Chapter 118
Luna White's eyes welled up with tears as her fingers clutched the hem of her dress. "Aunt Clara, it wasn't my parents' fault. I was already eighteen that year—old enough to understand everything. I was the one who begged my father on my knees to agree." Her voice trembled. "He'd rather be called ungrateful by the whole village than watch me throw myself into that living hell..."
Clara Clark patted her hand gently. "Child, don't say anymore. I'll discuss this with Mayor George when I get back." She frowned slightly. "Your household registration won't be an issue, but the three boys..." Her words trailed off, unspoken.
The village gossip was something she knew all too well.
Luna White handed her a cup of warm tea. "Godmother, there's no rush. My brother and I still have two acres of land—we'll make do for now." Her gaze was resolute. "We won't let ourselves be backed into a corner."
"Thank you, Aunt Clara!" Luna wiped her tears. Having the mayor's family on their side was better than facing this alone.
Clara stood to leave. "Your grandmother returned yesterday. You should..." She didn't finish, but the implication was clear. Old Mrs. White wouldn't make things easy.
"Luna's starting university soon. Don't give anyone ammunition." These words came straight from the heart.
Luna smirked coldly. "Let her strut around for a few more days." Going to see her now? That would be letting the old witch off too lightly.
Lily Clark stared longingly at Luna but was tugged away by her mother. Luna quickly stuffed a pack of rice crackers into their basket.
"What's this?" Clara protested.
Luna pressed her hand firmly. "If you refuse, it means you look down on us sisters."
After seeing their guests off, Andrew Smith also rose to leave. Luna shoved a bag of pastries into his hands. "For the road." The brief brush of their fingertips sent an inexplicable warmth to her ears.
That afternoon, the village loudspeakers blared.
"Eighteen dollars and twenty cents per household!" Before Mayor George could finish, the crowd erupted.
"That's outrageous!" "Where are we supposed to get that kind of money?"
Amid the chaos, Mayor George casually mentioned Luna's household registration. As expected, no one paid attention—compared to the real money they had to fork over, who cared about a few more mouths to feed on relief rations?
The next day, Luna headed straight to the township office with her divorce papers in hand. Darren Lewis was all too eager to rid himself of these "burdens" and signed faster than anyone.
At the police station entrance, Mayor George was already waiting. The documents were handed through the window, and with a sharp thud, the official seal came down.
From that day forward, Luna and her three sons would put down roots in Six Paths Village.