The Rejected Luna (Avery and Kaden) novel Chapter 190

190 /212

**Between the Wings of Twilight Lies the Memory of You**
**by Liren Ava Roen**
**Chapter 190**

A cool, almost mocking smile danced on Horace’s lips, his expression a blend of amusement and disdain. “Am I truly disabled? Do I look like someone who needs your pitiful assistance? Besides, you, a parasite who still clings to her parents for every little thing, have no standing to compare yourself to my benefactor. The audacity to speak of supporting someone… Perhaps you should focus on getting your own life in order before you lecture others.”

Wendy, unable to contain her emotions any longer, erupted into tears. She clutched at her dress, her sobs echoing in the tense air, and fled the scene in a flurry of fabric and heartbreak.

Antonia shot me a glare that could have ignited flames, her eyes blazing with a fury that was palpable. Without a moment’s hesitation, she sprinted after her friend. “Wendy, wait for me… please!” Her voice trembled, laced with desperation.

For a fleeting moment, I was taken aback by the scene unfolding before me, but then a chuckle escaped my lips. I never anticipated that Horace would openly acknowledge his role as my “kept man.”

With a playful wink in his direction, I teased, “Well, well, aren’t you the charming hero? You’ve just single-handedly dismantled a budding romance.”

“It was a weed,” Horace shot back, though the smile on his face didn’t quite reach his eyes, betraying a hint of something deeper.

I hummed thoughtfully. “So, what brings you here anyway? You seem to have arrived just in time to play the savior.”

Horace cast me a sideways glance, his expression shifting slightly. “Your mother’s heirlooms were stolen and are now up for sale. Where else would I think to find you? But I must say, you’re becoming increasingly violent. Brawling in public like that could lead to serious trouble.”

I lifted my chin defiantly, my expression turning serious. “I acted because I was confident they wouldn’t dare involve the police. Those two care more about their money and reputation than anything else. They understand that being caught for theft would lead to far worse consequences than a simple beating.”

“As for the spectators, it all boils down to who can spin a more compelling tale. If I get into a fight now, they’ll label me as young and reckless. But if I were to do the same when I’m older, they’d call me a menace to society.”

“You and your twisted logic,” Horace scoffed, affectionately ruffling my hair. “But as long as you’re happy, that’s what truly matters.”

I nodded vigorously, a wide grin spreading across my face. “It’s like you’re my lucky charm,” I exclaimed, my voice brimming with heartfelt appreciation. “You’re always there for me, no strings attached. You’ve been my rock in the past, you’ve helped me today, and you were there for me yesterday too. How can one person be so incredibly good? I’m so fortunate to have you as my friend.”

“You should definitely recognize that,” Horace replied, a smile creeping back onto his face. But then, his gaze turned distant, and he lightly flicked my forehead, a gesture that felt both protective and teasing. “And enough with the thanks already. It’s simply what I’m meant to do. On a different note, Uncle Julian seemed quite agitated yesterday.”

“I noticed he took several calls,” I replied, my brow furrowing in concern. “It sounded like it was about a house. Someone was clearly upset, and it was a tense conversation. If you have the time today, you really should go check on him at the hospital.”