Chapter 47

"Who said I'd marry you? You're Luna's fiancé! I'd rather die than marry scum like you!" Maya White shrieked hysterically, her voice cracking. She remembered Grandma's warnings—Frank Harris was a gambling, womanizing drunk, the worst kind of trash. Marrying him would ruin her life.

Several nosy aunties stopped in their tracks.

"My, my, Maya, that's quite the accusation," Aunt Elizabeth Wright said with a sly smile, eyes darting between them. "If Frank really is Luna's fiancé, what were you doing rolling around with your sister's man? That's downright shameless!"

"Absolutely disgraceful!"

"Maya, have you lost your mind? Spouting such nonsense—you're bringing shame to the family!"

Clara White frantically intervened, stomping her foot. "The girl's just embarrassed you all saw her quarreling with her fiancé. As married women, surely you understand young lovers' tiffs?" She swallowed her anger—with so many witnesses, denying Frank as their son-in-law would destroy Maya's reputation.

Frank's eyes gleamed as he plastered on a grin. "Ladies, I was originally engaged to Luna, but she's a college girl—too good for a rough fellow like me. Maya's been kind, and I've grown fond of her. Young passion, you know..." He lowered his voice conspiratorially, "Blame the drink—got my blood running hot..."

The aunties tittered, the scandal smoothed over by his silver tongue.

When Maya opened her mouth to protest, Frank wheeled around with a glare so vicious it silenced her instantly.

"Mom, why don't you see the ladies out while Maya and I... tidy up," Frank said sweetly, addressing Clara as "Mom" with nauseating familiarity.

The endearment made Clara's stomach churn. Who wanted a degenerate like him for a son-in-law?

Forcing a smile, she ushered the women out, dragging Luna's name into it: "If only Luna had stayed to watch Maya properly, this wouldn't have happened..."

"Luna was here?" someone perked up.

"Where is she?" The crowd buzzed with gossipy excitement.

Clara sighed dramatically. "When I left earlier, Luna and Frank were talking inside. Next thing I know..." She was determined to implicate Luna.

"Auntie, I've been tending to Grandma in her room this whole time," Luna said suddenly from the doorway, holding a damp towel. "Don't smear my name to cover up Maya's disgrace."

Clara jumped. "Goodness, child, you scared me—"

"Today of all days," Luna said tearfully, "when I just got engaged to Lieutenant Andrew Smith. Are you trying to drive me to my grave with these lies?" She turned to the crowd. "Judge for yourselves—I'm innocent! I won't bear false accusations!"

Mayor George Clark stepped forward. "Clara, think before you speak. Everyone knows Luna's character."

Security Chief Paul Jackson added pointedly, "Exactly. Luna's a decent girl—unlike some." His gaze flicked toward Maya's room.

Clara trembled with rage. "Mayor, Chief, just because Luna helped you once doesn't mean you can favor her! Earlier, she clearly—"

"Then let Frank come out and confront me!" Luna said firmly. "I won't admit to what I didn't do!"

Mayor Clark nodded grimly. "Good idea. Luna's right—no innocent person should be slandered."

Luna wiped her tears. "Auntie, I know you and Uncle Jack resent me moving out because there's fewer hands to work. But ruining my reputation? Tonight, you insisted I come care for Grandma—I haven't left her side."

"Enough!" Clara shook with fury. "Luna, your silver tongue wins. Frank! Get out here and explain!"

"Frank Harris!"