Chapter 26: He Was Blocked

"Hey, miss, you need to know the difference. You're supposed to disfigure that troublemaker. Why are you disfiguring yourself?" Isabella's agitation was evident, and the Quirks wondered why Luna, not the perpetrator, was hurting herself. They couldn't, however, allow Luna to harm anyone else. She was pure and virtuous, and had worked hard to clear her name; she didn't deserve further reputational damage.

Henry and Marjorie stared, bewildered, nearly fainting from the day's events. Bianca, however, glared at Luna and Christopher, her eyes bloodshot. Luna, still at odds with Bianca (who constantly mimicked her, regardless of Luna's efforts), was at her wit's end. Seeing Luna's distress, Christopher felt intense pain.

"You were so determined to leave everything behind, so why hurt yourself over those who don't matter?" he asked. "Didn't you leave them to take better care of yourself? What are you doing now?"

Christopher's newfound clarity surprised the readers. Ignoring Isabella's sarcasm, he pleaded with his family. He knew Luna wouldn't listen, especially after his earlier actions.

Isabella stepped forward, patting Luna's shoulder. "You've done your best. Don't punish yourself for others' mistakes."

Selena and Evian quickly joined in. "That's right, young lady, it's not worth it," Selena said. "Just now, Cal told me how beautiful you are. That's something no one can take away from you."

David added seriously, "I believe everyone here can tell you two apart. From now on, we won't be confused."

Surrounded by the Quirks' support, Luna felt a warmth that brought tears to her eyes. The others reassured her, "We know how to differentiate you two now. If there are future controversies, we'll investigate properly. We might have been ignorant, but we're wiser now."

Christopher quickly took the scissors and threw them aside.

Luna took a deep breath. "Thank you. I was being too impulsive." She was merely depressed and had lost control due to shock; once calm, she wouldn't act foolishly.

Looking at the three, she stated, "Everything is clear now. It's all over."

Marjorie, uneasy, called out, "Luna, you…"

Luna responded coldly, "I told you. I'm not your daughter anymore."

Henry frowned. "That's enough."

Luna found their refusal to acknowledge Bianca's wrongdoing nauseating. Their assumption that Luna's severing ties was merely anger was wrong; years of discrimination had eroded her affection. It wasn't impulsive.

"Don't contact me, and I don't wish to see you. If you insist on forcing me to be your daughter, sue me. I'll abide by the court's decision and pay mandated support. Expect nothing more."

Her detailed response showed careful consideration.

Henry and Marjorie, realizing her seriousness, panicked. Their confidence in their daughter evaporated. They hadn't noticed Luna's quiet suffering; they'd only wanted her to help Bianca. They regretted pushing her to sever ties.

However, Luna left no room for further mistakes. She bowed, apologizing for disrupting the banquet. Christopher reassured her it was almost over. She glanced at him and said, "I must take my leave."

"Let me give you a ride!" Christopher blurted.

"That's not necessary," she replied frostily, turning and leaving him frozen. Everyone parted to let her pass, metaphorically beginning a new chapter.

Henry and Marjorie called after her, but couldn't change her mind. She vanished. They then found Bianca had fainted.

However, Bianca no longer elicited sympathy.

The embarrassed Henry and Marjorie left with Bianca, followed by Thomas. Nadia and her husband apologized to the Quirks for Thomas's actions and resulting humiliation.

"Alas, we are also victims. I can't believe how blind the Cowell family was," Nadia said.

"We'll pretend this never happened. Who knows, you guys might end up being in-laws," the other woman replied insincerely.

Nadia awkwardly added, "We certainly can't have a woman like that marry into our family. I can't tell if Thomas likes her or is doing it out of spite. Your family's children are much better, especially… your youngest daughter."

Selena's expression darkened, but Isabella interrupted with an explanation of Thomas's relentless pursuit: his difficulty fathering children, initially using Bianca as a rebound, and then changing his mind upon discovering her pregnancy.

Selena's expression became complex. Evian coughed, and Christopher snorted, while Alexander helplessly gazed at Isabella.

The Walkers were stunned. David coldly stated, "Here's to your families joined by marriage." The Walkers left with the other guests.

The banquet's drama was legendary. Those who missed it regretted it.

That night, everyone was too excited to sleep. After tidying up, the family had a quiet meal. Their gazes often drifted toward Christopher.

Unable to bear the attention, he said, "If you have something to say, spit it out."

Evian asked, "Sigh, are you still planning on seeing Bianca?"

Christopher's face darkened. "Do I look like I lost my mind? Those were illusions. The one I truly care for is not Bianca."

Selena asked pointedly, "Do you fancy Luna then?"

Christopher was speechless. He felt immense regret. He looked at Isabella, embarrassed and frustrated. She, however, enjoyed her meal, oblivious to their gazes.

Alexander stated, "Ahem, it's no use liking her. She doesn't want you anymore," hitting a nerve.

David patted Christopher's shoulder, offering unspoken paternal support, and they left to rest. Evian took Callahan to bed. Alexander then took Isabella upstairs to discuss her agency.

Christopher was alone, lost in thought, when his phone rang. It was Rosalie.

Surprised, she asked, "Chris, what's going on? Are the rumors true? Did you call off your engagement with Luna and mistake someone else for her? Is Bianca the real villain? No wonder I've always liked Luna more."

Annoyed, Christopher was about to hang up when Rosalie continued, "What a shame. I always thought Luna would become my sister-in-law. She's the woman you've known the longest."

Christopher was stunned. "Is that… so?"

"Of course! You two grew up together, childhood sweethearts. You always preferred Luna's company. You even swore you'd marry her and start a family! You kissed her cheek! Our grandmothers arranged your engagement after seeing this."

Christopher smiled bitterly. He had forgotten his promise. "Chris, are you crying?" Rosalie asked.

He covered his face. "You have such a good memory. Tell me more about our childhood."

"Actually, I don't remember much. We weren't in the same grade," Rosalie said. "I remember you hardly played with Luna after you started school. You said boys should play with boys. You lost your temper when classmates teased you about your arranged marriage. Then… I didn't see Luna come over anymore. After that, you focused only on Bianca."

Christopher gritted his teeth. It was due to a debt he owed Bianca for saving his life.

He remembered events after he grew up. His family reminded him to visit the Cowells because of the betrothal, which was a verbal agreement, not a formal ceremony. He felt no guilt about liking someone else. Most of his visits were to check on Bianca.

Henry and Marjorie always praised Bianca and complained about Luna, who remained silent. Luna had been wrongly blamed many times, but never defended herself when he sided with Bianca. She never explained herself to him before he arrived, and seeing his affection for Bianca, she never tried.

Christopher wondered if she'd explained herself, if he would have believed her. He was certain he would have, at least initially. She never defended herself, allowing his misunderstandings to grow into unconditional trust in Bianca. He had been, in essence, brainwashed.

He was a fool for losing someone precious. He wanted her back. He regretted not insisting on giving her a ride. He should have been more persistent.

His call went unanswered. He sent a message:

"Do you have a place to stay? Let me know if you need help. I still owe you for saving my life. Are you alright?"

There was no response. He tried calling again; he had been blocked.