Chapter 0186 I glanced at James , who nodded slightly , always ready to help .
The idea was starting to feel more real , more possible .
If I could pull this off , it wouldnt just be a gift it would be a memory .
Something meaningful .
Something perfect .
The three of us began making our way toward the tailor shop .
As we walked , my mind started to wander again .
It felt almost absurd to be focused on something as trivial as shopping for a gift not just because my relationship with Alexander wasnt truly romantic , but because the looming presence of Amanda and David clung to my thoughts like a shadow .
Did I really have the luxury to focus on this while they were scheming , possibly plotting something far worse ? It might have been a mistake to delay responding to Amandas text message , but Alexander had assured me he had it handled , and Elizabeth had promised to investigate .
So , what else could I do ? Are you dwelling on unpleasant thoughts again ? Elizabeth asked , her voice breaking through my spiraling concerns .
How can you tell ? The look on your face , she replied , giving me a knowing glance .
You look like youve just bitten into something sour .
I sighed .
Its hard not to worry , even in the middle of such a great day .
Things are going to turn out fine , she said with quiet confidence .
Youve got friends on your side people who will make sure every precaution is taken .
Its okay to let your guard down a little .
Youre not in this alone .
My throat tightened at her words .
She had no idea how much they meant to me , how deeply her words comforted me .
I hadnt realized I needed to hear it .
Still , I hesitated .
I just dont want to let my guard down and risk something bad happening .
Elizabeth nodded , her expression softening .
I understand , she said .
Then , with a bright smile , she wrapped her arm around my shoulders and gave me a reassuring squeeze .
But now is not the time for that .
Now is the time for celebration and for planning happy occasions .
And dont forget youve got a date night to focus on , right ? Everything else can wait for a little while .
How are you always able to look on the bright side ? I asked , genuinely impressed by her unshakable positivity .
Its simple , she said , her smile unwavering .
Im always prepared for the worst case scenario .
So , if it happens , its not as scary .
Thats … a curious attitude , I admitted .
Truthfully , though , I could see the logic .
If you already had a plan for the worst , there was no point in dwelling on what might go wrong .

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It comes with the territory of being the kings daughter , she explained .
You always have to be ready for anything .
If you dont learn how to deal with that without panicking , well … theres really no time left for living .
Her words hung in the air , offering me both comfort and a lesson I wasnt sure Id mastered yet .
But in that moment , I resolved to try .
Id managed to make things work in the original timeline .
I wasnt happy as the Luna Queen , but I had done my job well .
Maybe this time around , I could balance being a leader and being happy with my life .
Before I could respond , my phone buzzed insistently , the familiar ringtone cutting through the air .
A smile tugged at my lips before I could stop it I recognized it immediately as Alexanders .
1/2 Chapter 0186 +25 BONUS My heart fluttered , a small thrill rushing through me at the thought of hearing his voice again .
I quietly scolded myself for the reaction , mentally chastising the ridiculous crush that refused to loosen its grip .
I had to get a handle on this .
But despite my internal reprimand , the warmth in my heart was stubborn .
Taking a steadying breath , I slipped my phone from my pocket and answered , doing my best to sound composed .