The Rejected Luna (Avery and Kaden) novel Chapter 165

**Between the Wings of Twilight Lies the Memory of You** by Liren Ava Roen
**Chapter 165**

I didn’t pull away; instead, I found myself captivated by the striking features of his face. His deep-set eyes held a certain allure, and the straight line of his nose added to his charm. After my rebirth, seeing him again felt like stepping into a world where the very fabric of reality had shifted. He was still that warm, gentle, and irresistibly charming guy I had always known, yet there was something more—an undercurrent of sadness that flickered in his gaze, hinting at the burdens he had carried.

“Right now,” I admitted, my voice steady, “you’re both gentlemanly and badass.”

Horace’s hand reached out, pinching my cheek playfully, and a radiant smile broke across his face, illuminating the space between us.

“Glad you see it my way. Now, get on.”

With a fluid motion, he swung his leg over the motorcycle, and I followed suit, my instincts guiding me to grasp the grab bar behind me. But before I could secure myself, Horace caught my hand, pulling it to his waist. His voice dropped to a low, teasing tone.

“Hold on tight. If you fall off, the only crawfish you’ll be eating is from the hospital’s menu.”

For a split second, I froze, the unexpected warmth of his solid waist sending a shiver through me. It felt oddly intimate, and I couldn’t help but wonder why my thoughts wandered in that direction. Horace and I had shared countless jokes and roughhousing moments, but this was different. The proximity was tinged with a hint of awkwardness, but his calm demeanor reassured me. I decided not to overthink it and wrapped my arms around him, feeling the steady rhythm of his heartbeat beneath my fingers.

The moment he revved the engine and shot forward, a terrified scream tore from my lips, and I clung to him with all my might, my body pressed tightly against his back.

“Horace, slow down!” I shouted, panic filling my voice.

But he didn’t relent on the throttle; instead, laughter danced in his low voice, making my heart flutter.

“Don’t be afraid, Zephyra. Just feel the autumn wind. Live your life, season by season.”

Strangely, his words washed over me like a balm, calming my racing heart. The cool breeze rushed past us, invigorating yet not harsh. As we sped through the city, I turned my head to take in the vibrant tapestry of life around us—bustling streets filled with people, each one engrossed in their own story, striving for their own futures.

Mesmerized, I watched as a deep chord resonated within me.

Perhaps it was only after experiencing death that one truly appreciates the beauty of life. The sweet fragrance of spring flowers, the lively buzz of summer insects, the rustling of autumn leaves, and the serene blanket of winter snow—life was a kaleidoscope of moments waiting to be cherished.

I realized then that I needed to heed Horace’s advice: to live my life, season by season. I couldn’t, and wouldn’t, allow my existence to dwindle into lonely desperation within the sterile walls of a hospital ever again.

That was why I had to divorce Steven. No matter the cost, I had to break free from him.

Before long, we arrived at the familiar old food stall, a simple, open-air establishment that exuded warmth and nostalgia. As soon as the owner spotted us, his face broke into a wide, surprised grin.

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