Chapter 28

Luna White was washing dishes with her head bowed when Andrew Smith efficiently wiped the tables and chairs until they gleamed, stacking them neatly to the side. They couldn’t identify which neighbors had lent the furniture, so they had to leave it there for Luna to return later.

"Let me help." Andrew picked up a dry cloth and took the freshly washed dishes from Luna, carefully drying them.

His student had already volunteered to fetch water for her. After enjoying such a delicious meal, it felt wrong to leave without contributing. Besides, Andrew had paid for everything himself—not pitching in would have made them feel like they were taking advantage of the young woman.

"You came to celebrate my new home and even brought gifts. Now you’re helping me with chores—I really shouldn’t impose," Luna said, rubbing her hands awkwardly.

Andrew watched his student walk away and smiled faintly. "That kid’s sharp. Don’t say such formal things. Saving you that day was fate—otherwise, I’d never have met such a talented young woman."

Luna chuckled. "Andrew, you’re giving me too much credit. By the way, I’ve cleaned the hot water bottle and the clothes you wore when you rescued me. You can take them back later so they don’t go to waste."

"Alright." He nodded, then asked with concern, "Are you feeling better? If you’re still unwell, you should see a doctor. The village clinic’s resources are limited—someone as young as you shouldn’t neglect their health."

Luna rinsed the last few dishes and tossed the remaining water into the yard. The sweltering afternoon instantly felt cooler.

"It’s an old issue—I’ve always had cold hands and feet. It’s nothing serious."

Andrew frowned disapprovingly. "You still shouldn’t take it lightly."

"Yes, sir!" Luna teased, giving a playful salute.

Andrew shook his head helplessly and stacked the dried dishes.

"Well, well, Luna, you’ve got company?" A shrill voice suddenly cut in.

Luna looked up to see Maya White and her brother standing at the gate. Maya’s eyes were locked onto Andrew, burning with undisguised interest.

"Who’s this gentleman? Aren’t you going to introduce us?" Maya practically skipped over to Andrew. "I’m Maya, Luna’s cousin. And this is my brother."

Andrew took a subtle step back. These must be the relatives Luna had mentioned—the ones from her uncle’s family. From their brief conversations, he knew Luna’s real brother was in the military, and this rough-looking country boy clearly wasn’t him.

"Hello. I’m Andrew Smith."

"Oh!" Maya clapped her hands dramatically. "So you’re the Andrew who saved Luna and kissed her?"

The moment the words left her mouth, both Luna and Andrew’s expressions darkened.

"Maya." Andrew’s voice turned icy. "That was CPR—a life-saving measure. Luna had stopped breathing. If I hadn’t acted, your grandmother might be in prison right now."

His entire demeanor sharpened. "I suggest you refrain from slandering a soldier’s reputation. The entire village can attest to what happened. If you continue spreading lies, I’ll have no choice but to report you for defamation."

Maya paled. She knew the consequences—a neighbor from the next village had been jailed for spreading rumors about a soldier. She had no intention of following suit.

"Andrew, I—I didn’t mean anything by it!" she stammered, forcing a smile. "I’m just ignorant. Please don’t take it to heart..."

Andrew scoffed. Just then, his student returned with the water, giving him the perfect excuse to leave. "We should get going. Thank you for the meal, Luna. Please pass my gratitude to the mayor for his hospitality."

It was a graceful exit—and a way to shut the cousins up. Fetching his clothes and the hot water bottle now would only fuel more gossip.

"Of course. Take care, Andrew." Luna nodded in understanding.

Andrew strode away with his student. Maya pouted, disappointed that such an impressive man had no interest in her advances.

Once they were out of earshot, her brother stepped forward. "Luna, why did you bully Lisa today?"

So this was about that. Luna nearly laughed. She’d barely said a word—was Lisa really that fragile?

"I didn’t bully her. Why don’t you bring her here so we can talk face-to-face?"

Her brother’s eyes bulged. "Luna, you’ve gotten bold, haven’t you? Even if your brother sent money, don’t forget who raised you! This isn’t about money—it’s about family!"

Luna smirked coldly. "I never knew you were so eloquent. If family matters so much, why didn’t any of you save me a bite at dinner? Why didn’t you let me sleep in when we worked? When Grandma hit me, where was your 'family' then?"

Her gaze turned razor-sharp. "Tell your precious Lisa this: stay out of my way. If she provokes me, she’ll regret it."