The Luna Queen's Rebirth (Ellie and Dominic) novel Chapter 172

Chapter 172

Her fingers rest lightly or my arm, not possessive, just supportive. Acomforting touch.

“I’m only telling you because I care,” she continues softly. “You’ve already had so much pressure on you. The investigation. The transition of power. I would hate for unnecessary rumors to damage you.

“I’m worried,” she says quietly, her eyes lifting to mine. “Maybe there’s a reason the fights happen before she disappears. Maybe she needed an excuse. Maybe she already had plans.”

I wish the suggestion hadn’t landed.

Did she go to him? Plan her escape? Pretend to be pissed to go see him? It would explain her rage.

I straighten slowly, forcing the thought back into a place.

“Thank you,” I say evenly. “But I will handle my business with my wife.”

Vivian’s expression warms immediately, as if relieved I am taking control. “Of course you will,” she says sweetly. “I only want what’s best for you.”

Her hand slips away from my arm.

Her smile lingers a second longer than necessary before I turn away.

I find Ellie near the side hallway, staring at floral sketches. An empty pizza box sits in the trash.

“Walk with me,” I say, catching her wrist before she slips away.

“Ah! What is wrong with you? If this is about cake, I voted for the affordable one.

“It’s not about cake.”

She squints at me. “That’s suspicious. This entire building is obsessed with cake.”

I don’t smile.

She sighs. “Great. That face.”

I guide her into a quieter alcove. She crosses her arms instantly.

“What?”

“Did you intend to meet Lucas earlier?”

She blinks. Then laughs. “You’re kidding.”

r

“I’m not.”

“I wanted pizza,” she says. “Where did you even get that idea?”

“Just a feeling. You seem… miserable today.”

“Unlike Vivian?” she snaps. “Dominic, I don’t like this. I’m fine with cheap. I’m trying. If you want

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someone enthusiastic about this wedding, marry her.

I don’t want Vivian. I want to snap. But I bite my tongue.

“Just answer the question.”

“About Lucas? He was there. That’s it. If were sneaking around, do you really think I’d choose somewhere you could follow?”

“No, but-”

“Why are you pushing this? It feels like you’ve already decided I’m the problem.”

“I only asked if you planned to meet him.”

“And if I did? Would that make it easier to feplace me?”

My jaw tightens. “Ellie. She’s not taking your place.”

“She already is.

“That’s not true.”

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