The Luna Never Heard novel Chapter 5

With Mom by my side, I applied for my passport.

I thought I’d be up all night, but surprisingly, I slept soundly straight through until noon. I groggily opened my

eyes and instinctively checked my phone.

I found two voice messages on WhatsApp from a special contact.

It was Caden’s voice. His tone, laced with a cold indifference, came through the speaker, “Adeline, enough with the tantrum. Unblock me. Why are you being so immature? Aren’t you a little old for these games?”

“Selene felt really guilty because you stormed off yesterday. She said she didn’t know how to make it up to you, even went up to the rooftop talking about killing herself. Luckily, I talked her down.”

“There’s still some time left in summer break. I’m planning to take her and a few of the guys up north for a ski trip to clear our heads. Don’t get jealous. Honestly, this situation is partly your fault anyway.”

Hearing this, I was so angry I almost laughed.

Selene? Willing to die? Please.

At school, she prided herself on being the “the ‘ultimate woman,” a “the ‘toughest among men,” always claiming she wasn’t like other “pretentious, delicate girls” while wearing a full face of “no–makeup” makeup and pretending to be above it all.

But her tricks were the oldest in the book.

Like four months ago, at Lily’s coming–of–age party. Lily had carefully chosen a dress, done her makeup, and was ready to take some beautiful photos.

Everyone was supportive except Selene.

The moment she walked into the room, she laughed loudly and said, “Lily, your figure’s gotten great! Have

you been sleeping with guys?”

“Don’t be shy! We’re all friends here, right? Nothing you can’t tell us!”

When Lily started crying, Selene immediately threw her hands up in mock surrender, playing the victim. “Whoa, not again. Why do you girls cry so easily? Can’t you take a joke?“” Okay, okay, my bad. This is why I prefer hanging with guys. Girls are so much drama.”

Another time, everyone was exhausted studying for exams. She went around sneakily taking ugly pictures of people, turned them into memes, and posted them on the gossip board wall with captions like, “Queen Bee of Senior Year Class 2. Come get her if you like her.” It only stopped after everyone collectively complained to

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the head teacher.

And let’s not forget two years ago, when she joined the basketball team as a “club assistant” just to get close

to Caden.

Back then, I didn’t even see her as a threat. I was so sure Caden would keep his promise.

Looking back now, I guess I misjudged him. Maybe I saved the wrong person all those years ago.

“Adeline, if you have any conscience left, come apologize to everyone, especially Selene…” Caden’s messages

kept popping up.

I didn’t even bother finishing the last one. I blocked his WhatsApp number and deleted everything.

Outside my door, Mom was urging me to go buy winter clothes. “Winters are cold overseas. Mom’s taking you to get some heavy coats.” I nodded and agreed.

But I never expected to run into Caden and his group while we were leaving the mall after shopping on the

second floor.