Chapter 78
We arrived at Darren’s nearby villa. I sat in a daze by the floor to ceiling windows, my thoughts still stuck in the past.
He knelt before me with a first–aid kit, his eyes dark with anger as he tended to my bruises.
“That coward,” he muttered. “I thought he was just too spineless to resist his family’s pressure, trying to have it both ways. But now…. laying a hand on you? I must’ve been blind to ever call him a brother.”
His voice snapped me out of my daze. I looked at him closely.
Before they became sworn enemies, Gerry and Darren had once been the best of friends.N
Gerry, raised under the strict rule of Mrs. Stall and the family elders, had always been repressed, guarded, lonely.
Darren was different. Though born into the same world, he chose a different path–rebellious, unrestrained, the kind of man who ran toward the flames instead of away.
He’d once said, “Those old fossils think they can trap me with their outdated traditions? I’ll show them business can evolve. And marriage? I won’t follow in my father’s footsteps–an arranged match, a mistress on the side. No. I’ll marry the one I love, or not at all. Even if I never have children, I won’t waste my life beside someone I don’t love.“N
He seemed reckless on the surface, but I knew better. Every decision he made was calculated. Precise.N
He glared at the floor, his fists clenched.
“Gerry… if you didn’t love Luna, you shouldn’t have strung her along–making her think she mattered. And if you did hate her, then you should’ve had the guts to stand up to your family. Refuse the marriage. Go to war for Niana if you love her so much. Take control of the Stall estate and run to her. But instead, you throw tantrums and take it out on her. On Luna. What did she ever do to deserve this?“W Before their falling out, Gerry and Darren had a fierce argument. I knew then–it wasn’t just about principle. Darren had been angry for me. He had witnessed with his own eyes the life I endured in the Stall household–meek, silent, obedient. Following Gerry like a shadow, coming when summoned, leaving when dismissed. I wasn’t even treated as well as a family pet.
Back then, I was bound by Mrs. Stall’s so–called “life–saving favor,” shackled by gratitude. I had no choice but to stand on Gerry’s side.N Before leaving, Darren handed me a bundle: a list of phone numbers and a bank card.
“Luna, I know you’ve always dreamed of having your own home. I can give that to you. Our family’s business is expanding overseas and Il be leaving the country soon. This is my number–and this card has all the pocket money I’ve saved over the years. The password is your favorite number sequence.“N
He paused, eyes steady, voice soft but firm.N
“Take care of yourself. If there ever comes a day you’re willing to consider it–marrying me would be ten thousand times better than marrying Gerry. I mean it.”
“If you ever think of me, call me. I promise I won’t change this number.“N
“Goodbye, Luna. Take care. And don’t hesitate to use the card if you ever need it. If someone tries to bully you again, don’t just endure it- fight back. Gerry? He’s like a dog. Don’t give him special treatment. Understand?“N
And then–he left.
Six years passed.
Wher: I saw Darren again, he looked almost the same. Still warm, still kind–but now with a quiet composure that only time could gift.
“Pfft!”
I burst into sudden laughter, not even sure why. His serious expression, maybe. Or maybe it was relief.
Danen’s ears flushed pink and he rubbed them sheepishly.N
Drowsiness tugged at me and I knelt in front of him, wrapping my arms around him in a tight embrace.
“Luna…”
His body stiffened slightly, unsure of where to place his hands.
I buried my face in the crook of his neck. My voice trembled, overflowing with all the emotions I’d tried so long to suppress.
“I’m so tired.”
“It’s good to have you, Darren.”
Dawn broke.
Getting the marriage certificate was simpler than I’d ever imagined. Smoother than any of the painful, failed attempts before.
When I held the little red booklet in my hands, I hadn’t even fully processed it.
I remembered the countless times I had shown up at Gerry’s door with my ID card, bringing up marriage–only for him to brush it off with excuses about singles parties or business meetings.”
There was even a time we stood right at the entrance of the City Hall. But then his ex–girlfriend called and he left. Just like that.!! The last time, he had taken my ID card and made a solemn promise. “Give me three months,” he said. “I’ll marry you then.”
Three months later, what I received wasn’t a proposal.”
It was news that “Niana is pregnant.“%
I had stood there, stunned, with a bottle of abortion pills in one hand and compensation money in the other, only to hear him say. Luna, Niana doesn’t need to take these.”
good I knew then–there was
10:30 AM
It was news that “Niana is pregnant.”
I had stood there, stunned, with a bottle of abortion pills in one hand and compensation money in the other, only to hear him say.
“Luna, Niana doesn’t need to take these “T
He placed my ID card on top of a trash can lid like it was nothing. That day, something inside me broke for good. I knew then–there was no future for Gerry and me.
A hand rested lightly on my shoulder. I looked up to find Darren watching me, his expression a mix of caution and anticipation &
- we’re mamed now,” he said hesitantly. “Can I hug my wife?”
The bittemess lingering in my chest dissolved, replaced by the sudden flutter of my heartbeat &
I nodded.&
“Of course… husband.”
His cheeks flushed red and he stammered–but his eyes were bright, almost glowing
“Let’s go! I want to show you the wedding dress I prepared. I know you’ll love it!”
I let myself be pulled along by his enthusiasm, my heart lighter than it had been in years. Happiness… it was addictive.N When we arrived at the bridal boutique, I was stunned.
The dress wasn’t just chosen–it was created. Designed and hand–stitched by Darren himself, over the course of a year. A dark gold, silk–embroidered princess gown.
The embroidery bloomed with delicate lotus flowers–born from the mud, yet untainted. Strong. Graceful. Beautiful N
“I thought I’d never get the chance to see you wear it,” he murmured, his voice thick with emotion. “Thank goodness. Thank goodness you gave me this moment.”
10:30 AM
Darren’s hand on my shoulder trembled slightly.
“I still can’t believe it, Luna… You really said yes.”
