Chapter 33: Another Divorce?

"But why would she..."

"Why would she swap your identities? Because the Ugly Duckling was insignificant; no one would care if she died, let alone pursue the truth. She was the only witness on the scene." Luke sneered. "She just didn't expect that you would return years later and marry Gideon. That’s why she rushed back from the UK and threw dirty water on you once again."

Luna suddenly didn't know what to say, standing frozen on the spot.

Often, the truth is right beside us, but we never think to uncover it. Because of that, we miss everything from the very beginning.

If she had figured all this out when she first learned the truth about the accident, would she and Gideon have reached this point?

After an unknown amount of time, Tang grew tired of his position and twisted in her arms. Luna snapped out of it. She opened her mouth to speak but simply lowered her head.

Fate truly loved to toy with her.

The source of the hatred was actually herself?

She never would have imagined that Gideon would like that lowly, dust-covered Ugly Duckling from all those years ago.

Luke looked at her and let out a silent sigh. Now that the truth had surfaced, he finally understood what Gideon meant by "For Luna's sake, I gave up on her."

Looking at Serena’s situation over the past two years, Gideon must have already known the truth. That was why he had her under house arrest in the mountain cottage and never visited her once.

Gideon had given up on the Ugly Duckling—the person deepest in his heart—for the sake of the current Luna.

He had long been deeply in love; he just hadn't wanted to say it out loud.

For some reason, Tang burst into tears. Luna quickly coaxed him, picking up her things to flee. "It's time for Tang's nap; I have to go."

Watching her back, Luke sighed.

What a mess.

Perhaps because of the rain, Tang wouldn't stop crying. Carrying the child, Luna couldn't get a taxi. She called her brother, but he was in a meeting. He sent his assistant, who was currently stuck in traffic.

Luna was anxious and could only take shelter from the rain at a bus stop.

Just then, a black Maybach pulled up steadily in front of her. Luna was too busy coaxing Tang to notice until a black umbrella appeared over her head and a man's low voice spoke: "Get in."

Luna looked up sharply, staring at him in surprise.

He repeated calmly, "Get in the car."

Tang was crying so hard that Luna had no choice. She gritted her teeth and climbed inside.

Strangely, within two minutes of being in the car, Tang stopped crying and began to giggle. Luna felt like giving him a smack.

The black sedan blocked out the sound of the rain and the noise outside, becoming exceptionally quiet.

After driving for a while, Gideon spoke in a flat tone. "Where is your husband?"

"Divorced."

He frowned. "Another divorce?"

Luna’s temple throbbed. What did he mean by another divorce!

She pursed her lips and looked at the wide-eyed boy in her arms, a flash of mischief in her eyes. "Tang, say 'Daddy'."

Screech!

The car tires left a long skid mark on the road as Gideon whipped his head around to look at her. "What did you say?"

"I didn't say anything. You misheard."

Beep, beep, beep—

The sound of car horns came from behind them. Gideon withdrew his gaze and started the car again, eventually pulling over to the side of the road. The emotion in his eyes was complex and deep. "Luna, you..."

Chapter 34: The Days Ahead Are Long

"I was just joking with you, don't take it to heart. This child has a father."

Gideon’s face became even darker than before. His hands tightened on the steering wheel until his knuckles turned white. "Since you have a child, why did you divorce him?"

Luna gave Tang a lollipop and spoke with an air of indifference. "Because my heart belongs to someone else."

She was wondering: was it possible for her and Gideon to start over?

After experiencing so much, she no longer had the courage to love someone regardless of the consequences.

But after seeing Luke, she wanted to try one more time—to give herself a chance and to give Gideon a chance.

Unexpectedly, Gideon fell silent after her words. He simply said, "I'll take you back."

She understood Gideon’s meaning, and there was no need to keep pushing.

After Luna gave the address, she sent a text to her brother saying there was no need to send anyone as she would be home soon.

When she got out of the car, Gideon suddenly spoke: "Luna, a child is better off with a father. If possible, you should remarry him."

"I asked; he's unwilling." After she finished speaking and started to walk away with Tang, she caught sight of a dirty, ugly doll next to the driver's seat.

Her brother was already waiting for them downstairs. Luna handed the child to him and pouted. "When are you going to find my sister-in-law? Your son was sent by the heavens just to torture me."

Ethan smiled and ruffled her hair. "I've already sent people to look for her. Come on, I'll go upstairs and cook for you."

In the distance, Gideon watched this scene and gave a self-deprecating smile. Just as he was about to withdraw his gaze and leave, someone knocked on his car window.

Luna had come back at some point. She said, "My brother asked if you want to come up for dinner."

Gideon looked up sharply, not quite hearing her. "Hmm?"

"Tang is my brother’s son. He said he troubled you today and wants to cook for you personally. If you're unwilling to go, I—"

"I'll go!" Gideon quickly opened the car door. The impulsive action was a far cry from his usual character.

Luna suppressed a smile and said with a stern face, "Let's go."

Throughout the meal, Gideon mostly remained silent, his eyes slightly lowered as if he were deep in thought.

Ethan had long since realized the relationship between these two was unusual, but since his silly sister didn't want to talk about it, he didn't ask. The conversation at the table was polite and brief. When Gideon was leaving, Ethan said, "Lulu, I need to take care of Tang. Why don't you see Mr. Cook out for me?"

"Okay."

Downstairs, Luna looked at the snow falling from the sky and wore a big smile. "I never thought I would find my family in my lifetime. It feels so good to have a home."

Gideon glanced at her and pursed his lips. "I’m leaving."

"Hey." Luna called out to him. "Gideon, I have something to say to you."

"Wha—" Just as he turned around, something soft pressed against his lips, carrying a hint of coldness.

Gideon looked down at her. After a moment's pause, he pulled her away. His voice lacked warmth. "It’s snowing. Go back inside."

Then, he turned and left.

His footsteps were slightly unsteady.

Luna felt a bit discouraged. She licked her lips and headed back.

It was fine. The days ahead are long.

When Gideon closed the car door, his hands were still trembling slightly. The sensation on his lips seemed to linger, yet her figure was growing more distant. He leaned back against the car seat and closed his eyes, his expression no longer as calm as usual.

Regarding the events of back then, he could keep Serena under house arrest as punishment.

But what about himself? How should he be punished?

He had already been wrong once and didn't dare to gamble again.

Chapter 35: Do You Hate Me?

Two days later.

Xavier knocked on the door of the CEO's office and said, "Sir, the signing representative from DUR Company has arrived. However, the staff downstairs said that she won't sign unless you attend personally."

Gideon gave a faint hum of acknowledgment, rose, and headed out.

In the conference room.

The people present were all senior employees of the corporation, so they were not unfamiliar with the woman sitting in the head seat.

Wait... isn't this their President's wife?

When Gideon arrived, everyone stood up instantly: "Mr. Cook."

His cold expression began to crack when he saw the woman sitting there, smiling and waving at him. His temples throbbed.

Luna smiled even more happily: "Mr. Cook, I am the signing representative for DUR. I have full authority over this partnership."

Gideon glanced sideways and ordered in a deep voice, "Everyone out."

The people in the conference room scurried out, not daring to pause for even a second.

Once the door was closed, Gideon frowned at her. "What are you trying to do?"

"Signing a contract. What else could I be doing?" Luna propped her chin on her hand. "You don't seem to want to see me, Mr. Cook. Do you hate me?"