Another Chance for the Luna Queen novel

Chapter 0003 Chapter 0083 Then farmers market it is , I said , smiling +25 BONUS She glanced up at me , narrowing her eyes .

Why are you smiling at me like that ? Are you making fun of again ? Not at all , I said , my voice softening .

I was just thinking what a pretty puzzle you are .

Her breath hitched ever so slightly , and 1 saw something in her eyes a glimpse of vulnerability , perhaps before she quickly turned her gaze away .

The farmers market here in the capital wasnt like anything Ella was used to back home .

It resembled more of an outdoor marketplace than a simple farmers market .

Fresh fruits and vegetables mingled with baked goods , but there were also handcrafted items things people had crocheted or sewn , and occasionally even intricately carved wooden guns .

Ella didnt seem fazed by the differences , though .

The moment we entered the marketplace , a bright smile lit up her features .

She looked around with obvious enjoyment , her enthusiasm infectious .

Yet , every time her eyes returned to me , something shifted slightly in her expression .

It was reminiscent of how she had looked at me when we first made our agreement more than a hint of suspicion , but not quite certainty either .

It shouldnt bother me .

We were business partners and nothing more , or so we had just established .

But I couldnt lie to myself and pretend that my heart didnt ache when she offered me that distant , strained smile .

It was a pleasant day , and we quickly found something for lunch : fresh bread and cheese .

We even stumbled upon an older lady selling lemonade , which Ella insisted we get .

Theres nothing like freshly squeezed lemonade , she said , smiling kindly at the woman as she offered her money in exchange for two plastic cups full of the cold liquid .

Thats what I always say ! the woman replied happily .

I hope you enjoy ! I know I will , Ella said , her eyes sparkling as she turned towards me .

Where would you like to sit ? I think there are a few tables in this direction , I said , indicating a side path with the hand that wasnt holding our bag of food .

Lead the way , Ella replied .

But instead of walking side by side with me , she trailed behind .

We sat at the table and unpacked the food .

Ella kept her eyes focused on the task at hand as she spread the soft cheese over the bread .

She handed a piece to me , but as I took it from her , she pulled her hand away quickly , ensuring there was no contact between us .

The sudden absence of her warmth felt like a chill in the air intensifying the awkward silence that hung between us .

I could sense her hesitance , and it made my heart sink I felt like I had been scolded by a teacher , and I hated it .

That heavy feeling of guilt and self doubt clung to me every time Ella gave me that look or averted her gaze .

It was too much like the way that … I forced that thought away .

I couldnt begin comparing Ella to her .

That would only muddle things further .

This was all because of the way I had treated my exes .

I enjoyed my time with Ella I truly did .

Even though I knew there was no love between us , I wanted to keep savoring our moments together because this arrangement would last for the foreseeable future .

1/2 Chapter 08 : 3 +25 BONUS I knew better , though .

I wasnt a child who could let what I wanted cloud my judgment .

Ella was behaving appropriately , keeping our relationship within the boundaries we had set .

I should follow her lead , not wallow in self pity .

Perhaps a better defined agreement would make it easier for me to avoid these situations with Ella .

I would discuss the matter with August ; he would likely have an Idea on how I should approach things .

Although I had a pretty good idea already of what he might suggest .

Chapter 0084