From Rejected Mate to Luna (Julia White) novel Chapter 31

Chapter 31

Julia’s POV

Winning the scholarship had been a moment of pure triumph, but the knowledge that I would be having dinner with Matthew Collins

afterward filled me with a strange mix of anxiety and anticipation.

The last time I’d encountered him at Edward’s retirement ceremony, he’d been cold and dismissive. Then I’d glimpsed him when the scholarship results were posted, his expression unreadable.

I picked up the formal invitation from my desk, scanning it again. The ceremony would be held in the university’s small auditorium, followed by dinner at Le Jardin, an upscale restaurant frequently patronized by the Spring Valley pack. My stomach tightened at the

thought.

“You could bring Daniel,” Kaia suggested, sensing my unease. “The invitation says you can bring a guest.”

I bit my lip, considering the idea. Part of me wanted to face this evening alone, to prove I could handle it. But another part-the honest part-knew having Daniel beside me would make everything easier.

“You’re right,” I said. It wasn’t just about making things easier. Daniel had supported me through countless study sessions. This

achievement was partly his, too.

I closed my eyes, focusing on our mindlink connection. “Daniel? Are you busy?”

His response came immediately, warm and familiar. “Never too busy for you. What’s up?”

“The scholarship ceremony is tonight, and… I was wondering if you’d come with me? There’s dinner after with the committee members and…” 1 hesitated. “And I’d really like you there.”

“I’d be honored,” he replied without hesitation. “What time should I pick you up?”

Relief washed over me. “The ceremony starts at seven. Maybe six-thirty?”

‘I’ll be there. And Julia? I’m really proud of you.”

His words made me smile. “Thanks. Do you need to let the committee know you’re coming? I don’t want to cause any issues.”

“Nah, as last year’s recipient, I’m practically expected to show up to these things. It’s fine.”

After ending our mindlink conversation, I felt lighter. Daniel’s presence would make the evening bearable, maybe even enjoyable. I checked my watch-1 had just over an hour to finish getting ready.

17:21 Tue, Jan 27

Chapter 31

The university auditorium buzzed with conversation as Daniel and I found seats near the front. He looked handsome in a charcoal suit, his green eyes bright with pride as he squeezed my hand.

“That’s Professor Andrews, Daniel whispered, nodding toward an older man in a tweed jacket. “Head of the scholarship committee. And there’s Dean Morgan.”

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I followed his gaze, but my attention was caught by a tall figure standing in the corner. Matthew was speaking with James and Olivia, the Beta couple from Spring Valley. He wore a tailored navy suit that emphasized his broad shoulders, his dark hair neatly styled.

Though he appeared to be engaged in conversation, his eyes scanned the room regularly-a habit I’d noticed before, as though he were constantly assessing his surroundings.

As the lights dimmed, signaling the start of the ceremony, I forced myself to look away. Dean Morgan approached the podium, welcoming everyone and explaining the significance of the scholarship program. I half-listened, my mind racing ahead to the dinner that would follow.

“And now, I’m pleased to announce our nursing program scholarship recipient, the Dean said, pulling me back to the present. “Julia White!”

The sound of applause filled the auditorium as Daniel gave me an encouraging smile. I rose from my seat, my legs feeling surprisingly steady as I walked to the stage. As I climbed the steps, I caught Matthew’s gaze. There was something different in his expression now-a focused attention that made my heart beat faster.

Taking the certificate and shaking the Dean’s hand, I stepped to the microphone for the brief speech I’d prepared. My eyes found Daniel in the audience, his encouraging smile giving me strength.

“Thank you for this honor,” I began. “I’d like to thank the committee for recognizing my work, my professors for challenging me,’ I paused, glancing at the notes I’d prepared. “and especially my boyfriend Daniel Wright, whose support and encouragement made this achievement possible.”

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