"Miss Luna, the president has something urgent come up. You can decide on the engagement dress by yourself. Mrs. Vanderwoodson said that since you're so independent - minded, you surely don't need their opinions."
Luna's fingertips trembled slightly, yet not out of anger. She was astonished to find that this message, which would have made her heart tighten in the past, now failed to arouse any emotions within her.
Calmly, she swiped open the settings interface and dragged the assistant's contact into the do - not - disturb list, her actions as decisive as discarding out - of - date clothes from the closet.
"Whoosh—" She let out a long sigh, then suddenly rolled around on the bed. Her silk nightgown rolled up to the top of her thighs as she did so. Luna reached out and pressed the bedside lamp switch, and warm yellow light instantly filled the room.
She stepped barefoot onto the soft carpet, stretched herself in a big yawn, and her slender waist formed a beautiful arc in the light.
In the bathroom, the warm water flow washed away the last bit of tiredness. Just as Luna was drying her wet hair with a towel, the doorbell rang.
She jogged to the door and, through the peephole, saw a kind - faced woman holding a delicate thermal food container.
"Miss Luna," the woman immediately showed a kind smile when she saw her, fine lines gathering at the corners of her eyes.
"This was specially prepared by the kitchen as the old lady ordered." As she handed over the food container, her gaze lingered on Luna's wet blond hair for a second before moving away considerately.
"The young master said you like light - flavored food, so we prepared creamy mushroom soup and herb - roasted chicken."
Luna took the food container with both hands. The heavy weight warmed her heart. "It's so much trouble for you. Please convey my thanks to grandma for me." Her voice trembled slightly with gratitude.
The woman nodded with a smile. Before leaving, she suddenly lowered her voice.
"The old lady saw your photo and said you're prettier than an angel in a painting." Then she winked playfully and turned to walk towards the elevator.
Luna closed the door, and the aroma of the food had already filled the air. She carefully lifted the lid, and the steam rose, blurring her vision.
On the top layer was a golden - brown and crispy chicken breast, adorned with green asparagus beside it.
In the lower layer was the bubbling thick soup, with a few fresh herb leaves floating on it. In the corner of the lunch box, there was even a piece of blueberry cheesecake placed considerately, with a smiling face drawn with chocolate sauce beside it.
Luna picked up her phone and took a photo of the delicious food. She hesitated for a moment before sending it, then took another photo of the night view outside the window.
The caption was just two simple words: "Thank you." But the moment she sent it, she felt something in her chest settle gently, like a feather finally finding its place.
Outside the window, a new moon quietly climbed up the treetop, casting its silver glow on the always - dark villa opposite.
Luna picked up the soup bowl and suddenly realized that this was the first time in a long while that she had felt so at peace at night.
The warm yellow light, like a thin veil, gently spilled over the spacious dining room.
Luna, wearing a simple off - white home dress with her hair casually falling over her shoulders, walked gracefully and gently placed the thermal food container on the shiny dining table.
The moment her fingertips touched the lid, the remaining warmth passed through her fingertips. She slightly raised her eyebrows, a glimmer of anticipation flashing in her eyes, and then carefully lifted the lid.
In an instant, a rich aroma mixed with a warm breath rushed towards her. On the creamy mushroom soup, green herb crumbs were scattered like stars, like a delicate painting; the surface of the roasted chicken was golden - brown and crispy, its oil glistening under the light; beside it, tender green asparagus and perfectly roasted small potatoes were neatly arranged, exuding an alluring luster.
"So fragrant..." Luna sniffed gently, taking a deep breath, her pink cheeks puffing up slightly. Her stomach growled inappropriately, and she shrugged playfully.
Turning to the cabinet, she moved gracefully. When she took out the silver tableware, the knife and fork collided with each other, making a clear and pleasant sound that echoed in the dining room.
As if suddenly remembering something, Luna's eyes lit up. She quickly picked up her phone, adjusted the angle towards the food, and with a "click", the food on the screen looked even more tempting under the warm light. She tilted her head, stared at the screen, hesitated slightly, and then adjusted her posture and pressed the shutter again.
"Received. It looks super delicious." As soon as the message was sent, the phone vibrated in her hand.
Leonardo's reply came unexpectedly quickly: "I'm glad you like it. I'm having dinner too. Go to bed early after you finish."Immediately , a photo came into view. In a simple porcelain bowl was the same creamy mushroom soup, and the silver spoon beside it reflected the bright light of the crystal chandelier. The carved chair back and the snow - white napkin loomed in the hazy background.
Luna's pupils dilated slightly. Her slender fingertips gently slid on the screen to enlarge the picture, carefully examining the details in the background. The corners of her mouth curved upward unconsciously. After a short pause, she only replied with a simple: "Okay."
Putting down the phone, Luna slowly scooped up a spoonful of the thick soup and brought it to her mouth. The warm soup slid across her tongue, and the milky aroma and the deliciousness of the mushrooms instantly blended in her mouth. She closed her eyes comfortably, her eyelashes fluttering slightly, a look of contentment on her face. When taking the second spoonful, her eyes suddenly brightened as she found a few plump shrimps hidden in the soup base.
"Um... They're so good at cooking..." She muttered softly, her rosy lips parting. Then she picked up a piece of chicken with a fork. The skin of the chicken was crispy. When she took a bite, there was a "crunch", but the inside was tender and juicy. The freshness of the herbs just right neutralized the greasiness.
Just as she was immersed in the pleasure brought by the delicious food, the phone vibrated again. Sister Eileen's messages popped up one after another like a tide:
"The dresses will be delivered tomorrow. There are twelve options in total."
"The jeweler will come at ten in the morning."
"Remember to do skin care."
"Richard's parents claim to be ill and won't attend. It saves trouble, actually."
The fork in Luna's hand stopped in mid - air instantly, and the soup dripped slowly back onto the plate along the chicken. Her delicate eyebrows furrowed slightly as she stared at the last message. Time seemed to stand still at this moment. After a moment, the corners of her mouth curled into a mocking smile, and a hint of understanding showed in her eyes. She should have expected this result - the Vanderwoodson family had always been like this.
Outside the window, the night wind rustled the treetops, like a low - pitched nocturne. Luna got up and poured herself a glass of lemonade. Fine water droplets condensed on the cold glass wall. Leaning against the countertop, she stared quietly through the glass at the always - dark villa opposite. Once, she would have been heartbroken and in tears because of such cold - shoulder treatment; now, there was only calmness in her eyes, without a ripple.
The phone lit up again. This time it was Leonardo: "Grandma asks what kind of flowers you like. They'll be used for the venue decoration tomorrow."
Luna's fingertips, moist with water vapor, left wet marks on the screen. She pondered slightly, a hint of determination showing in her eyes, and then replied: "Flowers that are bright and showy will do."
Almost immediately, the reply came: "Same as what I thought."
The corners of Luna's mouth curved upward uncontrollably, and a sweet smile bloomed on her face. She looked down at the half - eaten dinner, a warm current surging in her heart. She suddenly realized - this was probably the most reassuring meal she had had in a while.
Twilight, like a thick veil, slowly covered Windsor Manor. Inside the main house, the luxurious crystal chandelier emitted a bright light, illuminating the spacious corridor as if it were daytime. However, this bright light couldn't dispel the deep worry between Luna's brows. Wearing an exquisite silk nightgown, her slender figure stood in front of the huge floor - to - ceiling window. Her fingertips unconsciously rubbed the fringe of the curtain repeatedly, and her gaze, through the glass, Gaze at the moon outside the window and sink into thought