Author’s pov
The tension in the room grew heavier as Cecilia’s thoughts spun.
This wasn’t just some regular appointment. Something about it felt wrong and maybe even dangerous.
"Who’s so important the doctor has to greet them in person ? "she asked, keeping her eyes on her grandmother for any sign of hesitation.
"You’ll see soon enough, "Helena replied with a mysterious smile, patting Cecilia’s hand.
A sinking feeling hit her.
"Grandma, "she said slowly, trying to steady her voice, "you didn’t arrange to meet Martha Locke, did you ? "
Helena chuckled softly and tapped Cecilia’s nose. "Smart girl. You figured it out. "
The air left Cecilia’s lungs.
She looked at her parents, waiting for shock or at least some concern.
Their faces stayed calm. Too calm.
[ Why aren’t they reacting ? ]
she thought, her pulse picking up.
[ Doesn’t Mom get what this means ? Isn’t she even a little worried ?
And Dad—why isn’t he saying anything ? Did he already know ? ]
None of it made sense.
Her expression hardened.
"Mom, Grandma, I’ve told you both how dangerous this is. Why won’t you listen ? "she said, her voice sharp now.
"You think I’m overreacting ? You think everything’s fine just because Martha’s involved ? She can’t even protect herself. She was almost killed a few days ago. "
Helena’s eyes widened. "What ? "
Esther gasped, her face draining of color.
VanDyck gripped his wife’s hand and turned toward his daughter. "How do you know that ? Who told you ? Is this true ? "
Cecilia leaned forward, trying to make them understand. "I saw it myself. I’ve been at Martha’s mountain retreat these past few days. If Sebastian hadn’t shown up from Denver that night, something terrible could’ve happened. "
Her voice hardened. "Cassian said it was safe, but look what happened. And Zane showed up later and did nothing. He couldn’t protect his wife before, and now he can’t even protect his mother. He’s useless. "
She wanted them to feel it, the danger and chaos that always seemed to follow the Lockes.
Helena and Esther sat frozen, trying to process everything. VanDyck’s expression darkened by the second.
They had believed Martha’s presence meant safety, that Zane would protect his long-lost daughter, that with both Zane and Sebastian involved, Maggie wouldn’t dare make a move.
But if even Martha wasn’t safe in her own home, what chance did Cecilia have ?
Esther’s voice trembled. "Mom, maybe we should rethink this. "
"Let’s leave while we still can, "Cecilia urged, seizing the moment.
Helena said nothing, lost in thought.
Esther’s composure broke. The image of her daughter’s body lying poisoned in some grand estate flashed through her mind. "Mom, let’s just go, "she whispered. "We’ll pretend we never came here at all. "
She stood, and VanDyck rose with her.
Seeing her parents getting ready to leave while her grandmother still hesitated, Cecilia stepped closer and took Helena’s hand.


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The readers' comments on the novel: Abandoned Luna Now Untouchable (Cecilia)
Loving the story. But only 2 pages a day. 😢...