The Rejected Luna (Avery and Kaden) novel Chapter 160

**Between the Wings of Twilight Lies the Memory of You**
**by Liren Ava Roen**
**Chapter 160**

To be granted a second chance at life, only to find myself ensnared once more in the tangled web of Steven’s existence, enduring the same torment…

A seething, unquenchable rage enveloped me, a tempest that surged from my core, manifesting itself in every furrow of my brow and every clenched fist. I felt as if I were standing at the edge of a precipice, the wind howling around me, urging me to leap away from the chaos that was Steven.

“You hate me?” His voice trembled, a mix of incredulity and desperation reflecting in his bloodshot eyes. The veins on his forehead throbbed, pulsating like a drumbeat of his mounting frustration.

“Zephyra, you must understand,” he continued, his tone dripping with a condescending arrogance that ignited the flames of my ire further. “As Mrs. Lancaster, you are entitled to anything your heart desires. You could indulge in the most extravagant luxuries without a second thought. You deserve the finest of everything.”

His words, laced with a patronizing tone, only fueled the fire burning within me. “You think money is the answer? You believe I need your wealth? A hundred million is trivial—”

My voice faltered, caught in a whirlwind of emotion. The tears that had flowed so freely before suddenly ceased, leaving my nose tinged with red, yet my gaze remained locked onto his, wide and defiant.

A hundred million?

The mere thought sent a shiver down my spine, a cold reminder of the financial chains that bound me.

A fresh wave of tears threatened to spill, but this time for my own lack of financial freedom. Damn him. Why did he have to be so obscenely rich? Why couldn’t I be the one with the power to wield such wealth?

“Really? What’s your plan? A lump sum, or would you prefer annual payments?” I asked, my voice steady but laced with disbelief.

As I spoke, I could see the shift in his demeanor; Steven’s lips curled into a mocking grin, a sneer that cut deeper than any knife.

“One hundred million a year. Pay me however you want.”

One hundred million a year!

The very notion was beyond my wildest dreams. In my current life, even with a generous bonus, my earnings barely grazed a few hundred thousand.

Suddenly, the fire of my anger began to flicker and fade, replaced by a tumult of confusion swirling within me like a storm.

“You’re back, so you must have come to terms with your feelings for Verna. Why this sudden shift? Why are you refusing to grant me a divorce while tossing money at me like it’s confetti? What’s the catch?”

Perhaps Verna’s injuries were so severe that she required a full-time caretaker, and he expected me to step into that role while still remaining married. But we could still part ways legally.

“There are conditions,” Steven declared, his dark, piercing gaze locking onto mine with an intensity that sent chills racing down my spine. “First, you will move back in with me. I want you to revert to the way you were before.”

So, he intended for me to resume the role of his maid once again.

For a hundred million, I could manage that. “And what’s the second condition?” I asked, my curiosity piqued despite the dread that settled in my stomach.

His grip on my hand tightened, his thumb brushing away a tear that lingered at the corner of my eye. His voice lowered, chilling yet resolute. “Second, we will lead a normal marital life. You cannot refuse.”

What?

My heart raced, my breath caught in my throat as I stared at his striking features, now marred by a sinister edge. “You want to sleep with me?”

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