Chapter 29
Chapter 29
Only the one who tied the knot could untie it; she couldn’t fix things for them.
That was something they had to do on their own.
During lunch, Autumn was surprised to receive a birthday message from Keith.
Her fingers trembled slightly as she read it.
The fact that Keith even knew her birthday completely caught her off guard.
She sent back a simple thank–you sticker, then set her phone down and continued eating.
Throughout the morning, messages kept pouring in–wishes from colleagues, classmates, friends, and even her best friend, Selena.
But there was nothing from Julian.
And nothing from the rest of the Lewis family either.
Maybe the only one who remembered her birthday in that house was her grandmother.
She thought about Luna’s birthday–the celebration, gathering, and attention.
And then there was her, with none of that.
A flicker of disappointment passed through her chest.
But she quickly pushed it down.
It didn’t matter.
She could still live just fine on her own.
She didn’t need anyone’s pity.
After lunch, Ginny pulled Autumn upstairs to talk more about her third uncle’s family.
They chatted for a long while.
Ginny even skipped her nap, listening attentively to everything Autumn shared.
Around two in the afternoon, Luna and the others returned.
Their hands were full of designer shopping bags, faces glowing with satisfaction.
Autumn happened to be coming downstairs just then.
Ginny had fallen asleep, so she figured it was time to head home.
Luna spotted her and, though clearly not surprised, put on a show of wide–eyed delight and walked over, taking her arm cheerfully.
Chapter 29
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“Why didn’t you tell us you were coming home, sis? If we’d known, we wouldn’t have gone out today p>
Just then, Irene walked over and took the bags from Luna’s hands.
With a smile, she said, “Today’s Ms. Autumn’s birthday. Madam asked her to come home for a little celebration.
When she heard that, Luna didn’t look the least bit surprised.
Of course not.
She had planned it that way–dragging the rest of the family out on purpose just to make Autumn feel unwanted.
A glint of faux–regret flashed in Luna’s eyes.
“I’m so sorry, sis. I didn’t even realize it was your birthday today. If I’d known, I never would’ve asked our brothers and Dad to come out with me p>
The words sounded apologetic, but there wasn’t a trace of sincerity in her voice.
Autumn calmly pulled her hand back, giving Luna a quick glance filled with silent disdain.
She pressed her lips together and said nothing.
Just then, Hector walked in carrying a few bags.
When he saw Luna’s reddened eyes, he didn’t hesitate to jump to conclusions.
“Autumn, you never told anyone it was your birthday. We went out because we had plans. Why are you blaming Luna?
“What, just because it’s your birthday, the whole world’s supposed to revolve around you p>
She no longer had any expectations when it came to family, but hearing Hector’s baseless accusations still pierced her like a needle to the heart.
So, this was her dear second brother?
“ If you’ve got a brain problem, go get it checked p>
Autumn snapped back without hesitation. “The moment Luna tears up, you all assume I’m bullying her.
“You’re unbelievable. I didn’t say a single word, and somehow you’ve managed to invent an entire story in your
heads.
“What’s even in those brains of yours–just garbage? Every time you open your mouth, it’s nothing but crap. Don’t you get tired of spewing filth p>
“You…!” Hector’s chest heaved, struggling to catch his breath.
At that moment, Susan walked in.
She was clearly surprised to see Autumn home but quickly recovered and put on a warm smile.
Chapter 29
“Autumn, you’re back. Why don’t you stay for dinner tonight p>
“No, thanks p>
Autumn declined without hesitation.
Being around these hypocrites only made her lose her appetite.
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Seeing her daughter’s teary eyes, Susan set down her shopping bags and asked gently, “Luna, what’s wrong, sweetheart p>
Chapter 30
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Chapter 30