Chapter 55 - Are You Dating ？
Stella probably didn't even realize how awful her expression looked.
Her hand gripping the scissors was clenched so hard her fingertips went white.
Luna's instinct told her there was something here. Some old wound that couldn't be brought up.
After a few breaths, Stella seemed to have composed herself. The corner of her lips curved faintly. "Love doesn't last forever. Give it time, and it fades."
"..."
Luna lay on the table, watching her.
Her face was small, her skin firm. Even in this position, there was no extra flesh. Her dark, clear eyes watched Stella without blinking.
Most people found it hard to refuse that gaze.
Stella set down the scissors. Her hand lingered on the table for a long time, as if struggling. After a while, she reached out and touched Luna's head, then pulled away quickly. "Have you been through something lately?"
Luna knew why Stella suddenly asked.
Because in her previous life, all her attention had been on Hayes. She'd held resentment toward Stella and Charles.
Growing up, Stella and Charles had rarely asked about her business. They'd hardly ever taken her out for holidays.
In elementary school, Wren got a certificate of merit. Her aunt and uncle happily took her to an amusement park.
Luna had deliberately shown her own certificate to Stella.
Stella had only glanced at it, set it on the table, and said nothing.
Over time, Luna stopped expecting her parents' love.
Unless something came up, she rarely went to them.
Most of the time, she went to her aunt and uncle.
Like today, coming over on her own to ask about the past. The Luna of her previous life would never have done that.
I really have been through something.
Luna thought.
She pressed her lips together, wanting to get to the bottom of it, wanting to say she'd been reborn.
But looking at Stella's thin wrist, her pale, sickly skin, her bony shoulders.
Her throat felt blocked. She couldn't get the words out.
Stella was like a paper doll now. The slightest breeze and she'd collapse.
Her previous life had been so unhappy, so heavy.
Why make them know it too?
Her thoughts turned and turned. Luna sat up straight, one hand braced on the table. "Yeah. Love gave me a shock."
Stella said, "When your father gets back, I'll discuss calling off the engagement with him."
Charles had gone out with a few friends. Three days now, and he still hadn't returned.
"Okay." Luna answered with a smile.
If Stella wouldn't talk, she'd find out herself.
This life, she absolutely would not repeat the same mistake.
Helen came over wearing gloves, carrying mini cakes she'd baked herself. "Miss, want some cake?"
-
"I'm not eating."
Rory wiped her tears and sat on a small stool at a street stall.
Her eyes were red from crying. Her small chest rose and fell slightly.
"Okay."
Lia nodded slightly and picked up a bite of hot and sour noodles, putting it in her mouth.
Rory just watched her eat, saying nothing.
Lia couldn't take it anymore. "Didn't you say your mom went back to her family today and couldn't cook for you? If you don't eat now, you'll definitely be hungry tonight."
Rory pulled a tissue from the table and dabbed at the corners of her eyes. "I can't eat."
Lia sighed. "Hayes is a trust fund kid, probably third-generation rich. He's not like us. Why are you sad over him?"
"I..."
Rory was stumped.
Her face was a bit lost. "I just felt like he was different from those rich people."
"But you heard him today." Lia blew on the steaming noodles. "He looks down on us just like the rest of them."
Rory went silent.
Until she and Lia parted ways and she got home.
Pushing open the screen door to the living room, Rory tugged at her backpack strap and changed into her slippers at the shoe rack by the entryway.
She was about to head to her room when the door to the bedroom across the hall opened.
Rory froze. She slowly turned around.
The boy had changed into a black hoodie, the white drawstrings hanging loose across his chest. He carried a cup, walked to the water dispenser, and poured himself a glass of water.
Through all of it, he didn't spare Rory a single glance.
Until he had a full cup and pulled open his bedroom door, about to go in.
Rory called out to him. "Brother."
Jax's hand on the doorknob paused. He turned his head, asking coldly, "What?"
Rory bit her lip. "You and Luna... are you dating?"
Jax tilted his head. "Is that any of your business?"