Chapter 39

Luna White was completely stunned.

Marriage?

Her and Instructor Andrew?

This was absurd.

Her thoughts were in chaos. Andrew was a good man—honest, upright, a military instructor. But they had only met three times!

Every encounter felt like something out of a movie.

And now they were talking about marriage?

She didn’t want this. Andrew probably felt obligated because he’d ruined her reputation. But that wasn’t fair. She’d jumped into the reservoir with her own motives.

If she ended up costing him his chance at true love, she’d never forgive herself.

As Luna spiraled into doubt, Andrew leaned in and whispered, "Don’t worry. I keep my word."

His tone was so firm she nearly rolled her eyes.

Clara White panicked. "Instructor Andrew, this isn’t right! You saved this girl—we should be thanking you, not burdening you with marriage!" She put on a show of concern.

Andrew chuckled. "By rights, I should call you Grandma. But now isn’t the time. I genuinely want to marry Luna. This isn’t a burden." He turned to the villagers. "Tell me, does a military instructor suit a university student like her?"

"Perfectly!" the crowd cheered.

The cadets egged them on. "A perfect match!"

Clara was yanked back by her daughter-in-law, Fiona, who realized pushing further would expose their scheme.

Once inside, Clara slammed the door.

Jack White took a drag from his cigarette. "What’s wrong?"

Fiona sneered. "Your precious niece just landed herself a golden ticket. Instructor Andrew wants to marry her. Frank Harris’s proposal is as good as dead."

Jack’s face darkened. If Luna married Andrew, they’d lose all control over her.

Clara gnashed her teeth. "Over my dead body! She’s not worthy!"

"Mom, what do we do now?"

Clara smirked. "When Frank gets here, we’ll take him straight to Luna. That pretty face of hers will do the rest." She lowered her voice. "I’ve got sleeping pills..."

Jack stiffened. "You think Frank will agree?"

"Him?" Clara scoffed. "A thug like that? He’ll jump at the chance."

Jack relaxed. After all, Luna wasn’t his blood. He felt no guilt.