Another Chance for the Luna Queen novel

Chapter 0087 +25 BONUS Why didnt you tell me sooner ? I demanded .

I could have defended you tnore forcefully ! Its going to be harder to win people back to your side now because of the delay .

Will it ? he asked , a slight smirk tugging at his lips .

I think if I had rushed out to make a statement immediately , it wouldve made me seem guilty .

I paused , considering his words .

Maybe he was right .

If hed hurried to respond to the first one or two women who had spoken out , it might have seemed overly defensive , even suspicious .

Perhaps it was my own anxiety driving my frustration , not his lack of action .

What have you done to address it ? I asked , trying to keep my voice steady .

You dont need to concern yourself with all the little details , but I believe that someone has hired these women .

There are some of them posting now that Ive never even met .

This seems to be an organized attempt to smear my name .

he said , his tone tight with anger .

Ill make a public statement tonight .

Ive already arranged it .

Well … Im relieved to hear that , I said quietly .

I was relieved , but something still felt off .

I had an idea of who would be willing to go to such lengths to hurt Alexanders reputation , and it angered me to think that David was still trying to manipulate me like this .

Alexander POV The way Ella was pouting was almost cute , though guilt gnawed at me for the situation Id inadvertently put her in .

It couldnt be easy for her to receive all those messages and letters from my exes .

In a way , it was embarrassing .

If there was something real between us , Id be infuriated .

But since our relationship was just for show , it was more of an annoyance though one that seemed to be wearing on her .

I had consulted August , of course , and he agreed with my decision to make a public statement .

Addressing the situation all at once seemed like the best option , but seeing Ella like this made me wonder if it was already too late .

Maybe I should have communicated my plans to her earlier it might have eased her mind and avoided this growing tension between us .

Would you like to come with me ? I asked .

Ella looked up at me in surprise , her big , dark eyes wide and innocent , and I had to glance away for a moment , the intensity of her gaze stirring something in me .

To make the public announcement ? she asked .

Yes , I replied .

It might look better if you were by my side , to show that youre standing with me through this turmoil .

That does make sense , she said , nodding thoughtfully .

When will it be ? In about an hour , I said , checking the clock .

Itll be brief I promise .

Just a quick statement to a few media outlets downstairs in the lobby .

Okay , Ella agreed , her tone soft but resolute .

After all , it wont be long before were announcing our engagement .

We cant let people think theres any strain in our relationship .

Thats right , I murmured .

But I couldnt shake the thought that there was a strain between us now , and it was likely my fault .

+25 BONUS Chopter 0087 Im going to get a cup of tea , and Ill meet you in the lobby in 45 minutes , Ella said , her gaze lingering on me as if searching for something .

Yes , that sounds good , I replied , pretending to be absorbed in the work on my desk .

But as she stood and left the room , I couldnt help but watch her go .

Ella was certainly doing her part to fulfill our agreement .

It was only natural , as I was upholding my end by helping her expose David for the manipulative , disloyal creep that he was .

But there was more to her than that .

Something she wasnharing , something she wasnt telling anyone else either .

I had a strong suspicion that she was keeping her own secrets , perhaps because she didnt have anyone she truly trusted .

I understood what that felt like .

The more time I spent with Ella , the more I realized we might have more in common than either of us had expected .

And the more I felt that we were a better pair than I ever could have imagined .

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