Chapter 41
Frank Harris jolted along the rugged mountain road behind Aunt Elizabeth Wright, his temper fraying with every step. Thirty miles of rough terrain was no place for the only son of the village mayor—a man who’d never so much as touched a hoe in his life.
"You’d better not be lying to me, Auntie," Frank snarled, wiping sweat from his brow. "If Luna White isn’t as pretty as you claim, you’ll regret it."
Elizabeth forced a smile. "Oh, my dear boy, would I dare? Luna’s the prettiest girl in ten villages! If her grandmother weren’t in such a hurry to marry her off, we’d never have this chance."
Frank scoffed. If his reputation in his own village weren’t so rotten—if girls didn’t scatter like mice at the sight of him—he wouldn’t be chasing some country girl in the middle of nowhere.
The moment they reached the White family’s doorstep, Frank curled his lip in disgust. The shack wasn’t fit for pigs, let alone people. If not for the promise of a pretty bride, he’d have turned right around.
Jack White stepped out to greet them, eyeing Frank’s neat attire with suspicion. Why is Clara so set on marrying Luna to this man?
"Uncle, where’s my bride?" Frank cut straight to the point, his gaze darting past Jack into the house.
Jack stiffened. No manners at all.
Elizabeth quickly intervened. "Come now, let’s have Luna come out. They ought to meet, don’t you think?"
Jack hesitated.
Frank’s patience snapped. "What? Think you’re too good for me?"
With no choice, Jack led him to find Luna. On their way, they crossed paths with Maya White. Frank’s eyes locked onto her retreating figure, his throat working.
"Uncle, was that your daughter? Is she spoken for?" Frank leered.
Jack’s blood boiled. This lecher has the nerve to eye Maya! Through gritted teeth, he said, "She’s already betrothed."
At the village entrance, they spotted Luna heading to the general store. Frank’s face lit up—she was skinny, but her delicate features were exquisite.
Luna froze as if struck by lightning. Frank Harris. The monster who’d made her previous life a living hell had arrived ahead of schedule.
"Luna, this is Frank Harris," Jack said stiffly. "He’s come to meet you."
Frank grinned, stepping too close. "What a pretty little thing!" His gaze raked over her like a predator sizing up prey.
Luna’s nails bit into her palms as she smiled coldly. Perfect. Since he’s delivered himself to her doorstep, she’d make sure he paid in blood this time.