Chapter 175


    Samantha whispered in my ear, her breath tickling me. “Luna, I’ll tell you a secret. My cousin is a very


    straightforward man. This is the first time he’s brought a girl we don’t know to a formal asion. I really


    like you. Go for it. I’m looking forward to you bing my sister–inw.”


    This belongs ? N?velDra/ma.Org.


    I looked at Samantha in surprise. She nodded vigorously, confirming everything she said


    was true.


    Matthew was in a good mood. He shooed Samantha away. He stared at my flushed face and


    whispered, “Luna, you have no idea how adorable you look when you blush. It’s like you have two red


    apples on your cheeks. I really want to take a bite.”


    “Stop talking nonsense. I’m not gonna listen to you anymore.”


    His words were tinged with inexplicable affection, which made me even more embarrassed.


    He watched my cheeks redden further. Hisughter was muffled, making his steps lighter.


    “Dad, Mom, I’m back.” Matthew brought me to the living room with a smile.


    Several socialites anddies on the couch smiled in greeting at the sound of his voice. Their smiles


    froze upon seeing me. Two of them were dressedvishly. They sized me up discreetly and quickly


    showed disdain in their expressions.


    I felt like such looks were too insulting. If it weren’t for my manners, I would’ve turned and left.


    Helen was there too. She sat next to avishly dressed woman in a more secluded spot. She paused


    when she saw me and then quickly nodded with a smile.


    I couldn’t be ostentatious in such a setting. I returned her smile subtly as a form of greeting.


    Therge living room fell into an eerie silence. The striking woman sitting in the main seat resembled


    Matthew. I figured that must be his mother.


    She looked at me with surprise as she scrutinized me. She didn’t say anything, but the contempt in her


    eyes was hurtful.


    The tall, slightly overweight man in a ck suit gave us a brief nce before turning away to talk to


    someone next to him.


    Everyone covertly sized me up. Their looks were filled with doubt, disdain, indifference,


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    disgust, scorn, and curiosity.


    I felt like an animal trapped in a cage, subjected to their scrutiny. The feeling was terrible.


    “Dad, Mom, let me introduce you. This is Luna, the girl I–um–like.”


    The living room fell deathly silent. Everyone was shocked, as if Matthew’s simple words were incredibly


    audacious.


    “Matthew, why are you back sote? Check on the banquet area to see if everything is in order. It’s


    your dad’s birthday. We can’t afford any breaches of etiquette.”


    Matthew’s mompletely ignored his introduction. She lifted her chin slightly and gave orders without


    sparing me a smile.


    I suddenly felt like I wasn’t here for a birthday party but to humiliate myself.


    I was extremely ufortable, and the thought of leaving crossed my mind again.


    Although I came from an ordinary family without power or influence, at least I understood civility and


    having respect for others.


    These opulently dressed, narrow–mindeddies had disrespected me. It felt like an insult to


    1. me.


    I took a deep breath and tried to suppress the anger rising to the top of my head.


    Matthew’s hand was protectively behind me. He was trying to block my way to the exit. He whispered


    an exnation, “I’ve never brought a woman home before. Mom might be a bit surprised. Don’t take it


    too seriously. After the banquet, I’ll take you home. Don’t just rush off. Stay with me.”


    But I didn’t want to stay another second in such an oppressive atmosphere. “I don’t seem to be


    wee here. I should leave now so that I don’t affect your dad’s birthday party. You don’t need to


    escort me…”