The Luna Never Heard novel Chapter 2

I said nothing. My gaze swept across every face in the private room. Some were smiling with

congratulations, others gave thumbs–ups of approval, and a few even joked about waiting for our wedding

invitation.

Every expression seemed so genuine, so flawless, leaving no room for doubt. It was utterly convincing.

Suddenly, I remembered every gathering, big and small, over the years. It was always the same scene.

Caden would gently remove my hearing aid, look at me with tender eyes, and say something.

Then he would carefully put it back on.

Everyone would say he was whispering sweet nothings, making vows, promising never to let me down.

If my hearing hadn’t been restored, allowing me to hear the harsh words beneath his soft, honeyed tone-

those unbearable, cruel statements–I might never have learned the truth.

Had he been saying, every single time, “I wish you’d just died that year“?

Suddenly, Selene let out an exaggerated, “Oops!” She removed her arm from Caden’s shoulder and walked over to apologize to me. “Sorry, Adeline. That’s just how the friends joke around. Don’t take it to heart, okay?”

Caden laughed and scolded her playfully, “Give it a rest. You’re such a tomboy. Where’s your feminine side?” Then they started roughhousing again, completely ignoring everyone around them. It seemed everyone was

used to this.

I paused for a moment, turned to leave, but Selene, quick to notice, reached out and stopped me. Her eyes were full of displeasure. “Everyone showed up tonight for your birthday party. What’s with the sudden

dramatic exit?”

Caden ruffled my hair, sounding a little exasperated as he coaxed, “No one’s even opened the presents yet.

Don’t be so bratty, alright?”

I frowned, instinctively avoiding his touch.

Ignoring the darkening look that suddenly flashed in Caden’s eyes, I told him, slowly and clearly, “We’re through. Don’t contact me again.”

Then I turned and walked out of the room without looking back.

On the way home, my phone kept buzzing with notifications.

Caden messaged, full of confusion, “What’s your problem? Everyone went out of their way to celebrate your

Chapter 2

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birthday, got you gifts, and you just ditch them like that?”

“Selene’s just really outgoing, straightforward–not fake and overly delicate like other girls. That’s why she put her arm around m. She let go and apologized to you, didn’t she?”

“I already rejected her. What more do you want?”

Other friends started tagging me in the class group chat, “Adeline, you’re being kind of a bitch.”

“Throwing a tantrum and storming off for no reason? What did we ever do to you?”

“Seriously? This is the thanks we get for throwing you a party?”

I could only laugh bitterly. I coldly replied, “Who’s the real bitch here?” Then I blocked them one by one and

left the group chat.

When I got home, I briefly explained what happened to my parents.

Facing their concerned expressions, a wave of bitter pain rose in my chest.

My voice choked up. “I… I don’t like him anymore. I don’t want to go to the same college, be with him, or

marry him.”

Mom gently wiped the tears from my face. “Honey, it’s okay.”

“We’ll cancel the engagement tomorrow. We’ll support you wherever you want to go. Mom and Dad will

always have your back.”

Dad led me to the living room and handed me the cake knife. “The cake’s all ready, and you haven’t cut it yet. Perfect, let the three of us have a nice, quiet birthday together.”

“When you were born eighteen years ago, your dad couldn’t stop beaming with joy. Come on, birthday girl, no more tears. Make a wish and cut the cake.”

I managed a teary smile.

With my parents‘ blessings, I made a wish and blew out the candles.

Just as I was about to cut the cake, the sudden ring of the doorbell interrupted the moment.

I composed myself and went to answer it.

It was Caden.

He had followed me.