Chapter 8X
Before I could respond, a furious voice sliced through the air.”
“What do you think you’re doing?!“N
We turned around to see Gerry standing just a few feet away, his gaze sharp and burning with restrained rage. At his side was Niana, her figure already showing the early signs of pregnancy.N
Darren’s expression didn’t falter. He simply raised an eyebrow, slid his hand from my shoulder down to my waist and shot Gerry a deliberately provocative smile.
“You can see exactly what I’m doing. So yes–that’s what I’m doing.“W
Gerry ignored him completely, eyes locking onto mine.N
“Luna,” he barked, “explain yourself.“N
I met his gaze evenly, my voice flat and cold.N
“That’s none of your business.“N
Niana stepped forward, gripping Gerry’s arm like she owned it.M
“Luna, this is really your fault,” she said, her tone sickly sweet with a hint of accusation. “Last night, you acted out on your own. Gerry was angry, so he asked you to leave. But then you just disappeared! Do you know how panicked he was when he opened the door half an hour later and saw you were gone?“N
She didn’t even pause for breath before continuing.N
“And not only did you run off without a word, now you’re hooking up with his sworn enemy? Don’t you think that’s a bit ungrateful? It’s such a shame… Gerry even brought me here to help choose your wedding dress as a surprise.“}]
I let out a cold laugh.
“Oh? Then I guess I should be thanking the two of you?“N
Niana faltered at my sarcasm, but before she could respond again, Gerry took another step forward, anger tightening his voice.
“Did the Stall Family never teach you how to speak with respect?” he snapped. “I’ll ask one more time: explain. Why him?”
I had no interest in humoring his tantrum.
Turning to Darren, i reached out and gave his waist a playful pinch.
“I’m tired. Let’s go back and get some sleep.”
Darren leaned in, a knowing glint in his eyes.
“Whatever my wife wants.“M
Without another word, he swept me into a bridal carry. His voice was low, rough with affection.”
“I’ll always listen to my wife.”
As we passed Gerry, Darren glanced down at him with a smirk sharp enough to cut glass.
“Still the same, aren’t you? Useless and irresponsible.“W
Then, without looking back, he called to the staff.
“Keep an eye on these two. Don’t let them in again.”
That’s when I realized–it wasn’t just the dress. This entire bridal shop belonged to Darren.
“You sure own a lot of businesses,” I murmured, impressed.
He grinned.
“Of course. How else am I supposed to support my wife?”
Behind us, Gerry’s voice cracked with fury.”
“Luna! Get back here and explain yourself!”
He tried to rush after us, but was quickly stopped by Niana and the bridal shop clerk.
“Gerry, don’t be mad. Luna’s probably just upset with you,” Niana coaxed gently. “It’s my fault–I shouldn’t have pushed her to take that medicine last night. Let’s just find her a new dress, okay? Maybe that’ll cheer her up.”
Gerry hesitated.%
But the clerk was firm, stepping between them.
“I’m sorry, sir, miss. Our boss has issued clear instructions: you’re not welcome here. We won’t be selling you anything–not even a veil.” Gerry’s face went pale, then red with humiliation. Niana’s expression twisted in disbelief. Left with no other choice, they turned and left in silence, forced to search elsewhere for a dress.
Later, Darren and I were sitting in the car, watching through the tinted windows as Gerry and Niana got rejected from one bridal shop after another Each time they stepped in, they were swiftly shown the door.”
We laughed so hard we nearly couldn’t breathe %
10:30 AM
We laughed so hard we nearly couldn’t breathe.
“I told you no one would serve them!” Darren said with a triumphant grin.”
Wiping tears from my eyes, I gasped between laughs.
“You didn’t tell me you owned the entire block! If I’d known, I never would’ve made that bet with you!”
He leaned closer, his ears turning pink.
“Well, too late now. I won the bet. It’s recorded and everything… You’re not backing out.”
