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?”

“I will only consent to your first condition. The second one is out of the question. I would sooner share a bed with a stray dog than with you.”

I rose to my feet, and he made no move to stop me.

I smoothed my disheveled hair and straightened my clothes, casting one last glance at the man whose expression had morphed into a mask of raw fury.

“Steven, since we cannot reach an agreement regarding a divorce, we will settle this matter in court.”

“And hear me well. I will do whatever it takes. I will secure a divorce from you in this lifetime.”

—

In the wake of our tumultuous confrontation, a newfound clarity began to blossom within me. No longer was I the passive figure trapped in Steven’s shadow, suffocating under the weight of his wealth and expectations. I had tasted the bitterness of his condescension and the hollow promise of money as a substitute for genuine connection. As I stood there, resolute and unyielding, I realized that my worth could not be measured by his fortune or his whims. The anger that had once threatened to consume me transformed into a powerful resolve, igniting a fire within that could no longer be extinguished. I was ready to reclaim my narrative, to fight for the freedom I so desperately craved, and to sever the ties that bound me to a past riddled with pain.

As I walked away from him, the finality of my decision resonated in every step I took. The court would become my battleground, a place where I would reclaim my autonomy and assert my right to choose my own path. I had faced the specter of our shared history and emerged stronger, unwilling to be a pawn in his game any longer. The memory of our love, once tinged with the sweetness of hope, now lay buried beneath the ashes of betrayal and manipulation. I was ready to forge ahead, to build a life unshackled by the chains of our past. In this moment, I understood that true freedom lay not in the wealth he offered, but in the courage to stand alone, to embrace the unknown, and to finally choose myself.

—

**What to Expect in Next Chapter?**

In the next chapter of **Between the Wings of Twilight Lies the Memory of You**, readers can expect a dramatic escalation as Zephyra stands firm against Steven’s manipulative offers. With the stakes raised, the courtroom looms ominously on the horizon, promising a fierce battle where both sides will be forced to confront their past and present. Will Zephyra’s resolve hold strong against Steven’s wealth and power, or will the allure of financial security tempt her into reconsidering her stance? The tension between them crackles with unresolved emotions, and the clash of their wills is bound to ignite a firestorm of confrontation.

As Zephyra prepares for the inevitable legal showdown, she must navigate a labyrinth of emotions, memories, and the haunting shadow of her tumultuous relationship with Steven. Will she find allies in unexpected places, or will she face the courtroom alone, battling not just for her freedom but for her very identity? The next chapter promises to delve deeper into the intricacies of their twisted bond, revealing secrets that could change everything. Will Zephyra’s determination to reclaim her life prevail, or will the ghosts of their shared past continue to haunt her decisions? The answers lie just ahead, and the anticipation is palpable.