#Chapter 168: The Rug

Ella’s POV For a long moment, I could only stare at the picnic in front of me in shock. Why here? Why did Alexander have to choose this spot, of all the places in the entire territory he could have chosen from, for his solo date with the Luna Trial contestants? Briefly, my heart fluttered with something small and stupid. But it couldn't mean anything. There was no way Alexander remembered that day the same way I did; he hadn’t chosen this spot because it held any significance to him. It was probably just convenient, or scenic, or some other practical reason. “Stella. Take a seat.” Alexander gestured to the picnic blanket, where a bottle of wine and various treats were spread out—meats and cheeses, fruits and sweets. It looked delicious. But I wasn’t hungry. “Fine, but I;m not going to pretend I want to be here,” I said curtly. “I’m only going to stay because apparently I don’t have a choice.” To my surprise, Alexander didn’t look bothered by my