And I suppose he was eager to help .

He was , I admitted , smiling back .

Mr.

Kingsman has been very kind .

He even customized my dress , as you and he recommended , to make sure it cant be copied .

And he hasnt said a word to me about any of this ? Alexander shook his head in mock disbelief .

And here I thought he was loyal .

So , I go to the tailor and pick up this mystery gift .

Whats the second part ? Be ready in that outfit by 7:00 p.m.

on the Friday after our wedding , I instructed .

Is it a honeymoon ? he asked , his curiosity genuine .

Because I think Im supposed to plan that traditionally speaking .

Not a honeymoon , I said , shaking my head .

Just a one night thing .

Friday after the wedding , he repeated thoughtfully .

Im not aware of any events in the capital on that date .

I smiled , amused by his attempt to fish for information .

You wont figure it out , I teased lightly .

Alexanders eyes narrowed playfully .

Is that a challenge ? Not at all , I said , turning to gaze out the window , my smile widening .

Youll just have to wait and see .

I dont really like surprises , Alexander said with a slight huff , crossing his arms .

I think youll like this one , I replied confidently .

But if Im wrong , I guess Ill owe you something else .

Like what ? he asked , a smirk tugging at the corners of his mouth .

Do I get to choose ? Sure , I said , my confidence unwavering .

Im so convinced youll love this surprise that if Im wrong , you can name your replacement gift .

Thats a dangerous promise to make , Alexander pointed out , his smirk widening .

Im not scared , I replied .

Thats drunk confidence , he teased .

Maybe , I admitted with a grin .

I guess well find out .

Alexander spent the next few minutes scrolling through his phone , his brows furrowed in concentration .

I was certain he was trying to uncover any event scheduled for the date Id given him .

Even if he did notice the race that night , I doubted hed connect it to my surprise .

What stood out more than his scrolling was the rare expression on his face a genuine smile that lit up his features .

Alexanders smiles were usually teasing , mischievous , or smug , but this one was joyful , unguarded .

Seeing him like that warmed my heart .

I felt a quiet satisfaction knowing Id been the cause of it .

When we arrived back at my parents house , Alexander stepped out and came around to open my door .

He offered me his arm , and I took it , surprised when he linked his arm with mine and walked me all the way to the front door .

2/3 Chapter 0221 +25 BONUS ་ ་ 1 I had fun today , he said as we reached the steps .

I hope you did too and that youre not too hungover tomorrow .

I wont be hungover , I argued , scoffing at the idea .

Im not even that drunk .

Good , Alexander replied , his tone lower now , his eyes locked on mine .

Then maybe youll remember this .

Before I could react to his words , he stepped forward , his hand sliding to the small of my back as he pulled me against him .

His lips met mine in a kiss that left no room for doubt or pretense .

At first , I thought it might be for show the guards were nearby , after all .

But Alexander didnt pull away .

Instead , he lingered , the kiss deepening , unbroken for several long , electrifying seconds .

Before I knew it , I was melting into his embrace , my hands resting against his chest as the world around us seemed to fade away .

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