The Luna Queen's Rebirth (Ellie and Dominic) novel Chapter 4

Ellie's POV

The stunned silence in the classroom stretched on as everyone processed what I'd just said. I could practically hear their thoughts racing.

"Wait, did she really say it's not for Dominic?"

"But look at that heart on the box..."

"Has Ellie actually fallen for someone else?"

Some of Dominic's friends exchanged confused glances, whispering among themselves. Tyler looked like someone had just told him the sky was green.

"But who else would she..." he started, then trailed off when Dominic shot him a warning look.

The teacher had started writing on the board, but I could tell half the class was still focused on the drama unfolding in our corner. This was better entertainment than any lesson.

Just then, the classroom door opened and Vivian appeared, balancing a cardboard tray of coffee cups. Her entrance was perfectly timed, as always.

"Sorry to interrupt," she said sweetly to the teacher, then hurried over to where Dominic and his friends sat. "I got everyone's usual orders."

She began distributing the cups with practiced efficiency, that angelic smile never leaving her face. But as she handed them out, I noticed something that made me want to laugh.

Half the orders were wrong.

Marcus had ordered a black coffee but received something with whipped cream. Tyler's iced latte was clearly hot. The Gamma, Jake, stared down at what looked like some kind of flavored drink when he'd specifically asked for plain coffee.

In my past life, if I had made even one mistake like that, Dominic would have lectured me about paying attention to details. About how a future Luna needed to be precise and reliable.

But now, Jake started to open his mouth, probably to point out the mix-up, when Dominic cut him off.

"Thank you, Vivian," Dominic said with a warm smile I'd never seen him give me. "That was very thoughtful of you."

Vivian practically glowed under his praise. "Oh, it was nothing. I just wanted to help." She glanced over at me with what looked like concern. "I hope Ellie isn't still upset about this morning."

"Ellie spent a long time preparing that invitation," she continued, loud enough for several nearby students to hear. "She's been working on it for weeks. I think she's just nervous about giving it to you, Dominic. You know how she gets when she's stressed."

The manipulation was so smooth, so perfectly delivered. She was painting me as the lovesick girl who was simply having a moment of nerves, while positioning herself as the caring sister who understood the situation.

I stood up and said clearly, "Just to be absolutely clear—the invitation is not for Dominic. Anyone who's interested in giving him invitations is welcome to do so."

The classroom fell silent again. Some students exchanged shocked glances while others whispered excitedly.

Before anyone could respond, the teacher called out sharply from the front. "Everyone, quiet down and focus on the lesson. We have a lot to cover today."

Vivian's eyes flashed with something I couldn't quite read—surprise, calculation, maybe even excitement. She gave me one last meaningful look before hurrying toward the door.

As she hurried out, I watched Dominic's expression. There was a softness there, a gentleness that made my chest ache with old pain.

After the door closed behind her, Jake finally spoke up. "Uh, Dominic? This isn't what I ordered. I asked for—"

"Marcus," Dominic interrupted, turning to his Beta instead. "How did you mess up the orders when you went with her? You've been getting coffee with us for months."

Marcus looked confused. "I told her exactly what everyone wanted. She must have gotten confused by—"

"Just drink what you got," Dominic said curtly, his tone sharp with the impatience he usually reserved for people he was closest to. "Next time, double-check everything yourself."

I sat there, watching the entire exchange with a mixture of amazement and disgust.

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