Chapter 4 She’s Not the Trash Collector
Luna cleared her throat, her tone calm. “Since Noah loves Emma, let them be together, Ava.”
Every head turned toward her in disbelief.
Luna? Kind? Since when?
“I’ve gotten to know Emma,” she continued smoothly. “She’s exactly as Noah says — gentle, kind, and sweet.” Luna smiled politely at Ava.
Emma stared, stunned. What is she playing at? Can she really forgive us?
Ava snorted. “If she were truly gentle and kind, she wouldn’t have seduced Noah. She knew he was engaged to you!”
Emma’s face blanched; tears gathered again.
Seeing her cry, Noah’s heart twisted. “Mom, it wasn’t Emma’s fault. She tried to stay away. I’m the one who chased her — I love her.”
“You —” Ava trembled, speechless with rage.
“Mom, I love Emma. I won’t marry anyone else.”
“Then get out of the Davis family!” Ava shouted, shaking.
Luna hid a quiet smile. Perfect. Once he’s gone, his shares will be mine for the taking.
Theodore saw the sparkle of excitement in her eyes.
What exactly is she so excited about? Would it benefit her?
“Noah.” Luna pinned him with a look. “Are you truly leaving the Davis family? And if so… how exactly do you plan to survive?”
Noah shot her a displeased look. Is she implying I can’t support myself?
Just as he was about to respond, Ava jumped in.
“Noah, open your eyes. Luna is the one who has always cared for you. Your engagement contract still has both names on it. If you’d only cut ties with that girl, Luna could still be your wife.”
Luna’s expression darkened as she turned toward Ava.
What nonsense is this woman spouting? Does she actually think I’d wait around for him like some hopeless fool?
Theodore stared at Ava coldly, making her shiver.
“Ava,” Luna said with a sharp smile, “enough. I’m married to Theodore. If rumours start that I’m still tangled up with Noah, it will cause trouble for everyone. Even if the Davis family ignores it, my family still values its reputation.”
Theodore lifted his head. “Rest assured, the Davis family values its reputation as well.”
Luna shot him a sideways glance.
Reputation? You? The man who forced himself on me last night? Spare me.
Ava’s face flushed with embarrassment. She stared at Luna, frowning.
What was Luna thinking?
Had she never truly loved Noah?
“Luna!” Noah snapped, brows furrowed. “Isn’t that a little harsh?”
“Harsh?” Luna let out a cold laugh. “I didn’t even mention how pathetic your behaviour was. You ran off on our wedding day, you bastard. Do you really think I, Luna Carter, would cling to you like some abandoned wretch?”
She shot him a disdainful look.
“You—” Noah sputtered, glaring, unable to form a sentence.
“What about me?” Luna lifted her chin higher, eyes full of contempt. “Did I say anything untrue? I’m married to your uncle now. You should address me as Auntie. Is this the level of etiquette the Davis family raised you with?”
“You—!” Noah looked ready to cough up blood.
Theodore turned to Noah, voice low and absolute. “If you have grievances, bring them to me. Don’t take them out on your aunt.”
Noah froze in disbelief.
“She’s the one yelling at me!” he exploded, shaking.
“Yes. And as your elder, she’s merely trying to guide you and help you improve,” Theodore replied with a straight face.
Noah’s jaw dropped.
Hadn’t they been enemies a moment ago?
When did these two suddenly become united?
“Go on then,” Luna taunted, chin high. “Tell me what I said wrong and I’ll apologise. Was it justified to hide your relationship with Emma from me? Bastard.”
Noah choked, unable to answer.
“I’m sorry, Luna… please don’t scold Noah. This is all my fault.” Emma’s eyes reddened as she clung to Noah.
Luna tilted her chin, giving Emma a cool look. “Well, you’re better than someone…” Her eyes slid meaningfully to Noah.
Noah glared daggers at her. Deep down, he despised her arrogance, her dominance—her refusal to back down.
Emma stiffened, her face draining of colour.
“Noah, are you genuinely prepared to marry Emma?” John asked.
“Yes, Grandfather. I love Emma. I want to marry her.” Noah’s eyes lit up as he nodded firmly.
“Since you’ve decided, I approve your marriage,” John said with a calm nod.
Noah stared at him, stunned and delighted. “Thank you, Grandpa!”
Emma was shocked as well; she had never expected the chairman himself to agree so easily.
“Dad!” Ava gasped, frozen. “How could you possibly agree? What makes that woman worthy of Noah?”
“She may not be ideal, but your son likes her,” John replied coolly.
Ava was speechless.
“Grandpa, thank you!” Noah’s joy was overflowing as he turned to Emma.
She looked back at Noah with a faint pity. Such a romantic fool…
“Dad!” Ava said urgently, “What about Luna?”
John glanced at her, then turned to Theodore and Luna. “What do you two think about this?”
Theodore answered without hesitation, “Dad, we’ll work hard to give you a grandchild soon.”
Wait—what! Such a delusional man! Luna cursed silently.
“Yes, please don’t worry. We’ll do our best,” she said with a smooth smile.
John smiled approvingly. “Good. I’ll be waiting.”
His gaze swept over everyone.
“From today onward, no one is to mention Luna and Noah’s former engagement. Keep your mouths shut. Understood?”
“Understood.”
Noah watched Luna and Theodore sitting together—perfectly matched. The sight left him uneasy.
Theodore shot him a meaningful glance.
After breakfast, Luna retreated to her room.
She collapsed onto her bed and grabbed her phone.
The moment she turned it on, countless Facebook notifications flooded the screen.
She opened the group chat with Aurora Taylor and Olivia Wilson.
They had clearly been chatting until dawn.
Luna: [I’m perfectly fine. Not bedridden.]
Aurora: [Wow! The heroine finally appears!]
Olivia: [Did Theodore sleep with you? Was it good?]
Luna: […]
Aurora: [Come on, baby, details.]
Olivia: [Where did your resolve go? Couldn’t hold out one night?]
Aurora: [Can’t blame her. Theodore’s too irresistible. I wouldn’t last a minute.]
Olivia: [I wouldn’t last a second.]
