The Sickened Luna's Last Chance novel Chapter 362

**The Perfect 362**

**Chapter 362**

**Ella’s POV**

As the first light of dawn filtered through the curtains, I stirred awake, my heart fluttering with a cocktail of exhilaration and anxiety. I carefully slipped out of bed, ensuring not to disturb Alexander, who remained nestled in the cocoon of sleep. Outside, the world still slumbered under a veil of tranquility, the sun yet to cast its golden rays and rouse our household from its dreams. I tiptoed down the hallway, feeling like a character in a secret romance—a deliciously scandalous one at that.

Yet, I couldn’t contain the giddy smile that had crept onto my face this morning. Our clandestine relationship held a thrill that enveloped me, an intoxicating mix of danger and delight that coursed through my veins. It was a forbidden love, and the very act of hiding it felt like a thrilling game.

After a quick shower, I dressed in something that balanced comfort and charm, ready to tackle the day ahead. My morning was consumed with the joyful chaos of caring for Lucien, my sweet little boy. Between diaper changes and his infectious giggles, I busied myself with wedding preparations alongside Anya. We were finalizing the details, discussing color schemes and floral arrangements, anything to distract myself from the shadow of the curse that loomed over us like a dark cloud threatening rain.

As I walked past Alexander’s office, Lucien cradled in my arms, a sound pierced through the air—a cough.

It came from Alexander’s office.

Under ordinary circumstances, I might have brushed it off, but this felt different. The raspy, wet quality of the cough sent a chill racing down my spine, freezing me in my tracks. It sounded unmistakably like Alexander, and my mind spiraled into a whirlpool of worst-case scenarios.

Namely: that wretched curse.

I tightened my hold on Lucien, my heart thundering in my chest. Without a moment’s hesitation, I strode over and swung open the door to Alexander’s office, stepping inside with a sense of urgency.

“Are you sick?” The words tumbled out before I could reign them in.

Alexander stood with his back to me, gazing out the window at the sprawling estate grounds. For a fleeting moment, I noticed his shoulders tense at the sound of my voice, and I caught a glimpse of him hastily shoving something into his pocket before he turned to face me.

But when he finally turned around, a warm and reassuring smile illuminated his face, a smile that seemed to melt away my worries. It radiated health and vitality, yet the nagging fear in the back of my mind refused to dissipate; appearances could be so deceiving.

He crossed the room in three long strides, closing the distance between us, and pressed a gentle kiss to my forehead, then to Lucien’s tiny head. A measure of tension eased from my spine, but I could still feel it lurking, just beneath the surface.

“I feel as healthy as an ox,” he declared, his grin wide and infectious.

I gazed up at him, disbelief etched on my features. “If you’re lying, I swear I’ll take matters into my own hands before that curse gets you.”

For a fleeting moment, I caught a flicker of something in Alexander’s green eyes—was it fear?—but it vanished before I could fully grasp it.

“Have you eaten lunch yet?” he asked, swiftly redirecting the conversation.

I blinked, momentarily taken aback. “No, but—”

“Go grab your jacket and get Lucien ready,” he interrupted, urgency lacing his tone. “We’re going out for lunch.”

The unexpectedness of his words sent a flutter of excitement through me, yet I frowned, my mind racing. “Alexander, you know we can’t be seen together alone—”

“I know.” His hand settled warmly on my shoulder, grounding me. “Anya’s coming too. All four of us will be out. She wanted to do some holiday shopping before her family arrives.”

That made sense, and I couldn’t argue with his reasoning. The thought of venturing out felt refreshing, the air outside crisp and invigorating, the sky cloaked in a soft gray. It wasn’t the kind of dreary gray that brought sadness; instead, it felt cozy, a bittersweet reminder of autumn’s last breath before winter’s chill settled in.

Soon enough, I found myself walking alongside Anya, Alexander, and Lucien, who was bundled adorably in a little sweater and hat. The streets of Ashclaw buzzed with life, everyone seemingly sharing our enthusiasm for early holiday shopping, clutching pumpkin spice lattes and fresh donuts from the local bakery.

After a stop at the bakery for our own treats—a latte topped with whipped cream and a sandwich for me (with a little bit of whipped cream for Lucien, much to his delight), a pastry for Anya, and a donut for Alexander—we strolled leisurely down the shopping strip, admiring shop windows and engaging in light-hearted banter.

“Of course I love it. But why did you buy this for me?” I asked, curiosity piqued.

His eyes softened, and he leaned in closer, his voice barely above a whisper. “Until I can place a proper ring on your finger, we’ll have to make do with these little tokens.”

Before I could respond, he leaned in and pressed his lips to mine, the kiss both tender and passionate. With Lucien nestled between us, he drew us further into the alcove, deepening the kiss.

I shivered at the warmth that enveloped me, the familiar sensation of his lips igniting a fire within. If we hadn’t been in public, if Lucien hadn’t been there, I might have lost myself in him completely, wrapping my arms and legs around him in that moment.

But reality was an unyielding force. Just as the kiss began to deepen, the sound of creaking floorboards nearby jolted us apart.

It was Anya, rounding the corner with her purchase in hand and a bright smile on her face. Her presence served as a stark reminder of our hidden secret.

Until everything changed, we couldn’t risk anyone discovering us—and that moment had been far too close for comfort.

As the day drew to a close, the thrill of our secret rendezvous lingered in the air, but so did the heavy weight of uncertainty. I felt a bittersweet ache in my chest, a mixture of joy and dread. Alexander’s tender gesture, the necklace resting against my skin, was a beautiful reminder of our love, yet it was overshadowed by the ever-looming curse that threatened to unravel everything we held dear. Each moment we stole together felt like a fragile thread, one that could snap at any moment, leaving us exposed and vulnerable to the harsh realities of our situation. My heart raced with the knowledge that while we could savor these fleeting glimpses of happiness, the clock was ticking, and the stakes were higher than ever.

In that bustling antique shop, surrounded by the warmth of the holiday spirit and the laughter of families, I realized that our love, though powerful, was also a precarious balancing act. I could feel the tension building within me, a gnawing fear that the more I allowed myself to love Alexander openly, the more perilous our situation became. As we returned home, the soft glow of the setting sun casting long shadows on the ground, I clutched Lucien tightly, a silent vow forming in my heart. I would fight for our love, for our family, and for the chance to break the curse that loomed over us. Together, we would navigate this treacherous path, clinging to hope and each other, determined to emerge victorious in the end.

**What to Expect in Next Chapter?**

As the tension between Ella and Alexander continues to mount, the next chapter promises to delve deeper into the complexities of their secret relationship. With the looming threat of the curse still hanging over them, the stakes have never been higher. Ella’s protective instincts will be tested as she navigates the delicate balance between her love for Alexander and the ever-present danger that threatens his life. Expect moments of vulnerability as both characters confront their fears, revealing the depths of their commitment to one another amidst the chaos of their intertwined lives.

Moreover, the unexpected arrival of Anya adds another layer of intrigue. Will she remain oblivious to the secret that binds Ella and Alexander, or will she begin to piece together the truth? As the trio continues their holiday shopping, the festive atmosphere may serve as both a distraction and a catalyst for revelations. Look for poignant conversations that could either strengthen their bond or unravel the fragile fabric of their hidden world. With every encounter, the tension will simmer, and the question of whether they can break the curse before it’s too late looms larger than ever. Prepare for a chapter filled with emotional highs and lows, where love, fear, and destiny collide in unexpected ways.