Chapter 2
1032 Words
The weekend arrived quickly.
Emily invited Mrs. Carter and her daughter, Luna Carter, over to the house. On the surface, it was just a casual visit, after all, the two women had known each other for years within the city’s circle of high-society ladies. But deep down, everyone understood that this meeting was, in truth, meant for the younger generation to be introduced and see if they were a match.
Of course, everything was based on mutual consent.
If the two of them got along, they could get to know each other better and perhaps take things further. If not, at most, they would simply gain another acquaintance within their social circle.
Luna was twenty-two this year, a senior in the ballet department at the most prestigious arts academy in the city. Having trained in dance since childhood, she carried the distinctive grace and softness of a dancer in both bearing and temperament.
Her features were delicate and refined, with a gentle softness to her expression. Whenever she spoke, she wore a polite smile, and her warm, mild gaze made her instantly likable at first sight.
Seated across from her, Emily chatted while occasionally glancing at Luna, observing her. The more she watched, the more satisfied she felt.
The girl’s gentle appearance, graceful manners, and polite, measured way of speaking all perfectly matched the image of an ideal daughter-in-law in her mind.
Thinking this, Emily smiled and casually brought up her son:
“As for my Lucian, he’s been very diligent since he was young, and he takes his responsibilities seriously. You see, even though it’s Sunday, he’s still at the company working overtime. But he promised he’ll be back later to have lunch with us.”
Mrs. Carter nodded in agreement.
“A man should focus on his career, that’s what makes him reliable.”
Emily smiled again at that and continued,
“He may look serious, but in truth, he’s very affectionate. Even though I’m not his biological mother, he’s never once forgotten my birthday. On holidays and special occasions, he always picks out the gifts himself.”
Emily gave a small shake of her head, her tone both fondly reproachful and proud,
“That boy really does value his family and loved ones.”
“You’re truly fortunate,” Hearing this, Mrs. Carter said.
Then, she glanced at her daughter seated beside her.
“My girl has been well-behaved since she was little and has never given me much to worry about. Luna has studied dance for many years, and her temperament is calm and composed. Outside of her classes, she usually stays home to practice, read, or occasionally goes out for milk tea with friends.”
She gently patted her daughter’s hand, her voice carrying a hint of maternal pride,
“This girl may look delicate, but she’s incredibly persistent. Once she set her heart on learning ballet, she never gave up all these years.”
The two mothers continued praising their children back and forth, their conversation growing increasingly lively.
Sitting beside them, Luna initially maintained a polite smile, but after listening for a while, she began to feel a bit embarrassed. She lowered her head slightly and took a sip of her fruit tea, feeling both shy and somewhat bored by the conversation.
Just then, the sound of footsteps echoed from the staircase.
Adrian came down from upstairs.
Unlike his usual edgy style, today he was dressed simply in a plain white T-shirt and a pair of dark blue jeans. The understated outfit only served to highlight his tall frame. His slightly tousled brown hair, youthful face, and sharp features gave him an air of vibrant ease and effortless freedom, perfectly fitting for someone in his twenties.
Emily looked at her son with a hint of surprise.
“Ari, you’re still home?” she asked. “Weren’t you going out to do some outdoor sketching with your friends today?”
Adrian replied,
“The weather wasn’t great, so we canceled.”
Emily nodded, then turned to make the introduction,
“This is my younger son, Adrian.”
After that, she turned back to her son.
“Ari, this is Aunt Carter, and this is her daughter, Luna.”
Adrian greeted Mrs. Carter politely, then looked at Luna with a smile and said,
“We go to the same school, just in different departments. Luna’s quite famous as the campus beauty,how could I not know her?”
Luna laughed along as well.
“Same here. Adrian is the heartthrob of the Fine Arts department, lots of girls from my department have been wanting to meet you.”
Hearing that, Emily couldn’t help but feel a little surprised.
She realized that Luna had been sitting there listening to the adults’ conversation for quite a while and was probably bored stiff, while Adrian happened to be free. So she said,
“Ari, why don’t you take Luna out to the garden for a walk? You’re both young, you’ll have plenty to talk about. In any case, we still have to wait for your brother to come back before lunch.”
Unexpectedly, Adrian was especially obedient today. Hearing his mother’s suggestion, he readily led Luna out to the garden to look at the flowers.
The two mothers remained in the living room, continuing their unfinished conversation.
About half an hour later, Lucian returned as well.
The moment he stepped out of the car, he saw two figures walking slowly along the stone-paved path through the garden.
The young man wore a simple white T-shirt and jeans, his tall frame relaxed, one hand tucked into his pocket as he walked with easy composure. Beside him was a girl in a light-colored dress, slender in figure, her long hair swaying gently in the breeze.
From time to time, Adrian would lower his head to say something, drawing bright, lilting laughter from Luna. The two of them walked side by side through the garden, one tall, one slightly shorter; one carefree, the other gentle. From a distance, they looked unexpectedly well-matched.
Lucian’s brows drew together once more, his expression turning dark.
Without the slightest hesitation, he strode straight toward the two of them.
- Writer
