The Rejected Luna (Avery and Kaden) novel Chapter 199

**Between the Wings of Twilight Lies the Memory of You**
*by Liren Ava Roen*
*Chapter 199*

“Steven?”

I spun around, disbelief flooding my senses. And there he was, striding into the room with a confidence that seemed to draw every eye. He was clad in a sleek black shirt beneath a long, elegant gray overcoat, a designer watch gleaming on his wrist. He looked taller, undeniably more handsome, and radiated an aura of authority that was hard to ignore.

I was utterly taken aback. This was a twist I hadn’t anticipated. In the narrative of my past life, Steven was supposed to be halfway across the globe, wrapped up in the arms of his little darling.

Why had he chosen to deviate from the script yet again?

The atmosphere in the room shifted instantly, buzzing with energy as guests flocked to him like moths to a flame. Their faces were lit with eager smiles, hands thrusting business cards toward him, employing every tactic imaginable to capture his attention. It felt like a scene plucked from a movie about celebrity encounters, a whirlwind of people clamoring for a moment of his time.

My father and Janice were practically glowing, their expressions a mix of surprise and delight as they maneuvered through the crowd, positioning themselves as his protectors. They ushered him toward the main hall, while Antonia, practically bouncing with excitement, poured him a glass of wine, her gaze filled with an adoration that was almost nauseating.

Yet, Steven didn’t take the drink. His brow furrowed slightly as he scanned the room, his eyes finally landing on me perched on the staircase. The tension in his striking features seemed to dissipate at that moment, a flicker of relief crossing his face.

Seeing this, my father turned to me, his grin so wide it seemed to threaten the very fabric of his face. “Zephyra, what on earth are you doing up there? With your little games! You knew Steven was coming, didn’t you? For a moment, I genuinely thought my son-in-law had decided to skip out on us.”

Laughter rippled through the other guests, their amusement palpable.

I had thought the same thing.

Rolling my eyes, I began my descent down the stairs, my expression a carefully crafted mask of annoyance. In my previous life, when I had desperately needed him, he had been off chasing after other women. And now, when all I wished for was his absence, he appeared, boosting my father’s ego and leaving me feeling like a fool. It was infuriating beyond measure.

With a flicker of mischief, I reached for his tie, tugging it playfully as if I intended to strangle him, all while maintaining a saccharine smile. “Darling, you were so busy plotting to surprise Dad that you didn’t even notice your tie was askew. How silly of you!”

Steven wrapped an arm around my waist, pulling me into his embrace with a casual ease. With his other hand, he took mine and deftly loosened the tie, his touch sending a shiver through me. I squirmed, trying to break free, but his grip was unyielding.

My expression was a storm cloud, while his face bore a smug smirk. “Better now?” he murmured, his voice low and teasing.

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