The Rejected Luna (Avery and Kaden) novel Chapter 192

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

How could he just toss his medication like that? Those pills were the lifeline keeping him tethered to this world!

Uncle Julian’s furious demeanor evaporated in an instant as he lowered the hand that had flung the pill bottle away. The burly, bearded man, who usually commanded such presence, now appeared as a chastised child, his anger dissipating into the air around us.

In stark contrast, Steven strode across the room with purpose, his long strides eating up the distance between us in mere moments. He seized the stack of files from my hands, and I felt a surge of defiance rise within me as I looked up at him, my eyes blazing.

“What did you say to him?” he demanded, his voice low and tense. “Do you have any idea he’s a heart patient? How could you provoke him like that?!”

His face was a mask of grim determination, and when he glanced down at me, I noticed the slight redness in his eyes. With a firm tug, he yanked the medical records from my grip, leaving no room for negotiation. “I’ll take these to the professor. He needs to review them,” he stated plainly, his tone brooking no argument.

I pressed my lips together, feeling the weight of frustration settle in my chest. Ignoring him, I turned my attention back to Uncle Julian, my brow knitted with concern.

“Uncle Julian, please, can you try to calm down? It’s only been two weeks since your surgery. You can’t afford to get this worked up,” I implored, my voice softening in an attempt to soothe him.

This wasn’t going as planned. Once the transfer was finalized, I would have to cut him off from any news about me. His deep care for my well-being was a double-edged sword; his emotions were far too volatile. Once he was on the mend, he could catch up, but for now, I had to protect him from the chaos of my life.

Julian cast a sidelong glance at Steven, then nodded at me, albeit reluctantly.

“Your soon-to-be ex-husband says he’s arranging my transfer, and that it was your idea,” he said, his voice laced with a hint of disbelief.

I began peeling an apple, taking my time to choose my words carefully as I observed my uncle’s expression shift. “Yes, that’s true. Your case is quite complicated, and this hospital isn’t equipped to provide the care you need. Steven has located a brilliant surgeon who specializes in the open-heart surgery you require,” I explained, trying to keep my tone hopeful.

Unlike Horace and Rachel, whose destinies could be altered by a mere change of circumstances, Uncle Julian’s situation felt like a ticking time bomb. His untreated heart condition loomed over us like a dark cloud, threatening to snatch him away at any moment.

“So Zephyra really did say it,” Julian murmured, almost to himself. “He wasn’t lying…”

“He’s already gone,” I replied candidly, the truth hanging heavy in the air.

At my admission, Uncle Julian’s expression darkened slightly, a flicker of disappointment crossing his face. Just then, Steven presented me with a perfectly peeled apple, a small smile dancing on his lips.

“Eat,” he instructed gently, his tone brokering no argument.

I hesitated for a moment, then took the apple and offered it to my uncle. He had just eaten and seemed disinterested, so I took a bite myself, savoring the crispness.

“It’s okay,” I reassured him lightly. “Rachel and I will visit him when we have some free time. We’re all he has, and of course, we’ll be there to cheer him on. He said that if he wins, he wants me to promise him one thing.”

Julian’s curiosity was piqued, his interest evident in his expression. “What is it?”

Steven’s dark eyes were fixed on me, anticipation hanging in the air as he waited for my answer.