Chapter 10
Jack White glanced down at the gruesome wound on Luna White's arm—the flesh torn open, blood dripping. His eyelids twitched violently as he quickly put on a pained expression, his eyes reddening instantly.
Aunt Wang finally relaxed. It seemed she had misjudged Jack earlier. After all, everyone in the village knew his reputation for kindness. How could he possibly do something so heartless? There must be more to the story.
"What's going on here, Jack? Heard someone's about to die in your house?" Mayor George Clark and Security Chief Paul Jackson rushed over, gasping at the sight of Luna's bloodied arm.
"Good heavens! Luna, what happened?" George hurried forward. "Tell me what's wrong, and I'll make it right!"
Though village squabbles were common, things turning deadly was serious. As mayor, he couldn’t afford such a scandal.
Jack forced a smile. "Mayor, Chief, sorry to trouble you. Just a disobedient child—I’ll take her to get treated right away. We can talk later... Ah, kids these days, so distant..."
"Go now! In this heat, infection is no joke!" Paul frowned. "If Old Steven can’t handle it, take the tractor to the county hospital. Jack, I’m warning you—even if she’s not your blood, you’ll face the law if this turns fatal!"
Jack nodded repeatedly. Hearing the mayor’s softened tone, he sighed inwardly in relief. "Don’t worry, Mayor. I’ve treated Luna like my own all these years. Come on, Luna, let’s—"
Luna’s eyes turned icy.
She knew Jack too well. The Whites cared deeply about appearances, always putting on a show for outsiders. If she left with him now, this would be swept under the rug. They’d spin some story—say she stole food—and the whole village would brand her ungrateful.
After this, no one would stand up for her again. And that old witch Clara would only torment her worse.
"I’m not going!" Luna shoved Jack away, shrinking back. "Grandma said the money from my siblings is for her retirement—I don’t deserve to spend it on medical care. I’ve been freeloading at Uncle’s for four years. Stealing flour and eggs today was wrong..."
Her voice cracked. "I just thought... if I was sick, I could eat something good for once. If I’d known it was Uncle’s family’s food, I’d never have touched it..."
Jack’s face darkened.
This wretched girl was airing their dirty laundry in public! Every word was a slap to his face.
"I know I’m unwanted..." Luna wiped her tears. "I did all the chores, just to please you. But no matter how hard I worked, I could never be as loved as Maya, always dressed up like a princess..."
She tugged at her faded, patched clothes—sleeves too short, fabric worn thin. "These were from my parents. I’ve made up my mind. I’ll go back to the old house. I’d rather starve than beg here again!"
The villagers finally noticed Luna’s tattered clothes—while at the gate, Maya stood smugly in a brand-new floral dress.
The crowd erupted.