Chapter 10 The Charming Man
“What are you doing…?” Luna mumbled, half-asleep.
“You’ll know in a moment.” He grinned, fingers sliding to the buttons of her nightgown, undoing them with unhurried, wicked precision.
“Again?” she breathed, dazed.
“Yes. Again.” His smile deepened, wicked and pleased with himself.
Luna: “… ”
“Besides,” he murmured, voice brushing her ear, “you’ll accuse me anyway. Since I’m already doomed, I might as well enjoy the crime.”
Luna: “……!!!”
What a bastard!
…
Early in the morning, sunlight streamed into the room.
Theodore gently nudged her.
“Wake up,” he coaxed softly.
Luna was still half-asleep. Last night, he had kept her up nearly all night.
She ignored him and sank deeper into sleep.
“Wake up… or I’ll kiss you,” he warned, leaning in, his breath warm against her cheek.
She cursed him silently, stubbornly keeping her eyes shut — but she still felt his breath skimming her skin.
She snapped her eyes open and glared at him.
“Are you insane?” she hissed.
What does he want? To torment me? Revenge after the wedding?
“We’re going back to your family home today,” he reminded her calmly.
She had insisted on returning to the Carters instead of going on a honeymoon.
“If you knew that, why did you do all that last night?” she snapped.
Theodore’s lips curved lazily. “What did I do?”
Her cheeks flared with heat. She glared at him and refused to answer.
She threw the covers back to get out of bed — but the moment she put weight on her legs, they buckled.
She nearly toppled to the floor.
He watched her sway twice before catching her balance, his amusement barely hidden.
She shot him a murderous glare before marching to the bathroom.
After washing up, she checked the clock — it was 8 a.m. She had slept all of three or four hours.
The two went downstairs to the dining room.
The rest of the Davis family was already there.
At the table, Luna sat down calmly.
Noah spotted her and immediately glared, fury simmering. He’d been too angry to sleep after her insults last night.
He had been seconds from storming to the fifth floor.
Luna glared right back, unbothered.
“Everything’s packed. Head out early. Safe trip,” Mary said coolly.
Luna and Theodore nodded and headed to the door.
The driver climbed into the front while they settled in the back.
The drive from the Davis home to the Carter residence was about forty minutes.
Barely ten minutes in, Luna grew drowsy again, her head heavy.
Theodore reached out and gently guided her head onto his shoulder.
She sank into him unconsciously, sleeping soundly.
By the time they arrived, Luna was still fast asleep on his shoulder.
“Wake up… or I’m kissing you,” he murmured, smiling in a way that promised he meant every word.
Luna jolted awake, sat up straight, and got out of the car.
Theodore also got out, opened the trunk, and carried the gift packages into the Carter home, while she walked ahead empty-handed.
The moment she stepped inside, Luna sank heavily onto the sofa, utterly exhausted.
“Morning, everyone,” Theodore greeted the Carters.
“Morning.” The Carters responded with smiles. They took the gifts from his hands and said, “Sit down and have a coffee.”
He sat perfectly upright — a stark contrast to Luna, who was sprawled gracelessly on the sofa.
Maggie glanced over and teased, “Have you lost all your bones?”
“My bones are practically shattered from all the bumps,” she replied.
“…”
Everyone present immediately understood the implication. The air went still, thick with awkward silence.
Only then did Luna realize how it sounded. Her cheeks heated as she shot Theodore a glare.
Theodore’s lips curved into a faint smile.
“Ahem…” Maggie cleared her throat, rescuing the room. “Theodore… how are your parents?”
“They’re doing great. Before leaving, they asked me to pass on their regards to you both,” Theodore said with a polite smile.
“They are so kind,” Maggie and Charles Carter responded warmly.
They made small talk for a while.
Luna listened to the dull conversation, her eyelids growing heavier. “I’m going to rest.” A yawn overtook her, shaking her whole body.
“Go ahead,” Maggie nodded.
Upstairs, Luna threw herself onto the bed; exhaustion washed over her.
The door creaked open — Maggie entered.
“What exactly is going on between you and Theodore?” she asked, sitting at the bedside with concern.
She had originally assumed theirs was like many arranged marriages — a polite façade held for the sake of family reputation.
“Nothing,” Luna replied casually.
“So what’s your plan then?” Maggie pressed.
“Stay married in name only for a few years. Once the time is right, we’ll divorce,” Luna said.
“…Really?”
“What else could we do?”
“Then rest well,” Maggie said, giving her a look.
At the doorway, she turned back and teased, “Oh, by the way — Luna, you look like you just had sex and are weak.”
She walked away laughing.
Luna: “…!!!”
*After a whole night of different postures colliding… how could I not be exhausted?
Theodore, just you wait! I’ll get you back for this someday!*
⸻
Charles summoned Theodore and Henry to his study.
“Theodore, what are your plans?” he asked bluntly.
Theodore shed the relaxed attitude he had around Luna and answered earnestly, “Rest assured, I’ll treat Luna well.”
Charles and Henry scrutinized him, trying to determine his sincerity.
“Luna may be a bit wilful. We’ve spoiled her since childhood. Please be patient with her,” Charles said with a smile.
“Her willfulness is actually quite endearing,” Theodore replied.
Charles paused, then broke into a pleased smile. “I also think that’s fine.”
⸻
Luna slept until noon, when staff came to call her for lunch.
After lunch, Theodore headed to the office, while Luna decided to go for a beauty treatment.
“I’ll drive you,” he offered.
Luna considered it.
*The beauty salon and DS Group seem to be heading in different directions.
Forget it. Just let him do it.*
He started the car, and she sat in the passenger seat.
