Chapter 21: Ending the Engagement

A notorious playboy from high society, Thomas Walker, burst into the party. Aside from a decent face, he had nothing commendable about him—a wealthy good-for-nothing with a long history of unlawful acts and frequent visits to the police station. Scandal was his usual companion. The Quirk family, hosting the event, saw Thomas's disruptive behavior as a deliberate attempt to embarrass them.

Thomas's aunt and uncle, representing the Walker family, intervened. "We agreed to bring Thomas, but not to cause trouble!" the aunt exclaimed. "He's had too much to drink. We'll take him home immediately."

But Thomas pushed them aside. Already seething from previous clashes with Christopher and public humiliation by Luna, he'd received further infuriating news. He'd drowned his anger in alcohol, and impulsively returned to the party.

He approached the Cowells, grinning mischievously at the stunned Henry and Marjorie. "Since you're reconsidering the marriage arrangement," he announced, "let's settle mine with Luna right now." His gaze shifted maliciously to Luna.

Luna blanked, avoiding Thomas's gaze and looking instead at Bianca, who cowered behind her parents. Bianca's face paled, her eyes darting around in panic. Catching Luna's gaze, she quickly averted her eyes guiltily.

Just as Thomas reached for Luna's wrist, Christopher intercepted him, seizing his hand. Drunk and reckless, Thomas glared. "F*ck you, Christopher! I don't mind taking what you've discarded. You should be grateful!"

"Are you out of your mind?" Christopher roared, ready to strike. Already overwhelmed by turbulent emotions, he reacted instantly, punching Thomas to the ground.

He was about to hit him again when Luna stopped him, grabbing his wrist. Her indifferent expression—as if she wanted no interference—infuriated him. A suffocating feeling welled up inside him.

The Walker family, though upset by Thomas's actions, wouldn't let others harm him. "What are you doing?" Thomas's aunt, Nadia, seethed. "He's drunk! Is this how the Quirk family treats guests?"

Selena, firmly responding, stated, "We've been gracious hosts, and you've caused a ruckus. And the insults!"

Nadia retorted, her face flushed, "Mrs. Quirk, you want to break off the engagement, don't you? This is between Thomas and Luna. Christopher intervened. Thomas merely proposed!"

Selena laughed coldly. "Don't you think Thomas is being too impatient?"

Nadia was taken aback. The Quirk-Cowell engagement hadn't been officially broken, and Thomas's actions could be seen as a deliberate slight.

Henry quickly interjected, mediating, "We're all friends. Let's calm down. This is all Luna's fault. But perhaps this is a blessing in disguise. Let's discuss it."

Marjorie, her expression shifting from confusion to a smile, agreed, "This is Luna's fault. But perhapsa blessing!"

The Cowells, caught between the powerful Quirk and Walker families, couldn't afford to offend either. They'd intended a smooth breakup, but this unexpected proposal was a windfall—a way to compensate Luna and silence accusations of favoring Bianca.

The guests, initially ready to leave, were captivated by the unfolding drama.

The situation took an unexpected turn. "With everyone here, let's have the families witness this," someone suggested. "Don't forget to invite us to the celebration!"

"Exactly," another chimed in. "Everyone's found a partner. A blessing!"

Luna and Thomas, both with reputations for scandal, were paired, while Bianca and Christopher, seemingly impeccable, became a couple. The outcome seemed perfectly arranged.

If this tripartite alliance succeeded, everyone's business strategies would need adjusting.

Alexander and Isabella watched from the sidelines. "F*ck! Juicy gossip!" Isabella exclaimed.

The Quirks, though distracted, still had to consider Christopher's future. David and Selena exchanged glances, continuing to observe without intervening. The situation demanded immediate resolution to prevent misinformation.

David cleared his throat. "Since everyone's heard, we won't hide it. The engagement was a promise of the older generation. Young people value freedom. We won't interfere."

Selena added, "We hope the youngsters take responsibility for their decisions." They exchanged a meaningful glance at Christopher.

They’d just discovered the Cowells' deception and despised their manipulative behavior. They'd told Christopher everything, leaving the decision to him. But how had Luna become involved with Thomas?

They left Christopher to handle it and listened to Isabella's excited reactions: "Huh! Oh! Good heavens! D'mn! Is this real? How astonishing!"

The Quirks urged her to reveal the details.

Despite the suspense, Christopher remained lost in thought. Henry and Marjorie approached warmly. "The Quirks are open-minded, Chris. Say something." They pulled Bianca toward him, oblivious to her awkward expression.

Christopher hesitated, remembering his rescuer. Does this matter? Saving my life doesn't equal love. Perhaps she took credit because she loved me too much. But why is it so hard to speak?

His hesitation created an eerie silence, with whispers from the onlookers. Bianca, restless, tugged his sleeve. "Chris…"

Christopher looked at Bianca, the woman he'd adored, then at Luna—familiar yet distant. The eavesdropping Quirks failed to notice his turmoil. Isabella, however, mused, Is he choosing?

The Quirks were startled when Isabella cursed, What the fck! How shameless! He assumes others will comply! Luna isn't Bianca! Does his family know how presumptuous he is?*

Christopher was bewildered. Why am I being scolded? Shouldn't I be deciding? I shouldn't hesitate, but…

Luna spoke, "The engagement involves two people. Shouldn't my opinion matter?"

All eyes turned to her. Christopher was startled. Is she reluctant to let go? Unexplained joy welled up inside him.

Henry and Marjorie grew impatient. "Luna, don't fuss. We'll help you with the Walkers. Don't be greedy."

"You're always at odds with Bianca, but this is about their happiness. The Quirks want the children to decide. Christopher doesn't want you. Stop it. It's pointless."

Luna, impervious to their harsh words, turned to Christopher. Her indifferent look sent a shiver down his spine.

"I formally dissolve our engagement," she announced, smiling. "Christopher, I don't want you anymore."

A piece of Christopher's heart felt missing. He was in a nightmare.

Everyone was surprised but assumed Luna was genuinely with Thomas. Henry, Marjorie, and Bianca breathed a sigh of relief.

Isabella thought, The Cowells are hypocrites! They knew Luna's feelings, yet pretended ignorance. They pressured her to break it off, but she refused. She always gave in to Bianca, but not Christopher. Now she's given him up. She truly let go. Christopher's an idiot! He lost a diamond collecting stones. He'll regret it.

The Quirks were surprised. So, Luna still loves Christopher?

Christopher's lips trembled. That's right. She likes me, but she gave up. Not surprising. She has another man. But Luna's expression flashed in his mind.

Someone patted him. He saw the Cowells waiting for him to announce his engagement to Bianca. He couldn't speak. Regret welled up.

Thomas approached Luna. "You've come to your senses. You're my fiancée."

A gleam flashed in Christopher's eyes. His hand clenched. He looked at Luna.

Luna's gaze was elsewhere, on Thomas. She mocked him coldly, "Who are you? Do I know you? I, Luna, have never met you privately. You've spread rumors, and I'll sue you."

Everyone was astonished.

The Quirks were confused, but after hearing Isabella's thoughts, they realized Luna was telling the truth. Has Thomas been lying? Christopher remembered Luna's despairing look. His palms were sweaty.