Chapter 19: Gossiping About Her

When Luna reappeared after changing her clothes, Isabella hesitated, unsure how to begin. Having witnessed Luna's experiences through the Gossip System, Isabella felt a heavy weight on her heart. Isabella, orphaned since childhood and accustomed to hardship, never imagined that Luna, despite her wealthy family and parents, lived a more miserable life.

Even though they were twins, Bianca's frail health necessitated frequent trips abroad for treatment. Though Luna accompanied them, Henry and Marjorie were preoccupied with Bianca's critical illnesses, often neglecting Luna. Several instances saw Luna completely forgotten, despite the presence of a housekeeper.

Sophia, then head of the Cowell family, intervened, bringing Luna home to be raised personally. This led to Luna's distant relationship with her parents. Bianca, showered with love since childhood, almost to the point of being spoiled, resented her sister's presence, viewing Luna as a threat. Luna's miserable life began upon their return home. Since then, she rarely smiled, though her resilience was evident in her dedication to her studies and research.

As they walked, Isabella asked, "Have you really decided to break off your engagement with Christopher?" The Gossip System revealed Luna had cherished Christopher since age five, a fact Isabella found baffling given his arrogance. Luna nodded, confirming her decision.

"It's all good," Isabella said. "He doesn't deserve you. You're too good for him. You'll be much happier without him."

Luna stared, surprised by Isabella's perceptiveness. She hadn't only given up on Christopher; she'd lost hope in her parents and Bianca, seeking complete severance from her family. All she desired was a life free from Bianca's influence.

"I'm sure I will. Thank you," Luna replied, smiling.

As they entered the ballroom, the Cowells were congratulating Evian. They seemingly forgot their other daughter. Henry and Marjorie stood beside Bianca, showering her with attention.

"What wonderful news about Cal! May you have better days ahead, Evian. Congratulations!" Henry exclaimed.

Marjorie added, "Congratulations, Evie and Cal! When Chris told me, I nearly cried. Thankfully, a kind soul like you is favored by God. Oh, and Bianca brought you a gift."

Their attempts to emphasize Bianca's presence felt strained after their previous deception. Selena asked, "Hmm? Where's Luna?"

Henry and Marjorie were startled, revealing their unawareness of Luna's absence. Marjorie impatiently remarked, "This girl has such poor manners! I wonder where she's run off to." She considered Luna an embarrassment.

Bianca, observing Christopher's somber expression, suspected Luna as the cause, imagining a conflict between them. This thought brought a satisfied smirk, though she feigned worry. "Should I go look for my sister? She must be upset. I should find her."

Her feigned concern only highlighted Luna's perceived unreasonableness. Henry affectionately patted Bianca's head, saying, "Bianca, you're so thoughtful. Forget about Luna! She's temperamental. Your foot injury hasn't healed, so don't move around."

Then, Isabella's voice cut through the room: "Oh dear, I only just took her to change her clothes, how come…"

Isabella stood beside Luna, who now wore a sky-blue cocktail dress that complemented her complexion. Luna stared impassively at her scheming relatives, creating an awkward silence.

Alexander explained, "Our guest's skirt got accidentally wet, so my wife helped her."

Selena questioned, "Why didn't you speak up?"

Alexander replied, "I didn't get a chance." This admission highlighted the Cowells' prior condemnations of Luna. Bianca, acutely aware of the scrutiny, wished to disappear. She glared at Luna, saying, "Oh, so you went to change your clothes. I thought you were angry with me." Henry and Marjorie also blamed Luna for the awkwardness.

Luna met Bianca's gaze with icy fury, making Bianca wonder if Christopher had mentioned the proposal. Bianca subtly smirked, but Luna remained silent, suppressing her anger, certain Bianca was involved in the restroom incident. The Cowells ignored her.

Christopher, noticing Luna, experienced a sudden shift in his expression. "This is impossible…the person who saved me as a child was…"

He turned to Isabella, who was speaking to Alexander, and asked, "What are Mr. and Mrs. Quirk's names?"

Alexander's response caused the Quirk family (excluding Callahan) to lean forward, intrigued by the unfolding gossip.

Christopher realized, "I see. I was wondering how I could have mistaken my savior. Turns out that family of three worked out a plan to deceive everyone!"

The Quirks had suspicions, but Luna's unawareness puzzled them. Christopher glared at Isabella, anticipating her explanation.