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.

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