The Luna Queen's Rebirth (Ellie and Dominic) novel Chapter 15

Chapter 15 
Ellie’s POV 
I only wanted to disgust Dominic, but I didn’t expect him to get so angry. His face turned red as he lashed out at me like I’d physically struck him. 
“You clearly have terrible taste in men,” he snapped, his voice carrying across the restaurant. “I just can’t stand that second–male–led type.” 
The words hit like a slap. I felt my chest tighten as other diners turned to stare at us. The elegant restaurant had gone quiet, with even the waiters stopping to watch our confrontation. 
“I was only trying to stop the girl who used to trail after me from throwing herself at someone else and becoming a pathetic side piece,” he continued, his tone growing more vicious with each word. 
The crowd around us had gone silent. Everyone was watching our heated argument unfold. I could see phones being pulled out, ready to record whatever happened next. This would be all over social media within hours. 
Marcus looked uncomfortable and tried to step between us. “Dom, maybe we should take this somewhere more private- 
“Stay out of this,” Dominic cut him off sharply, not even looking at his friend. 
Jake shifted nervously. “People are staring, man.” 
“Let them stare,” Dominic said coldly, his eyes never leaving my face. 
I felt a sting of pain shoot through my heart. Just a moment ago, I had actually thought Dominic might still care a little. For the years I spent on him. 
But now it was clear–he only interfered because he couldn’t stand me. He disliked me so much that he had to sabotage any chance I had at happiness with someone else. 
The realization was like ice water in my veins. 
“So that’s what this is about,” I said, my voice shaking slightly. “You can’t stand the thought that I might actually be happy without you.” 
Dominic’s eyes flashed dangerously. “Happy? With that fraud? You were about to become some mated man’s secret mistress.” 
“At least Ryan asked me to dinner instead of just expecting me to buy coffee for him and his friends,” I shot back. 
Jake snorted. “Come on, Ellie. You loved doing those things for us.” 
“Did I?” I asked, turning to look at him. “Or did I just do them because I thought that’s what love looked like?” 
The question hung in the air. Even Jake looked uncomfortable now. 
“You used to smile when you brought us coffee,” Marcus said quietly, trying to defend their past behavior. 
“I smiled because I was eighteen and stupid,” I replied. “Because I thought if I was useful enough, maybe 
Dominic would notice me as more than just his personal errand girl.” 
Dominic’s jaw clenched. “No one forced you to do anything.” 
“You’re right,” I said, my voice growing stronger. “No one forced me. I chose to debase myself for years, hoping you’d throw me a crumb of affection. But that’s over now.” 
Before I even realized it, tears were streaming down my face. I wanted to ask him something. I wanted to scream at him. 
Wasn’t I already the third party between you and the woman you really loved, Vivian? 
Didn’t you already choose her over me in every way that mattered? 
How many times had I watched him treat Vivian with the kindness and respect he never showed me? How many times had I pretended not to notice the way his eyes softened when he looked at her? 
Dominic looked surprised to see me cry. His anger seemed to deflate slightly, and he hesitated, like he was unsure whether to comfort me or not. 
“Ellie-” he started. 
“Don’t,” I cut him off. “Just don’t.” 
But I wiped away my tears quickly. I wouldn’t let him see me weak anymore. I’d spent too many years crying over him already. 
The restaurant was completely silent now. Even the kitchen staff had stopped working to listen to our fight. 
“Whatever happens to me from now on is none of your business,” I said coldly. 
“Ellie, wait-” Dominic started, taking a step toward me. 
But I was already walking away, my heels clicking sharply against the marble floor. 
We parted on bad terms. Dominic stood there watching as I walked away, but I didn’t look back. Not even once. 
I could hear Marcus saying something to him in a low voice, probably trying to convince him to follow me. But Dominic’s pride would never let him chase after me publicly. 
“Should we go after her?” I heard Jake ask. 
“No,” Dominic said flatly. “Let her go.” 
That was fine. I was done being the one who always had to swallow her pride. 
As I pushed through the restaurant doors, I could feel the weight of dozens of stares on my back. By tomorrow, everyone at school would know about this fight. 
But for the first time in years, I didn’t care what people thought. 
I was finally free. 
The next day, the Dean was collecting fees for the mating ceremony out on the field. Students were lining up 
with their payment slips and partner confirmations. 
When the Dean called my name, I stepped forward. 
“I’m not going,” I said simply. 
The entire field went quiet. Everyone was shocked. 
“You know what?” someone said loudly behind me. “If I had a choice, I wouldn’t go either.‘ 
I turned around with everyone and found someone unexpected – Lucas. 
Lucas’s popularity was second only to Dominic’s. Though he acted laid–back at school, his academic record was excellent. 
When I turned around, he was leaning against a tree nearby, watching the drama unfold with an amused smile. 
Lucas clearly found the whole thing very interesting. 
After he said that, people could only sigh in disappointment. Many girls had been silently competing to become 
his fated mate. 
Meanwhile, I became the target of mockery. People started whispering that I probably failed at my obsessive pursuit of Dominic. That he’d finally had enough and dumped me. 
“She must have embarrassed herself so badly that even Dominic won’t look at her anymore,” someone said. 
“Poor thing. She wasted all those years chasing after him.” 
Just then, Dominic showed up. The crowd immediately started speculating–was he here to watch me make a fool of myself? 
And who would he take to the ball? 
Dominic saw me being laughed at and frowned slightly. Marcus tried to ease the tension. 
“Ellie helped us a lot before,” Marcus said awkwardly. “Maybe we overstepped a little too often.” 
Dominic seized the chance. Reluctantly and stiffly, he walked over to me. 
“If you haven’t found a partner yet,” he said, his voice tight. “Maybe I-” 
I cut him off immediately. 
“I’d rather die than be your partner.” 
The field erupted in gasps. People couldn’t believe what they’d just heard. 
Dominic’s face went white, then red with anger.