Chapter 242

After seeing off Ethan, Luna White slammed the courtyard gate shut with a loud thud.

The aroma of cooking wafted from the kitchen, where Luna was busy at the stove. The dough had been kneaded smooth and elastic, while the savory broth bubbled merrily in the pot. As the water boiled, she deftly dropped in the noodles and gave them a quick stir.

"Come inside and warm up!" Luna called out to the yard.

Luna and Ethan had already shed their coats and settled cross-legged on the heated brick bed, its warmth seeping from their toes to the tops of their heads.

Paul Jackson brought over the low table while Aaron carried in the pot of broth. Moments later, Luna entered with two steaming bowls of noodles.

"Eat while it's hot!" she beamed, her eyes crinkling with joy.

Samuel, perched on the edge of the bed, suddenly slid off with a grin. He returned shortly, clutching a bottle of chili oil in one hand and vinegar in the other.

"Auntie, Uncle, these will make it even tastier!"

Ethan laughed heartily. "Good lad, you've got sharp eyes!"

Blushing, Samuel scrambled back onto the bed and squeezed in beside Ethan.

As Luna untied her apron, her gaze fell on the five large boxes on the floor, and she frowned. "Did you two clear out the department store? How much did this cost?"

Luna simply smiled without answering, while Ethan quickly distanced himself. "Sis, Luna bought everything. I just carried the boxes!" He buried his face in his noodles, pretending not to notice his sister's glare.

Luna grew even more anxious. "Luna! I told you not to send money home anymore!" She began counting on her fingers. "We raise chickens for eggs, pigs for meat—we're doing fine. You need every penny in the city for your dowry!"

Luna pointed to the numbered boxes. "Ethan, bring over Box One."

Paul glanced at his mother. Luna sighed in resignation. "Go ahead. It's not like we can return them now."

The three brothers hauled the box over and gasped when they opened it.

"Mom! Look!" Paul held up a radio, his hands trembling.

Aaron brandished a digital watch, while Samuel clutched a new backpack and fountain pen. Their eyes sparkled like stars.

Luna inhaled sharply. "How much did this cost?" She pulled Luna close. "Tell me the truth—did Andrew give you these?"

Luna shook her head.

"Don't lie to me!" Luna smacked the bed in frustration. "Accepting such expensive gifts before marriage? How will you hold your head up in your in-laws' home? We may be poor, but we—"

Before she could finish, Luna threw herself into her arms. "You're the best, Sis!"

"None of that!" Luna pushed her away, cheeks flushed. "These must be returned!"

Reluctantly, the brothers placed the items back in the box.

Luna hurried to explain. "They were gifts from the family I treated. The head of the household, I mean. Ethan can vouch for me!"

Ethan nodded vigorously. "She did treat someone, but I didn't know about the gifts."

Only then did Luna relax slightly. "That family... didn't notice anything, did she?" she whispered, her eyes filled with worry.

Luna squeezed her sister's hand. "Don't worry. Everything's fine."