Luna stormed into her room, her face flushed with frustration. Without a second thought, she tugged at her earrings, yanked off the bangles clinking on her wrists, and unclasped the delicate chain around her neck. One by one, she tossed the jewelry onto the dresser with a clatter.
The door creaked open behind her.
"What's with the attitude?" Xander asked, stepping in and closing the door behind him.
Luna didn't look at him. "What attitude?"
He crossed his arms. "Mother was just being honest. You're bad at cooking, and she wants you to learn. That's not an insult—it's a suggestion."
Luna turned slowly, eyes blazing. "She didn't suggest anything, Xander. She humiliated me. She made it sound like I'm worthless—because, according to her, my mother failed to teach me anything useful."
Xander let out a groan and rubbed his temple. "Oh, God... not this again."
Luna didn't respond. She walked into the dressing room. A few moments later, she returned with a small bag slung over her shoulder and a folder of documents clutched in her hand.
Xander glanced up from his phone. "Where are you going now?"
"To the university," she said shortly. "I need to submit my admission documents before the deadline."
He nodded and pulled a black credit card from his wallet, holding it out. "Here. Use this if you need anything."
Luna didn't even glance at it. "I don't need it."
As she walked past him, Xander caught her arm. "What's the problem with accepting it? Why are you always so hard to talk to?"
Luna paused, looked at his hand gripping her arm, then met his gaze with a cold smile.
"If talking to me feels so hard, then maybe don't," she said softly. "Problem solved."
She pulled her arm free and walked out, the door clicking shut behind her.
The sun had long dipped below the horizon by the time Luna returned to the Blackwood mansion. Her feet ached, her shoulders slumped with fatigue, and the admission process had drained every ounce of her energy. Still, she felt a flicker of satisfaction—one small step closer to her independence.
As she stepped inside, the grand hallway was dimly lit, quiet—except for the unmistakable sound of heels clicking against marble.
Not surprising.
Mother Miley stood near the staircase, arms folded, waiting.
"Where have you been all this time?" she asked, her tone sharp but measured.
Luna took a deep breath. "I was at the university. For my admission."
"It would be better if you informed someone before leaving the house," Miley said, not bothering to hide the disapproval in her voice.
"I did tell Xander," Luna replied, setting her bag down.
Miley cleared her throat. "From tomorrow onward, if you need to go out, inform Mason. He'll drive you."
Luna gave a small nod, too tired to argue. "Okay."
Without waiting for another comment, she made her way to her room. The moment she reached her bed, she collapsed onto it, not even bothering to change out of her clothes. Her body ached, her head throbbed—but her heart carried a quiet kind of defiance.
She was tired, yes. But not defeated.
After a long shower and a change into something comfortable, Luna lay back on her bed, scrolling aimlessly through her phone, her body still aching from the day. Just as her eyes started to flutter shut, a soft knock came at the door.
It was Perry.
"Mother Miley wants to see you," he said politely.
Luna sat up with a sigh, already bracing herself. "Now?"
Perry nodded. "She's in her room. Xander's with her."
Suppressing her groan, Luna slipped on her slippers and made her way down the hall. Her face still held the weariness of the day, and her mind was too tired to guess what this sudden meeting was about.
She stepped into Mother Miley's room. The space was as elegant and imposing as always, with scented candles flickering on ornate shelves. Miley sat on the sofa, composed and smiling faintly. Xander sat beside her, casually leaning back.
Luna hovered near the door, cautious. "You wanted to see me?"
Miley gestured to the seat beside her. "Come, dear. Sit."
Luna hesitated, then slowly moved forward, lowering herself beside her mother-in-law, unsure of what to expect.
With surprising gentleness, Miley reached for a small velvet box on the table and opened it, revealing a stunning diamond ring. She held it out to Luna.
Luna blinked, confused. "What's this?"
"This was my mother's ring," Miley said with a warm smile. "It's time it belongs to the new lady of the house. You."
Luna stared at the ring, her throat tightening. She glanced at Xander, hoping for some clarity. He met her gaze with a soft smile and reached out to lightly tap her head.
"You're family now," he said simply.
Luna forced a small smile, but something in her chest twisted. Just this morning she had been scolded, insulted even. Now, she was being handed heirlooms and affection like it was nothing. The sudden change, the warmth, Xander's gentle touch—it all felt… unsettling.
There was something about kindness that came without warning. Something that felt more suffocating than cruelty.