The Rejected Luna (Avery and Kaden) novel Chapter 143

Chapter 143

I had barely lifted an eyebrow in surprise that they had recognized my alias when a low, husky chuckle came from beside me.

Turning toward Steven, I found his handsome face marked by a faint expression of disdain. “What’s so funny?” I asked, curiosity mingling with irritation.

His dark eyes locked onto mine, a smirk tugging at the corner of his lips.

“You, Somania? Do you even know what Somania’s very first creation was? A butterfly brooch, crafted with such intricate detail that it seemed three-dimensional from every angle—as if it had just emerged from its chrysalis, ready to take flight,” he said, voice dripping with condescension. “That’s the work of someone passionate and free-spirited, not someone who would willingly trap herself in an arranged marriage.”

His words hit me harder than I expected. Yes, I was free-spirited by nature, but blinded by love and ensnared by circumstance, I had ended up marrying him.

I hadn’t intended to admit it aloud, but his patronizing certainty sparked a rebellious flame inside me. Someone once asked what hurts more: never having something, or having it and losing it. I think the most painful is almost having it—just missing the mark by the smallest margin. Like needing a sixty to pass and scoring fifty-nine.

Steven claimed I couldn’t be Somania, so I resolved that I must be. The person he was searching for was me, and I was certain his own bias would blind him to the truth, causing him to miss me forever.

I didn’t want to take him down in a grand way, nor did I need to. But this small, satisfying victory? This was deliciously sweet.

I instructed the translator to say, “Yes, I am Somania.”

The translator hesitated, glancing between Steven and me before nodding and relaying the message to the partners.

Steven let out a soft chuckle, his usual tone laced with heavy disdain.

“Zephyra, you’ve always loved to lie,” he said.

I don’t always lie, I thought bitterly. He didn’t know me at all. After a year of marriage, he had remained distant and cold. What gave him the right to judge me?

I caught the deep-seated mockery in his eyes and simply didn’t care, releasing a soft, dismissive breath.

“What’s it to you? When you’re out in the world, you create your own identity. I say I’m Somania, and as long as someone believes it, that’s all that matters. Besides, this is a one-time thing. I won’t be back, so who’s going to know the difference?”

Steven shot me a sharp look but said nothing more. Meanwhile, the partners began buzzing with excitement, especially the balding project director, who couldn’t stop showering me with praise.

10:35 AM

“The jewelry you design is so light, so full of life! Even the coldest materials feel soft in your hands. It’s not just brilliance—it’s a powerful vitality. It’s truly extraordinary!” the project director exclaimed.

His gaze locked onto mine, his deep eyes unreadable. But I was too caught up in my small victory to notice anything unusual.

With the agreement reached, both sides chatted amicably about future plans. Later, Steven and Gordon left to sign the official contracts. Knowing the process would be tedious and filled with dull price negotiations, I stayed behind in the hotel’s private dining room, waiting for the celebration dinner.

The partners left their designer, Hugo, with me. He was tall and well-built, with striking green eyes—not conventionally handsome, but possessing a certain charm.

While his boss was present, Hugo had been quiet. Now, without the director nearby, he became animated, grabbing my hand and showering me with enthusiastic compliments, thrilled that I was Somania and eager to discuss his design philosophy.

I responded politely but tried to subtly pull my hand away. He held it firmly, and it took a determined tug to finally free myself.

Hugo looked a little apologetic. “Sorry, I just got carried away. Please don’t mind me.”

I gave him a distant, professional nod, not wanting to continue the conversation.

*Haven’t we already covered everything about design?* I wondered silently. *What else is there to say?*

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