Chapter 496

"Still hurting?" Andrew's voice carried cautious concern.

Luna suppressed a giggle, deliberately drawing out her words. "My foot~" She blinked up at him like a mischievous fox.

The tips of Andrew's ears turned pink, but his hands gentled their massage. Suddenly serious, he murmured, "Luna... what kind of wedding do you want?" Guilt laced his tone.

She froze. The question caught her off guard.

"Andrew..."

"Hmm?" His fingers stilled, his Adam's apple bobbing.

"Don't stop~" Luna squirmed like a pampered cat. "Who knew Colonel Smith had such skills? Confess—who else have you practiced on?"

Andrew's low chuckle warmed her neck. "Only you." His fingers combed through her hair. "I'm completely yours."

Her heart bubbled with sweetness, though she teased, "You'd better not serve anyone else!"

"What did you call me earlier?" His voice roughened.

Luna's eyes sparkled. "Andrew! It'd be strange to keep using your full name." She counted on her fingers. "'Drew' is too plain, 'hubby' too cheesy—"

"I like it." He interrupted, tenderness dripping from his words. "Any name from your lips is perfect."

Raised voices erupted downstairs. Luna perked up. "Your brother arguing with your stepmother again?"

Honestly, the eldest Smith son—pushing thirty yet constantly feuding with his stepmother. This wasn't some melodrama; what grown man held such grudges?

Andrew sighed. "That's just how he treats her." His fingers resumed their soothing strokes. "He's generous with everyone else."

"What exactly did your stepmother do?" Luna turned curiously. "She seems perfectly kind to your younger brother."

With another sigh, he guided her back into position. "She... was pregnant once."

Luna's ears practically twitched.

"Probably saw my brother as an obstacle." His tone remained even, though his hands tightened slightly. "Then... she lost the baby. Permanently."

She inhaled sharply.

"Now she pours everything into my youngest brother." Andrew massaged her temples. "That's our family's story."

Luna clasped his hand. Their fingers intertwined in silent understanding.

As the quarreling faded below, night embraced the military compound.