Another Chance for the Luna Queen

Sabrina nodded, looking away. "She made me believe that I told you, you'd turn on me. That you'd try to take Lexie away or-" She shook her head. "I was young, scared and I had no one. She was the only person who offered to help me."

I exhaled sharply, trying to keep my emotions in check. "And now? Why are you here in the capital?"

She hesitated, her fingers twisting in her lap. "Diana brought me here," she admitted. "She wants me to go to the press, to tell everyone about Lexie and turn it into a scandal that will destroy you."noveldrama

My jaw clenched. "And do you want that?"

“No,” she said quickly, shaking her head. "I never wanted any of this. I don't want to treat Lexie like she's some dark secret. I love her more than anything."

"Then why are you even considering it?" I asked, my frustration slipping through.

"Because I don't have a choice!" Her voice cracked as she looked up at me, desperation in her eyes. "I can't afford to take care of myself, let alone Lexie. I have nothing. No money, no job, no home of my own. Diana is the only one keeping me from losing everything. And if I refuse her..." She trailed off, her meaning clear.

She was trapped.

I closed my eyes for a moment, steadying myself. This wasn't just about me. This was about my daughter. A little girl who had no idea she was being used as a pawn in a political war.

When I opened my eyes again, my decision was made. "I'll take care of you both," I said firmly.

Sabrina's eyes widened. "What?"

"You won't have to rely on Diana anymore," I said. "You and Lexie-you'll have what you need. I won't let either of you suffer because of this."

Her lips parted in shock, as if she hadn't even considered that possibility. "You would really do that?"

"She's my daughter," I said simply. "Of course, I would."

Sabrina swallowed hard, nodding slowly. "I... I don't know what to say."

"Just think about it," I told her. "You don't have to decide right now."

She nodded again, exhaling shakily.

I hesitated before speaking again, my heart pounding. "Can I meet her?"

She looked up at me, searching my face as if trying to gauge whether she could trust me. Then, after a long pause, she nodded.

"Yes," she said softly. "You can meet her."

Relief crashed over me like a wave, but it was tangled with something else- something deeper. This was only the beginning. There was still so much to figure out, so much damage to undo.

But I would do whatever it took.

Because now, I knew the truth.

And I would never let my daughter go through the pain I went through when I was young. I would never allow her to feel that she was unwanted or a burden.

"Leave the address of where you're staying at the front desk," I instructed, getting to my feet. "I'll have August come by first thing in the morning to pick you back up and move you into a decent hotel for the time being. We'll find you a house soon, one that will suit your needs."

"I can't thank you enough for this," Sabrina said sadly. "I know that I don't deserve it. Not after-"

"We were kids," I said firmly. "What matters now is that Lexie is safe and happy."

She nodded, but couldn't seem to find her words.

I watched her leave and the weight in my chest seemed to shift. This didn't uncomplicate matters at all, but at least I knew for certain that the girl was mine.

Now, I just had to figure out how I was giong to tell Ella.