The Rejected Luna (Avery and Kaden) novel Chapter 195

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

That final, heart-wrenching line had been uttered by Steven in a past life, a time that seemed both achingly close and impossibly far away.

In the aftermath of *that* incident, when sorrow enveloped me like a suffocating shroud, he had gazed at me with eyes that were bloodshot and hollow, and with his words—cold and sharp as a dagger—he had pierced my heart.

**”Zephyra, I truly regret ever meeting you, let alone marrying you.”**

In that moment, I had felt as though my entire world had crumbled beneath my feet. Now, as I reflected on it, that memory felt like a fading echo of a life that had slipped through my fingers, a life that no longer belonged to me.

“What did you just say?” Steven’s expression twisted into one of pure fury, a pulsating vein on his temple betraying the storm brewing within him. He seized my wrist with a grip that was both possessive and threatening, pulling me closer, a humorless grin stretching across his face. “You think you’ll regret meeting me if I don’t divorce you?”

I struggled to free my hand from his grasp, but his hold was unyielding. I studied his strikingly handsome face, the refinement in his features, and a sudden surge of exhilaration coursed through me.

“What, so you’re allowed to have your regrets, but I’m not permitted the same?”

A flicker of confusion crossed his face, and I couldn’t help but let my smile broaden, relishing in the moment.

I understood the source of his bewilderment. This version of Steven had yet to experience the depths of our tumultuous past. The words I had spoken were echoes from a future he had not yet lived through.

I knew he was determined to win her over, even if it meant resorting to force. I had been married to Steven for years; I understood his nature, the lengths he would go to.

Before he had even broached the topic of divorce, it was likely he hadn’t shared a bed with Verna. His technique was so laughably inept that it was difficult to believe he possessed much experience at all. Once a man tasted true desire, it was impossible for him to conceal it. With me, it had been painfully obvious—he had relentlessly pursued me, attempting to seduce or coerce me into bed even when I was not in the mood.

As for the history between him and Verna, how she had initially resisted him only to ultimately succumb, the specifics eluded me. But I would never entertain the notion of his innocence. Not unless he truly didn’t love her.

His eyes darkened, a humorless smile curling at the corners of his lips. “You seem to know me so well. Then you should start considering how you’re going to move back in tomorrow. Don’t make me resort to force. After all, I’m a man who would risk everything for a moment of pleasure. Leaving me in this limbo could turn out to be quite dangerous.”