Chapter 211

Luna Whitaker jolted awake from her dream, her chest heaving. Fragments of the night's vision lingered—Ryan Wallace sitting by her bedside, his rough hands gently brushing her cheek as his deep voice murmured words she couldn't quite recall. Though the details were hazy, the long-lost sense of safety left her cheeks burning.

"How embarrassing..." She smacked her forehead in frustration, then spotted the scattered peanut shells and empty liquor bottle on the table. Relief washed over her—just a drunken delusion.

After hastily tidying up, Luna pushed open the door and froze. The courtyard was spotless, and the aroma of breakfast wafted from the kitchen. Her eldest son, Ethan, emerged carrying bowls and chopsticks. "Mom, you should've slept longer! Aaron, Samuel, and I made breakfast."

Warmth bloomed in Luna's chest as she took the washbasin to fetch water. "Silly boy, I'm not made of glass. We've got eggs to sell at the market today—every penny counts for our new house."

Her three sons grinned. Life had improved steadily since leaving the Lewis household. Gone were the days of rationing porridge grains; now they ate steamed buns daily, each with a morning egg. The sweetest justice? Hearing that Darren Lewis was bedridden and his mother, Margaret, had fallen ill—karma at its finest.

"Let us handle the market today," Ethan insisted, his voice tender. They'd watched their mother endure backbreaking labor and abuse for years.

Luna shook her head, eyes glinting. "I'll go. Need to buy fabric for your new pants." She paused. "You've all... endured too much."

Youngest Samuel waved his hands. "I don't need any! Uncle's old army clothes fit fine." A playful smack from Ethan cut him off. "Focus on your studies, runt. You're our family's hope."

The brothers dissolved into laughter. Luna watched them, eyes misting. When she'd fled with nothing but three children, she'd never imagined this future.

"Eat up," she said, wiping her eyes. "After the market, we'll clean the chicken coop. New Year's coming—let's make it a proper reunion."

A pang struck her—still no reply from her sister Luna's letter. The girl had become a military doctor, fulfilling their parents' dreams, but spending holidays alone... Luna pushed the thought aside. Her capable sister would be fine.

Sunlight bathed the courtyard, warming her heart. Luna took a deep breath. At last, life held promise.